"We support our Muslim brothers, but stop the violence."

In a document made public today, the Movement for Inter-Religious Dialogue, Silsilah, "deplores events like the publication of vignettes which desecrate Mohammed, the continued violence in Iraq and killings of Jolo"; these "threaten the search for peace and dialogue".

Zamboanga (AsiaNews) – "Solidarity with our Muslim brothers... whose deepest religious feelings" have been struck by "an irresponsible use of freedom of the press". But a document issued today by the Silsilah Movement for Dialogue also included a call to "keep in mind the teaching of peace expressed by Islam".

"We are profoundly saddened by events like the publication of vignettes which desecrate Mohammed, the continued violence in Iraq and killings of Jolo," read the document signed by Fr Sebastiano D'Ambra, a PIME missionary. "These are events which undermine global efforts aiming to promote a culture of dialogue and peace, the fulcrum of activities of the movement."

However, continues the text, it is important that "our brothers and sisters of Muslim faith manage to appreciate the true teaching of Islam, that of peace, even in anger and offence. We ask them to maintain their equilibrium and not to compromise themselves with violence, which does not resolve any problems and only creates new ones."

"This is an opportunity to unite with all those who desire dialogue and peace," the document adds. "We reaffirm our mission, which aims for sincerity, sensitivity and inter-religious solidarity."

• PHILIPPINES
• CATHOLIC
• CHURCH
• PIME
• CHRISTIANS
• ISLAM
• MUSLIMS
• VIOLENCE
• VIGNETTES
• DIALOGUE
• MOHAMMED
• PEACE
• SILSILAH