Sir, - Fazel Ryklief, the administrator of the Islamic Foundation of Ireland, concludes his reflections on the meaning of Ramadan after September 11th 2001 by stating that it "will be a soul-searching month for Muslims" (Rite and Reason, November 13th). It should also be a time for soul-searching for Christians.
Christians everywhere need to renew - or begin - their commitment to promote dialogue and mutual understanding between Muslims and Christians in every possible way. We can no longer view the Muslim population as living "out there", somewhere in the Middle East or Asia. Muslims communities are growing in almost every country in the world, including Ireland.
As Columban missionaries who have worked in countries with sizeable Muslim populations we are convinced that there can be no peace among nations without peace among religions. Further, there can be no peace among religions without mutual respect and understanding.
Our late colleague, Father Rufus Halley, devoted 20 years of his life to building bridges of friendship and understanding between Christians and Muslims on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. The Christian communities in Mindanao tried to accompany their Muslim neighbours during Ramadan by learning more about the teachings, prayer life and spirituality of Islam. This is the path of true dialogue.
We believe that the bombing of Afghanistan by the United States and Britain is a major obstacle to such mutual understanding. In fact we know that it will sow the seeds of hatred and possible future conflicts. Despite denials by President Bush and Prime Minister Blair, many Muslims see what is happening in Afghanistan as a war against Islam. Christians in the West need to take that perception seriously.
The festival of Ramadan begins in a few days. We appeal for a cessation of bombing and hostilities in Afghanistan. Such warfare is particularly abhorrent during Ramadam, when Muslim people around the world turn to God in a special way. - Yours, etc.,
Fr Bobby Gilmore, Fr Sean McDonagh, Fr Tom O'Reilly, Fr Pat Raleigh, St Columban's, Dalgan Park, Navan, Co Meath.