"Christians and Muslims must be citizens and believers at the same time, living in Europe without being dissolved or forced to meet in private, for religions are ‘social organisations’ that can offer a precious contribution to society." This "common commitment" by Christians and Muslims was highlighted today by Cardinal Jean-Pierre Ricard, Archbishop of Bordeaux and vice-president of CCEE (Council of European Bishops’ Conferences). "Christians and Muslims he said can commit themselves together to defend the family and promote all that is in favour of justice and social harmony, namely the right to freedom of conscience and religion." "This last point he explained to the SIR at the margins of the meeting was outlined in the final declaration of the Christian-Muslim Conference of Malines (last October, ndr), and is already a first step, but the freedom of conscience also includes the freedom of leaving a religion to convert to another or to decide to do without it, which is more difficult to be accepted by Muslims." (continued) ” ” ” “
