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.
Ping!
'New Sharia law' in a Nigerian state causes concern for believers
Nigeria (MNN)--Nigeria's northern state of Zamfara recently introduced a series of laws, that under the newly adopted Sharia code, could have far reaching implications for Christians.
According to released governement documents, the new laws requre all businesses in the state to shut down during the five daily Muslim prayers.
The part of the code that causes concern for missionaries is 'Phase Two'. The state government says all unauthorized places of worship will be shut down.
While it remains to be seen how many churches will be targeted for closure under the new measures, Association of Christian Schools International's Dan Egeler says they're cautious. "The implementation of Sharia is of great concern, because obviously that's a part of the political agenda of the encroachment of Islam, in northern Nigeria, particularly."
ACSI is working in connection with an indigenous ministry. In the early stages, Egeler says it means planning. "So, we're not quite sure what kind of impact that might have in terms of fostering, planting and encouraging the Christian school movement."
Egeler urges prayer for their teams, adding that their teachers face a spiritual battle. "They recognize that Islam is using Muslim schooling, and going after young people. That's their agenda. They're going after the kids. They're not quite as concerned or serious even about the adults, but they're going after the next generation in order to take over some of these sub-Saharan African countries. Nigeria is a flashpoint right now."
Should I also be open to the Muslim immigrant family across the hall from me, who let their miserable brats run wild and scream constantly at the top of their lungs? Wait a minute-haven't been a Catholic since 1991. Guess I can open a can of whoop-ass on them.
"It's not quite the Sudan...."
Although do see about 2 posts down.
Ummm...no. That's like welcoming a pit viper into the childrens' nursery.
The Vatican is whistling past the graveyard.
God help us. We have such a terrible fight on our hands.
Could be a lot of different people but very interesting.
RC ping
Well after studying this issue, I'm convinced this a war only God can fight. Lots of prayer and maybe 'praise the lord and pass the ammo' is in order.
Let Vatican City allow them in.
Yes, and it seems to me possible that we have lots of great young Americans doing just that.
First the Pope kisses a Koran, now they are welcoming their own death by mass immigration? Maybe the Pope should look at the birth rates of Italian women. It won't be long before the Muslims hordes are against the Vatican gates. The only Catholics probably willing to defend the place will be from the USA.
I am not even Catholic and I am worried about them.
Then let the Vatican have them. Easy to pontificate from a protected enclave. Everywhere these Muslims go, persecution of Christians follow. Let them stay where they are. We don't need anymore immigrants whose loyalty is not to the US of A.
His holiness is slippoin'.
What on earth is going on with this Vatican? A new anti war edict daily, or maybe more than one! This is getting a little out of hand.
Good call, popey. Let them immigrate to Vatican City.
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