wfn.org | LWF Christian-Muslim Consultation Stresses Need for Reconciliation

["Frank Imhoff" <FRANKI@elca.org>]

Participants in LWF Christian-Muslim Consultation Stress Need for
Reconciliation
Call for Inter-Religious Dialogue to Counter Conflict

YOGYAKARTA, Indonesia/GENEVA, 12 April 2002 (LWI) - Participants
in a Lutheran World Federation (LWF) consultation in Yogyakarta,
Indonesia, said there is an urgent need for reconciliation in
light of the growing tendency to radicalize religion, giving rise
to violent conflicts in such places as eastern Indonesia.

Participants in the April 4-6 meeting on Christian-Muslim dialogue
said promoting reconciliation plays a crucial role in developing a
truly multi-cultural approach and a strong civil society. The
meeting was organized by the LWF Department for Theology and
Studies (DTS) desk for Church and People of Other Faiths and the
LWF working group on Islam, which over the past ten years has
sought to encourage LWF member churches to engage in a meaningful
dialogue with Muslims. It took place at the Duta Wacana Christian
University in Yogyakarta, Central Java province.

Discussions by the 30 participants representing LWF member
churches, other churches as well as the Muslim community in
Southeast Asia, focussed on issues such as human growth and
responsibility, education, inter-faith marriage and
neighborliness.

In his opening address, Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, Governor of
Yogyakarta stressed that "efforts need to be made to prevent
religion from becoming a source of conflict by conducting
inter-religious dialogue."

The consultation took place in a country, which in the past has
been known for its outstanding tolerance among adherents of
different religions. In view of recent violent ethnic and
religious confrontations around the world, the participants called
for tolerance and mutual understanding, recognizing that true
tolerance is not achieved by eliminating diversity, but through
understanding universal values. They recognized that "through
their emphasis on love, kindness and concern religions provide a
basis for true neighborliness."

The issue of human growth and responsibility raised questions
about the need for a global ethic, which demands respect for life,
justice and mutual understanding. Participants agreed that all
religions have a common responsibility to disseminate integrity
and prevent destruction.

Recognizing overall a prevalence of stereotypes that could lead to
dangerous situations, the conference called on Christians and
Muslims to pay special attention to education in order to develop
self-criticism, a critical approach to contemporary systems, the
use of moral examples, inclusion of balanced educational materials
about religious traditions, and focus on peace and reconciliation.

The Indonesian context points to the reality that close neighbors
are often more important than relatives who live far way. In view
of the isolation created by today's social, economic and political
structures, neighborliness needs to be proactive, participants
observed.

They recognized that in today's pluralistic world the strains and
tensions experienced in inter-faith marriages demand a thoughtful
religious and pastoral response. Such counseling has to take into
account cultural, economic, educational and ethnic factors. Human
identity is relational. In dialogue and common action Christians
and Muslims come to understand each other and safeguard one
another's dignity, they noted.

Reconciliation depends on the development of mutual trust and
cooperation between people at all levels of society. It was noted
that believers, individuals and small groups, have contributed to
taking effective steps towards peace and reconciliation. Such
efforts need to be supported and encouraged.

(The LWF is a global communion of Christian churches in the
Lutheran tradition. Founded in 1947 in Lund (Sweden), the LWF now
has 133 member churches in 73 countries representing over 60.5
million of the 64.3 million Lutherans worldwide. The LWF acts on
behalf of its member churches in areas of common interest such as
ecumenical relations, theology, humanitarian assistance, human
rights, communication, and the various aspects of mission and
development work. Its secretariat is located in Geneva,
Switzerland.)

[Lutheran World Information (LWI) is the information service of
the Lutheran World Federation (LWF). Unless specifically noted,
material presented does not represent positions or opinions of the
LWF or of its various units. Where the dateline of an article
contains the notation (LWI), the material may be freely reproduced
with acknowledgment.]

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