"Benedict’s words emphasised once again respect for Muslims and the need for an open, respectful and sincere dialogue. There is now the need for experiencing concrete gestures involving a closer relationship with Islam to confront the increasingly controversial and intolerant extremism. Dialogue presupposes concreteness". This was the comment made by Father Pierre Grech, Secretary General for the Episcopal Conference of Latin Bishops in Arab regions, at the meeting held by Benedict XVI today in Castel Gandolfo, with leaders and Ambassadors from countries with a Muslim majority. Among the concrete proposals suggested by Father Grech "the creation of bodies within local churches specifically addressing dialogue with Islam, as happens for the dialogue with our Jewish brothers. Promoting even more than already happens, meetings, conferences and study days to encourage reciprocal knowledge. Local churches can become organised bodies for Islamic-Christian dialogue. Cooperation in providing aid, as mentioned by the Pope, can also provide useful opportunities for meeting".
