“Despite the differences that, as much in Switzerland as in the rest of the world, exist between Islam and Christianity, God made us in His likeness. He wants us to love each other like brothers and sisters in humanity”. This was stated on the occasion of the end of Ramadan which is celebrated today, 20th October, by mgr. Pierre Bürcher, auxiliary bishop of Lausanne, Geneva and Freiburg and the president of the Islam workgroup of the Swiss Bishops Conference, in a message to Muslims living in Switzerland. Every year, recalled the prelate, the Papal Council for inter-religious dialogue sends a message on the Pope’s behalf to all Muslims for the occasion. This year’s message, presented this morning in the Vatican newsroom, will be on the website of the Holy See (www.vatican.va). “Do not hesitate to read it exhorts mgr. Bürcher and, since they will be able to contribute to a more and more honest dialogue between us, your responses will be welcome”. As he mentioned the fasting day for peace proposed to Catholics by John Paul II in 2002 on the last Friday of Ramadan, and the meeting of Assisi in 1986, mgr. Bürcher concludes: “Our religions cannot but be bearers of peace, because God is peace”.
