(From our correspondents in Sydney) Greater openness on the part of Muslims and less prejudice on the part of Christians, but Islamic-Christian dialogue is nonetheless a reality: that is the essential message of the speech that Mohamadu Saleem, executive member of the National Council of Imams in Australia, addressed to Benedict XVI during the interfaith meeting held in Sydney earlier today with some exponents of the other religions. "If Muslims and Christians together with members of the other communities were to build bridges instead of walls, humanity as a whole would rejoice forever", said the imam, who cited the example of Australia itself where "Christians and Muslims, especially the young, are working together with those of other faiths for justice and peace in many parts of the world", sharing the same views on such issues as "the fight against Aids, the defence of the environment, and humanitarian aid for the victims of disasters". "Clearly a lot still remains to be done concluded Saleem to reinforce the link between our two religions".
