“Nostra Aetate, 60 Years On: Perspectives on Catholic–Muslim Dialogue”

The Council of Bishops’ Conferences of Europe (CCEE) ^ | December 3, 2025 | CCEE

[ebb tide]

“Nostra Aetate, 60 Years On: Perspectives on Catholic–Muslim Dialogue”

Meeting of the Section for Interreligious Dialogue of the CCEE Commission for Evangelisation and Culture

Over thirty participants, representatives of European Bishops Conferences, theologians and witnesses, from 20 European countries gathered in Augsburg, the historic city of peace, for a meeting of the CCEE Section for Interreligious Dialogue from 26 to 28 November. The theme of the meeting was: “Nostra Aetate, 60 Years On: Perspectives on Catholic-Muslim Dialogue”. In welcoming those gathered, H.E. Msgr. Bertram MEIER, Bishop of Augsburg quoted Nostra Aetate, n. 5: “We cannot truly call on God, the Father of all, if we refuse to treat in a brotherly way any man or woman, created as they are in the image of God.”

The keynote address on the first day was delivered by H.Em. Card. Michael Louis FITZGERALD, who opened up the Second Vatican Council’s document on the Church’s encounter with the world’s religions. Drawing on his vast experience also as President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, Cardinal Fitzgerald offered stimulating personal observations on Nostra Aetate and suggestions on how to bring forward the rich contents of the document, noting the importance of reaching out to others, building up friendship and personal encounters lived in multi-lateral dialogues that can have many themes, such as peace, as a focus.

A new, soon-to-be-published document entitled “Christian-Muslim Relations in Germany” was the main focus on the morning of the second day with inputs from Prof. Dr. Tobias SPECKER, SJ,  Professor at the Sankt Georgen Graduate School of Philosophy and Theology in Frankfurt, Dr. Alexander KALBARCZYK, Director of the Commission for Migration and of the Sub-Commission for Interreligious Dialogue of the German Bishops’ Conference and the Islamic scholar, Prof. Dr. Dr. h.c. Lejla DEMIRI, Chair of Islamic Doctrine at the Center for Islamic Theology of the University of Tübingen and Honorary Professor at the University of St Andrews. The publication promises to be a valuable resource not just for Germany but throughout Europe as it explores the foundations of Christian-Muslim encounter, as well as indicating ways these relationships can be fruitful in our shared life.

In the afternoon, the focus shifted to the topic of “Interreligious Dialogue and Youth” with lively interactive presentations by Team Members of the Eugen Biser Foundation, Dr. Andreas ENDERS (Christian), Dr. Selcen GÜZEL (Islam) and Dr. Ruth ZEIFERT (Judaism). Quoting Dr. Biser, who said, “Without dialogue we cannot build a hopeful future”, they presented the Religious Diversity and Democracy School Project Days promoted by the Foundation. They also described the value of a well-known book in German circles regarding interreligious dialogue, recently translated into English, Dictionary of Encounter: Basic Terms in Christianity and Islam (Brill-Schöningh, 2025).

Frère Luc BOURGOIN from the Taizé Community shared the recent positive experience of organising Christian-Muslim encounters centred on faith themes.

On the third and final day, delegates of the Bishops’ Conferences updated the participants on the situation and experiences of Islamic-Christian dialogue in the various national contexts. Promising lines and experiences were identified as the reports ranged across many European countries. Various initiatives were highlighted, but also some critical issues were noted, such as increasing tensions and xenophobia related to migration, the impact of the Israel-Hamas war, and the legal status and recognition of Islamic communities in various European countries. Signs of hope included the growth of local initiatives, educational projects, common celebrations, and shared action together in favour of peace and care of the earth. The theme of religious freedom emerged as a possible topic to be explored at a future meeting.

The three days of the meeting were characterised by a wide-ranging exchange in the plenary conversations as well as beautiful liturgies celebrated in the churches of St. Moritz, St. Peter in Perlach and the Basilica of Saints Ulrich and Afra.

In his conclusion, H.E. Msgr. Brendan LEAHY, Head of the CCEE Section for Interreligious Dialogue, expressed his gratitude, echoing the sentiments of the participants, for the rich, stimulating and helpful contents of the meeting as well as for the relationships established or renewed during the days together. He echoed a shared reflection from one of the participants who noted that “interreligious dialogue is now very much part of Church life”. He recalled how a common theme throughout the days together is that the significant goal of Christian-Muslim dialogue is peace, a goal that is so much needed to be rekindled today in Europe.

[ebb tide]

Nostra Aetate / Vatican II Barf Alert

These bishops are oblivious to the atrocities muslims have inflicted in the East and West in the past 60 years.

They have abandoned their roles as true shepherds:

 18 And Jesus coming, spoke to them, saying: All power is given to me in heaven and in earth.  19 Going therefore, teach ye all nations; baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost.  20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and behold I am with you all days, even to the consummation of the world. Matthew 28.

[ebb tide]

Islamic Terror Flags Raised Over (Catholic) Votive Church in Vienna

Terrorist flags were raised on the Votivkirche, Vienna’s second-tallest church built in the 19th century. The Archdiocese condemned the act, distanced itself firmly, and is weighing legal steps while police investigate without named suspects.

They used cranes.

Make no mistake, this was allowed.

This Vienna – home to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Ludwig van Beethoven, Johann Strauss II: Known as the “Waltz King,” Gustav Mahler, Johannes Brahms, Gustav Klimt, Egon Schiele, Sigmund Freud, Victor Hess et al….. and Hitler.

[Ken Regis]

Why not?

After all, same goal. Same master.

Keep their people in the dark, then in the heat— isolated for eternity.

[Worldtraveler once upon a time]

And only a few posts away on FR:

University of Delaware student arrested with car full of guns, plans to carry out mass shooting — and chilling note about ‘martyrdom’ 12/3/2025, 3:11:08 PM

BREAKING: TWICE convicted r*pist Abdimahat Bille Mohamed, who served NO JAIL TIME for either r*pe including on a minor victim, was just arrested for kidnapping a woman, holding her hostage for days, and r*ping her.

The Vatican and the US Catholic Bishops especially are no longer able to understand the enemies of the church, and as such are become their allies in attacks on on individual Christians in favor of "dialogue" with the declared enemy. Fools in ecclesia.

[hinckley buzzard]

The problem is not that they are talking, it is what they are talking about. Have they ever broached the issue of murderous jihad? Will they ever? I doubt it. I suspect they engage in pious ya-ya while the ‘islamic scholars’ look on in disdain.

[Seruzawa]

Catholic: “How do you feel about today’s moral questions over racism?

Muslim: “Die infidel!”

Catholic: “What do you want for lunch?”

Muslim: “Die infidel.”

[iontheball]

The Vatican and the US Catholic Bishops especially are no longer able to understand the enemies of the church, and as such are become their allies in attacks on on individual Christians in favor of “dialogue” with the declared enemy. Fools in ecclesia.
_____________________________ This article reports on a fast asleep, feel good conference of bishops on the road to the Islamic slaughter. As you rightfully point out, the first order of business is to get a grip and to know who is actually your enemy - Islam. It's clear no one at the conference had the slightest understanding of what is really happening in the civilized world and the impeding catastrophe confronting civilized religious order. All I deciphered from the article was a gathering of bishops effectively singing kumbaya on the way to the ‘showers.’