“We welcome with joy the new document signed in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and by Ahmad Al-Tayyib, Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, on human fraternity for world peace and living together. This document is a key element of the Holy Father’s apostolic visit to the United Arab Emirates. The text is a sign of hope especially for all those in Mindanao, as in other parts of the world, and who believe in Islamic-Christian dialogue even in the midst of divisions and conflicts.”
this is what was stated in a note sent to Fides News Agency by the “Silsilah” dialogue Movement, favorably commenting on the release of the joint declaration of Abu Dhabi. “We are happy – stated ‘Silsilah’ – that in this official document the importance of the culture of dialogue as a way to peace is clearly mentioned. We believe that this is the starting point for a deeper understanding of dialogue, supported by love.”
The note of the Movement continues: “The same spirit is found in the initiative of the United Nations that invites all the peoples of the world, belonging to different religions, nations and cultures to celebrate the World Week of Harmony between the Faiths, in the first week of February every year we reaffirm the path of coexistence marked by the spirit of love for God, love of neighbor and for the common good.”
The document of the two great religious leaders, notes “Silsilah”, was signed on February 4, 2019, during the celebration of the World Week of Harmony between Faiths, which in Mindanao was celebrated with several meetings, prayer, public initiatives.
The Movement founded by the PIME missionary Sebastiano D’Ambra recalls, among the relevant points of the document “the adoption of a culture of dialogue as a path, mutual cooperation as a code of conduct, mutual understanding as a method” for interpersonal relationships. And he recalls that “the authentic teaching of religions invites us to remain rooted in the values of peace, to defend the values of mutual understanding, of human fraternity and harmonious coexistence, to restore wisdom, justice, and love.”
The Movement fully marries the path indicated by the Declaration: “Dialogue among believers means to gather in the vast space of spiritual, human social values in order to spread the highest moral virtues that religions promote”. And he argues that “dialogue, understanding and the widespread promotion of a culture of tolerance, acceptance of others and peaceful coexistence helps to significantly reduce economic, social, political and environmental problems that weigh so heavily on a large part of the humanity.”
