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.
What does Mohammet say about the Pope?
Well I'm sure if the Vatican asks all Muslims to obey the laws of democracy and treat women equally, all problems are solved then.
The Vatican would be so much better off if it devoted its time and resources to 'saving souls' and just stayed the hell out of politics.
Has the Vatican denounced the Nick Berg beheading or any other atrocity so far committed by the extremist terrorists? It did denounce the prison abuse debacle, very strongly.
The Vatican is trying so hard to make me leave the church.
I hope the Pope enjoys himself when there is a giant Mosque in St. Peters Square
I'm not Catholic, and at one time I even admired this Pope.
I don't recall the Vatican saying anything about the extremist muslims (Palis) pissing in the Church of the Nativity, either.
Likewise... I think as he has gotten older and frail, Fifth Columnists have taken over the operation...
What about Polygamy?
I believe there is the real potential that whoever follows him will be the last Pope over the current church.
The Catholic Church has been after Bush since day 1 about the Iraq war, to my knowledge has not had anything to say about Berg, heck at the risk of beating a dead horse, they have not answered to my satisfaction all of the child abuse that has taken place over the years. I've been Catholic since birth, I will no longer be a part of this.
I am so embaressed lately as a Catholic.
Vatican calls for openness to Muslim immigrants
Typical AP misleading headline. As I read it, the main thrust of the announcement is to remind Catholics of the duty to maintain the traditions of their faith while remaining tolerant of other faiths.
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The pronouncement really messes up here:
Besides points of agreements on belief in God...
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Their god must be Satan because my God does not call for blood sacrifice and the killing of innocents that these disgusting people engage in.
How about the Vatican inviting them "without prejudice" into Vatican City first. .....just to see how it goes.
The Vatican enjoys the status of an independent nation. I just wonder what their quota for non converted Muslim immigrints is?
Wow. So the problem is equality between the sexes. Silly me, I thought that there may be an issue when Muslim fanatics call us kufrs the children of pigs and monkeys, and behead us in order to recruit new Muslim soldiers to their cause.
The Palestinian Arab terrorist groups have been making great strides in recruiting women to their cause. Well done, I guess!
Since Africa is predominently Muslim, I wonder if they aren't shifting policies to be more favorable with their newly emerging base?
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