Address at Islamic Cultural Center

 

October 13, 2006

Bishop John T. Steinbock

 

It is a joy and an honor for me to be invited to participate with the Islamic community on one of Islam’s holy nights

 

The history of Muslim and the Catholic Community here in the Central Valley has a long standing friendship and working together with mutual respect.  We have been very happy to have representatives of this Islamic Cultural Center on our Catholic Television station, aimed at giving not only the Catholic community but the greater community in the Central Valley a better understanding of, and respect for, Islamic teachings.

 

For me a vision for Muslim and Catholic relationship has been expressed by Pope John Paul II at his visit of the mosque in Damascus, Syria, in May of 2001.  In the courtyard of the great mosque of Damascus, the Holy Father ended his address to the Muslim authorities with these words:

     “As members of the one human family and as believers, we have obligations to the common good, to justice and to solidarity.  Inter-religious dialogue will lead to many forms of cooperation, especially in responding to the duty to care for the poor and the weak.  These are the signs that our worship of God is genuine….   May the hearts of Christians and Muslims turn to one another with feelings of brotherhood and friendship, so that the Almighty may bless us with the peace which heaven alone can give.  To the one, Merciful God be praise and glory for ever. Amen.”

 

My very presence here is speaking not only to you but also to the Catholic community and the greater community as well, that we are all brothers.  We are one family under the one God, and we pray to the same God, and we are called to live in respect for one another.

 

Never, in our history, has this message been more important.    Our lives may not have an apparent impact on world affairs, but our lives, lived in unity and respect and brotherhood, can have a great impact on creating here in the Central Valley a more just and peaceful society.  My prayers are with all of you.  The Good God is indeed infinitely merciful and just.  This faith bonds us as brothers.