"Believers from all religions are called to commit themselves, both at theoretical and practical level, in the interest of living together and mutual dialogue in relation to peace and against terror from wherever this may come": this was the statement given today by Rýdvan Çakir, President of the Turkish-Islamic Union of the Institute for Religion (DITIB, Siyanet Isleri Turk Islam Birligi), in view of the meeting of the representatives of some Moslem Communities with Pope Benedict XVI, which will be at 6pm in the Archbishop’s palace in Cologne. Çakir, who will officially greet the Pope, expressed on behalf of his community "great joy because His Holiness Benedict XVI accepted our invitation to a meeting as a sign of dialogue for peaceful living together of people in Germany, in Europe and in the rest of the world". "This meeting between christians and moslems on the occasion of the WYD in Cologne (can be read in the note in German, translated by Sir) is an important step forward along the way of dialogue between religions and their faithful, in respecting each other’s faith". In addition, this meeting is considered "a further stimulus to take this dialogue forward a dialogue already begun by Pope John Paul II. The Turkish-Islamic community is a trusted partner and the Moslems, who are in Germany, are invited to strongly promote mutual dialogue".
