Muslim leaders' "historic” statement of friendship welcomed

A statement of peace and friendship, signed by more than 130 Muslim scholars and addressed to Christian leaders around the world has been hailed as an “historic” template for the future by Cambridge University academics.

The letter, which is entitled "A Common Word Between Us And You", states that the two most important teachings for both Muslims and Christians are the love of God and the love of one's neighbour, and has been signed by 138 representatives from all Muslim schools and traditions.

Professor David Ford, Director of the University's Inter-Faith Programme, joined Christian leaders in London this morning as they received the document, which he described as an "astonishing achievement of solidarity; one that can be built on in the future."

The 29-page missive has been convened by the Royal Academy in Jordan and is being released to Christians around the world. In it, Muslim leaders offer interpretations of both the Qur'an and the Bible on the love of God and the love of one's neighbour.

It is unprecedented in bringing together so many of the leading religious authorities and scholars of Islam and uniting them around a positive statement of friendship to Christians.

"This historic statement gives the right keynote for relations between Muslims and Christians in the 21st century," Professor Ford said. "It is what we have been missing since September 11, 2001.

"The message is rich and deep, and it goes to the heart of Muslim faith as expressed in the Quran. It also goes to the heart of the teaching of Jesus in the New Testament."

The statement was also praised for its modest, respectful approach and careful attention to Christian scriptures, finding shared ground between the faiths while equally refusing to pretend that there were no differences between Muslims and Christians.

"Its combination of Islamic solidarity around core teaching together with friendly address to Christians should be seen as setting a direction for the 21st century," Prof. Ford added.

"It cries out to be followed through by many initiatives in the same spirit. These should be among Muslims, among Christians, between Muslims and Christians, and between them and those of other faiths and no faith. They should be in many spheres of life and at all levels - local, regional and global.

"It is deeply encouraging that the Royal Academy of Jordan has had the courage, imagination and practical capacity to achieve this. Now the Royal Academy needs to be joined by many others in following this through. If sufficient people and groups heed this statement and act on it then the atmosphere will be changed into one in which violent extremists cannot flourish."

The letter, as well as Professor Ford's response, can be viewed at the Cambridge Inter-Faith Programme's website, which is linked to the right of this page.