Bishop David and Christian-Muslim Dialogue

Bishop David was invited by the Archbishop of Canterbury to participate in an ecumenical gathering on 2 June to discuss ways in which Christian-Muslim engagement might be strengthened and deepened. The meeting gave particular consideration to the significance of the open letter A Common Word Between Us and You which was signed by 38 eminent Muslim scholars last year and sent to leaders of the Christian Churches. Over 40 participants from around the world were invited, representing a wide range of Christian traditions, Roman Catholic, Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical, and Anglican, together with a supporting group of scholars.  

Church representatives from such places as Iraq, Lebanon, Nigeria, Malaysia alongside Western countries shared their experience of engagement, and explored what degree of consensus might be possible in considering the Muslim initiative and in moving forward with response.

Archbishop Williams said of the encounter, “It has been tremendously important to me personally … that we have heard such a range of perspectives. As well as deepening our shared understanding of the challenge before us it has, I think, renewed for us all the significance of the church’s work in this area of cooperation with other faiths for the sake of peace in our common home.”

More information on  A Common Word Between Us and You  can be found at this website: http://www.acommonword.com/

The press release from Lambeth Palace can be read here.