There was an International Conference on Christian Muslim Dialogue in Villa la Collina, in Cadenabbia, Italy from October 1-42009. This conference was organized by the Konard-Adenauer-Stiftung, Germany in which a group of 19 Muslim and Christian scholars and activists from Africa and Asia participated in it. This conference was in continuation of the response to the letter of 138 Muslim scholars which they had written in October, 2007 on the theme of “A Common word” on the Love of God and Love of Neighbor in Islam and Christianity. This letter was addressed to Pope Benedict XVI and several other Christian religious leaders from all over the world. There has been a very positive response from the Christian religious leaders and scholars from various countries. This conference confirmed that both Christians and Muslims who form 55% of the world population can play a vital role in promoting peace and interreligious harmony around the globe. All scholars to continue Christian Muslim dialogue at all levels of lives and promote peace and harmony among them and work to safeguard the rights of minorities. In their message they said, “We deplore the actions of extreme groups who abuse the noble teachings of our religion, and manipulate religious sentiments; and the mass hysteria that ca lead to violations of individuals and communities. We recognize that there is a responsibility upon majority communities to uphold the human rughts and dignities of minorities within their societies.”

Mr. Abid Hassan Minto, a senior advocate of the Supreme Court of Pakistan, Kazy Javed, participated from Pakistan. All of these delegates from Pakistan shared their rich experiences and comments on Christian Muslim dialogue in Pakistan and what the challenges they are confronted with and how they should work together to promote human rights, dignity of women, rights of minorities and children. Fr. James Channan OP presented a Key Note paper on “A Common Word in Pakistani Context” His paper was highly appreciated and it was a very comprehensive paper on the situation of Pakistan. The Konard-Adenauer-Stiftung will publish his paper and of the other scholars from Asia and Africa.

The delegation from Pakistan is planning to organize a conference on the same theme of “A Common Word” in Pakistan some time during next year.