The value of encounter

In a world marked by increasing acts of violence, anti-Semitism, Christianophobia, and Islamophobia, believers must respond by promoting areas of dialogue and education to peace, friendship between peoples and for fraternity. The International Symposium for Islamic-Christian dialogue addressed the topical theme, "Being a stranger and inter-religious dialogue" held on September 28-29 in Yesilkoy, a village on the outskirts of Istanbul. Representatives of the Franciscan families in Istanbul, the Turkish Journalists and Writers Foundation, with the participation of the Theological Faculty of Marmara University, promoted the event. A large number of students from the faculty of theology of the Marmara University were seen among the audience. Some them are also students at Rome’s Gregorian University. Participants included religious as well as lay Christians, along with a representative of Istanbul’s Jewish Community. The symposium opened with a minute of silence so that each one participants could pray the one God. The theme of the stranger and of dialogue with the other was delved into by the speakers according to the twofold Christian and Islamic vision of "terminological perspectives" as well as the "Biblical and Coranic" perspectives, extending to societal implications. Promoted with the purpose drawing Muslim and Christians near for mutual encounter and understanding, the seminar was also marked by moments of prayer in the city’s Mosque, warmly welcomed by the Imam, who devoted a place of honor participants. The invitation was then exchanged the next day with the participation to the liturgy of the Word in the church of the Holy Sepulcre in St. Stephen’s church in Yeºilköy.Freedom of expression, not of insult. The symposium was held at a time of turmoil in Middle Eastern Countries. Participants voiced their opposition against the notorious film on Muhammad and the French cartoons. The theme was introduced by Suat Yildirim, Professor at Marmara University, president of KADIP, a Muslim platform for intercultural dialogue. "These are acts of violence – he said, referring to extremists’ reactions – which we disagree with. They are a sin against humanity. However, to slander religions and disseminate blasphemy are crimes. Freedom of expression isn’t the right to insult. For this we support the request presented to the United Nations by world countries to urge the international community to respect all religions". What is happening now, he added, "shouldn’t discourage us. It should step up our commitment for dialogue". His words were echoed by Msgr. Yusuf Sag, patriarchal vicar of the Syriac-Catholics, president of the Commission for Inter-religious Dialogue. The bishop highlighted the importance of religious symbols for Christians, Muslims, and Jews. He urged to see the "political and economic interests" behind episodes of violence. "Where does the solution lie? Who are the good ones and who the bad ones? It’s not up to us to do analyses – the bishop said – rather, all of us – patriarchs, imams, muftis, rabbis – should respond with responsibility and conscience bringing the thread of dialogue inside the churches, mosques, and synagogues. Only in this way the clouds will be swept away and the sun will shine again. These are not invitations to revolt but exhortations to peace, friendship and fraternity". Political manipulation. According to father Alberto Ambrosio, from the Institute of Dominican Fathers in Istanbul, there is not a "clash of civilizations" under way, but rather a political clash fomented with the use of all anthropological means available, including civilization and religion. Perhaps – he added – it would be best to speak of an instrumental use of religion. As the Pope underlined in his visit to Lebanon, also religious figures must be capable of reaffirming the independence of religion, stripping it from political manipulation". What is the ideal path for a future of coexistence? For the religious, "we must recover the idea considered fundamental at the time of the Second Vatican Council, namely, that encounter is essential". It is necessary "to recover the common idea as believers in the One and only God. The true challenge today is not the clash of civilizations but the death of God amidst our contemporaries". For this reason, "religions are called to become the fountainhead of an answer offering God’s presence to all, for the presence of faith in everyone’s life". "Unfortunately – remarked Mustafa Cenap Aydin, chairman of the Istituto Tevere in Rome – the voice of the Muslim majority in those countries isn’t heard. I think that Muslims living in the lands of the so-called Arab Spring, from Lybia to Egypt, are called to meet a challenge, namely, to bring about a rupture in the culture of silence, to combat fundamentalism and to be brave enough to do both. There will be reception and welcome when there will be space for freedom of expression, when everyone will be able to take the floor without fear".