A message "expressing the sincere wish to continue to weave bonds of fraternity and friendship everywhere, but especially there where it is not easy to coexist due to problems affecting the future of those who are young, due to violence and the alienation of those from different cultures and religions" was sent today by French bishops to the Muslims living in their country on the occasion of the festivity of Ramadan, which began yesterday. The text, signed by Monsignor Michel Santier, president of the French Episcopal Conference’s Council for inter-religious relations, emphasises that "the Catholic Church respects the Muslims who worship one single God" and that "thanks to our faith in God, as men and women of goodwill, we are invited to build bridges there where barriers exist. We wish to continue along the path of dialogue we embarked upon years ago". The hope expressed by the French prelates is that "this month of Ramadan will be an opportunity for Catholic and Muslim communities to experience initiatives involving dialogue and encounters, to know one another better and to better serve peace and justice".
