Posted on 05/14/2004 4:44:10 PM PDT by ambrose
Vatican calls for openness to Muslim immigrants
By VICTOR L. SIMPSON
Associated Press
VATICAN CITY ? Catholics should welcome Muslim immigrants without prejudice, and Muslims must also respect the values of a democracy - including equality between men and women, the Vatican said Friday.
The issue of Christian-Muslim relations was raised in a document on worldwide migration, which the Vatican called "the vastest movement people of all times" involving some 200 million.
The document urged Catholics to be cautious about considering the idea of marrying a Muslim - repeating a long-standing Roman Catholic policy toward mixed marriages - as Muslims represent a new wave of immigrants to predominantly Christian countries.
It expressed hope for a "growing awareness" among Muslims that "fundamental liberties, the inviolable rights of the person, the equal dignity of man and woman, the democratic principle of government and the healthy lay character of the state are principles that cannot be surrendered."
It also denounced racism and xenophobia, saying that immigration should provoke solidarity and not fear.
"Today, especially in certain countries, there is a high or growing percentage of Muslim immigrants, for whom this Pontifical Council also expresses its solicitude."
It noted the Vatican has previously called for a "purification of memory regarding past misunderstandings, to cultivate common values and to clarify and respect diversity, but without renouncing Christian principles."
"It is a question of distinguishing between what can be and cannot be shared in the religious doctrines and practices and in the moral laws of Islam."
Besides points of agreements on belief in God, daily prayer and the fighting against injustice and oppression, the document said there were differences - "some of which have to do with legitimate acquisitions of modern life and thought."
The 75-page document by the Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People did not single out specific countries, but Western Europe has been grappling with the integration of a growing number of Muslim immigrants in recent years.
Regarding relations with other faiths, the document said churches should not be made available to non-Christians and that Catholic schools must not renounce their "Christian-orientated" programs.
At the same time, the document, which included instructions for dioceses dealing with immigrants, stressed the need for reciprocity between Christians and people of other faiths.
"In this respect we should also recall the numerous Christian migrants in lands where the majority of the population is not Christian and where the right to religious freedom is severely restricted or repressed," it said.
In the 1940s and 1950s apologists for Stalin used to insist that Uncle Joe was a good and kind man, but his advisors were tyrannical dictators with contempt for humanity. After a while, the Pope has to speak out against this craven surrenderism or else be considered a part of it.
My thoughts, exactly.
It is possible, although Muslims aren't too popular with black Christians.
Muslims keep black Christians as slaves in places like Sudan.
Of course, you don't hear a peep about it from black Christians like Jack Jackson or Al Sharpton..
It is possible, although Muslims aren't too popular with black Christians --- IN AFRICA...
Muslims keep black Christians as slaves in places like Sudan.
Of course, you don't hear a peep about it from black Christians like Jack Jackson or Al Sharpton..
Not particularly grounded in reality...
I think they need to get involved, however time after time they always seem to be on the wrong side.
The vatican and the pope are living in a dream land.
What is going on here? What is happening to my Church?
Yes, me too, but why?
How is that? If there are more christians in Africa then why would the Pope be more sympathetic to muslims?
"Fifth Columnists have taken over the operation..."
I agree and it makes me worry about the succession, which is coming soon, I believe.
I've never heard the Pope speak out too loudly about that travesty. Actually, only on abortion and death penalty really.
In fact, he should really do more to purify his version of Christianity before he gets involved in other matters. There is much to be done internally in the RC Church figuring out how so many pedophiles and other weird "priests" got into the priesthood.
The person next in line (or being talked about a lot) is a Nigerian cardinal. The muslims are not exactly friends with christians of any denomination in Nigeria.
Many African nations are Muslim but about as true to their religion as the Kennedys, particularly those that have gone through socialist/marxist regimes. In order to keep growing it could be necessary to make nice with the Muslim culture in some African nations.
But there are bills to pay, and an audience to play to (even if it ain't God).
It's not just the Vatican - my church is trying hard to make me leave as well, and I'm evangelical.
Do I recall correctly that they are pretty much slaughtering the Christians in that African paradise?
Yes, your Holiness. We'll be sending all Muslim immigrants to Italy in the future, where you can personally welcome them. Once you have taught them the value of ANYTHING please let us know. It would be nice for openers, if you can teach them the value of a human life. IF that doesn't get you blown up, try to teach them not to beat their wives. THAT would be helpful. Especially to their wives. Perhaps then you can teach them the value of a Democracy. Good luck! :-)
It's not quite the Sudan, but give the new sharia law government time and they will be another islamic gangsta paradise.
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