Relations between the Vatican and Muslims took another step forward after a meeting between representatives of both religions paved the way for a "Catholic-Muslim" forum to be held later this year.Members of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue met with Muslim leaders on March 4 and 5 as a result of an open letter, A Common Word, which was signed by 138 Islamic leaders in October 2007.
At the meeting, the dates of November 4 to 6 were set for the forum's first seminar to be held in Rome.
Pope Benedict responded to the letter in November 2007 by stressing that the path to true dialogue lies in "effective respect for the dignity of every human person, on objective knowledge of the religion of the other, on the sharing of religious experience and, finally, on common commitment to promoting mutual respect and acceptance among the younger generation."
The seminar, entitled Love of God, Love of Neighbour, will be attended by 24 religious leaders and scholars from each religion.
Other topics will include: Theological and Spiritual Foundations and Human Dignity and Mutual Respect.
The seminar will conclude with a public session on 6 November and the participants will be granted an audience with the Pope.
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