Interreligious dialogue
252. Our relationship with the followers of Islam has taken on great importance, since they are now significantly present in many traditionally Christian countries, where they can freely worship and become fully a part of society. We must never forget that they “profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, who will judge humanity on the last day”.[198] The sacred writings of Islam have retained some Christian teachings; Jesus and Mary receive profound veneration and it is admirable to see how Muslims both young and old, men and women, make time for daily prayer and faithfully take part in religious services. Many of them also have a deep conviction that their life, in its entirety, is from God and for God. They also acknowledge the need to respond to God with an ethical commitment and with mercy towards those most in need.
253. In order to sustain dialogue with Islam, suitable training is essential for all involved, not only so that they can be solidly and joyfully grounded in their own identity, but so that they can also acknowledge the values of others, appreciate the concerns underlying their demands and shed light on shared beliefs. We Christians should embrace with affection and respect Muslim immigrants to our countries in the same way that we hope and ask to be received and respected in countries of Islamic tradition. I ask and I humbly entreat those countries to grant Christians freedom to worship and to practice their faith, in light of the freedom which followers of Islam enjoy in Western countries! Faced with disconcerting episodes of violent fundamentalism, our respect for true followers of Islam should lead us to avoid hateful generalisations, for authentic Islam and the proper reading of the Koran are opposed to every form of violence.
2.Union of Catholic News (http://www.ucanews.com)
Malaysian police quiz priest-editor under Sedition Act
Fr Andrew questioned over continued use of 'Allah' word, 8 January 2014
by Mohd Farwan Darwis for Malaysian Insider
Police are investigating the editor of the Catholic weekly Herald, Father Lawrence Andrew under the Sedition Act, for saying that the word Allah will continue to be used in Bahasa Malaysia services in churches in Selangor.
"I was questioned by the police regarding my statement in an article which was published in The Malaysian Insider. I gave them a full explanation of the issue," Lawrence told reporters at the Selangor police headquarters today.
His lawyer, Francis Pereira, said his client was being investigated under Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948.
Andrew had previously said that all churches in Selangor would continue to use the word Allah in their Bahasa Malaysia services.
He said the Federal Constitution guaranteed the freedom of religion for all Malaysians.
"I explained to the police that we have been using the word Allah in the Bahasa Bible for a very long time," he said.
Andrew then pulled out a manuscript that dated back to 1905, which was written in old Malay and showed reporters the sections containing the word “Allah”.
He added that he also handed over extracts from the century-old book of prayers, which also contained quotations from the Bible, to the police.
His statement was recorded by investigating officer Assistant Superintendent Effandi Main.
Andrew has been on the receiving end of numerous criticism and much pressure from various quarters after his comment on the continued use of Allah in Bahasa Malaysia services was reported in The Malaysian Insider on December 27.
His comment was taken as a direct challenge to an edict by the Sultan of Selangor that non-Muslims in the state were prohibited from using the word Allah.
The raid on the offices of the Bible Society of Malaysia by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) has provoked outrage from various quarters, including opposition lawmakers.
However, the Selangor government today defended Jais saying they had followed standard operating procedures when carrying out the raid.
Selangor executive councillor for Islamic affairs Sallehin Mukhyi said Jais had conducted the raid based on complaints from the public.
"The purpose of the raid was to find evidence of wrong-doing," he said today.
Full Story: Police question Catholic priest under sedition
Source: Malaysian Insider
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