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LETTER OF HIS HOLINESS JOHN PAUL II
TO THE PARTICIPANTS
IN THE FIFTH CHRISTIAN-MUSLIM COLLOQUIUM  

 

To Cardinal FRANCIS ARINZE
President Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue

Тhrough you I am pleased to greet the participants in the Christian-Muslim colloquium organized jointly by the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue and the Royal Academy for Islamic Civilization Research, based in Amman. The fact that this is the fifth such meeting is a sign of continuity and a further proof that many positive results come from these personal contacts and discussions.

The theme of the colloquium, "Religion and the Use of the Earth's Resources", reminds us that we live in a finite world, the resources of which are indeed limited. As a result, we have a specific moral duty to use these resources wisely, taking into account not only our own present needs but also the needs of future generations. This is the moral obligation of solidarity, a serious responsibility involving each one of us as individuals and all of us together in society and in the international community.

The colloquium is examining these issues from a religious point of view, from the particular perspectives of Islam and Christianity. The question of the responsible use of the earth's resources takes on a precise moral and religious character for men and women who believe in God the Creator, and are thus convinced that there is a well-defined unity and order in the world (cf. John Paul II,  Message for the World Day of Peace 1990, 15, [8 Dec. 1989]). May these shared convictions regarding this theme give life and impulse to ever greater understanding and co-operation between Christians and the followers of Islam.

May the Most High pour out upon all of us his abundant blessings !

From the Vatican, 20 April 1996.

IOANNES PAULUS PP. II

 

 

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