ROME 4-6 November 2008 Catholic and Muslim scholars initiate formal talks

In the first forum of its kind, 24 Catholic and Muslim scholars will meet in November to talk about the theological and spiritual foundations of Catholicism and Islam and human dignity and mutual respect. The first Catholic-Muslim Forum concludes with an audience with Pope Benedict XVI.

A joint statement released by the Vatican and the Academic Trust in Britain in March said the theme will be, “Love of God, Love of Neighbor.”

According to Catholic World News (CWN), Vatican officials and representatives of the Common Word Initiative set plans for the inaugural Forum after informal talks in Rome on Mar 4 and 5. CWN says the Initiative originated with an appeal from 138 Islamic leaders for deeper dialog with Christians, and that there are now more than 200 Islamic leaders – many living in Western countries – who have endorsed it.