Friday, February 11, 2011

Muslim philosopher says Christianity is the religion of peace

At the end of a general audience with Pope Benedict XVI in Rome, Archbishop Ignatius Ayau Kaigama spoke to the pontiff and shared the hopes and prayers of his flock. 

The prelate was in Rome as the Community of Sant Egidio, a Catholic group especially dedicated to non-violence and ecumenism, was celebrating on Feb. 5-6 the 43rd anniversary of its founding.

Archbishop Kaigama denounced Islamic fundamentalism and its efforts to exploit complex social problems and inter-ethnic squabbles. 

He told the Pope that he had just opened a new educational center for young people. 

Kaigama said that he hopes that vocational training will lead young people away from the temptations of violence.

At the meeting, the Pope also heard from Aan Rukmana, a Muslim and professor of philosophy from Indonesia. 

Rukmana had just finished a six-month course of studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University at Rome, having received a fellowship from the Nostra Aetate Foundation. 

“I am returning to Jakarta,” said Rukmana, with the conviction that Christianity is the religion of peace and that there is no alternative to dialogue between believers.”