The two special representatives of Islam invited to the Synod of Bishops have pointed out, with different emphasis, the need for coexistence between Christians and Muslims in this area of the world. Muhammad Al-Sammak, a political adviser to the Mufti of the Republic of Lebanon, and a Sunni, used decided expressions used to describe the danger, not only for Christians but also for the followers of Islam, represented by the continuing erosion of the Christian presence.
"The Eastern Christian presence, which works and acts with Muslims, is a Christian as well as an Islamic need. This is a need not only for the East, but also for the entire world. The danger represented by the erosion of this presence on the qualitative and quantitative levels is a Christian as well as an Islamic concern, not only for Eastern Muslims, but for all Muslims all over the world”.
Al-Sammak has recognized the full "Arabic" identity of Christians in the Middle East. " I cannot live my being Arabic without the Middle Eastern Christian Arab. The emigration of Christians is an impoverishment of the Arabic identity, of its culture and of its authenticity. For this reason, I underline once again here, before the stands of the Vatican, what I have already said before the stands of the venerable Mecca: I am concerned with the future of Eastern Muslims because of the emigration of Eastern Christians. To maintain the presence of Christians is a common Islamic duty as well as a common Christian duty. They are an integral part of the cultural, literary and scientific formation of Islamic civilization. They are also the pioneers of modern Arabic renaissance".
The special guest from Iran, Ayatollah Seyed Mostafa Mohaghegh Ahmadabad, a law professor at the University of Tehran and a member of the Iranian Academy of Sciences focused his intervention on a global level: "The stability of the world depends on the stability of the livelihood of small and large groups and societies. This stability could only be achieved when all can live without fear and threat from others. This is the most important element in achieving an ethical and social stability and peace. This is our duty to bring about such conditions".
Ahmadabad recalled that in the Koran Jesus is called the "Word of God," and " and believing in him has been set as a basis for believers, to the point that any doubt in his guidance has been denounced."
“From a historical point of view conflicts are undeniable, and it is unfortunate that during certain periods in the past 1400 years, at times because of political considerations, there have been dark moments in this relationship, "said the Ayatollah, but he invited a separation of political responsibilities from religious ones: "one should not relate these illegitimate acts of certain individuals and groups neither to Islam nor to Christianity "
In Iran, "as it has been stipulated also by law, Christians live side by side and in peace with their Muslim brothers. They enjoy all legal rights like other citizens and perform their religious practices freely".
The Ayatollah finally thanked Benedict XVI for his " for his timely and vital remarks in the speeches in Jerusalem and in Istanbul regarding the importance of continued healthy and friendly rapport between Christians and Muslims. Such approach and manners are essential for all believers and certainly important for peace in the World."
SIC: AN/INT'L