An appeal for mutual understanding and esteem between the believers of the different religions, because only thus shall it be possible to put an end to the period of growing insecurity and tension that reigns in the world today: that, in short, is what emerges from the message addressed to Moslems resident in Switzerland by the Swiss Episcopal Conference to mark the end of Ramadan. “The end of Ramadan”, say the bishops, furnishes an occasion “to extend our peace and blessing to all Moslems living in Switzerland”. The bishops add that it is a feeling of “brotherly affection” that prompts them “to transmit the message of greetings that Cardinal Francis Arinze has sent on behalf of the Holy Father to all Moslems throughout the world”. The bishops also stress how important it is to pray that “reciprocal understanding and esteem between the religions be encouraged in Switzerland too”, at a time when “we are experiencing a growing sense of insecurity, characterized by tensions between the religious communities”, and when many people are led “to consider conflicts that have nothing to do with faith as wars of religion”. A further invitation is made by the Swiss bishops, asking Moslems to join with them in celebrating the day of prayer on 24 January when “the representatives of all the great religions of the world will unite with the Pope”: Moslems too are invited to participate in this day, “to join with us in this prayer” because, conclude the bishops, “we are united with you in our faith in the one God”.
