RNA – The findings of a recent Georgetown University study on how Catholics regard Muslims show an “urgent need” to “cultivate positive dialogue” not just among Catholics and Muslims, but with other faith traditions as well, according to Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago.
“Experience has shown that when people of different faith traditions build personal relationships and engage in dialogue to learn about one another, they develop the capacity to work together; and they come to appreciate the positive elements in one another’s traditions,” said a Sept. 21 statement by Archbishop Cupich, the Catholic co-chairman of the National Catholic-Muslim Dialogue.
According to a survey of 1,027 Catholics, nearly half of Catholics can’t name any similarities between Catholicism and Islam. When asked about the overall impression of Muslims, three in 10 Catholics admit to having unfavourable views, and Catholics are less likely than the general American public to know a Muslim personally.
The survey results were published Sept. 12 in the study “Danger and Dialogue: American Catholic Public Opinion and Portrayals of Islam.” It was conducted by a research group with Georgetown University’s Bridge Initiative, which studies Islamophobia.
“No one should dismiss the real threats that some who embrace a radical ideology, such as the members of the Daesh, present to people of all faiths,” Cupich said. “That is why it is now even more important to promote ongoing encounter, dialogue and education between our two great faith traditions.”
When dialogue is absent, he added, “We see an increase in the tendency to be negative about those who are different from ourselves. This diminishes all of us, as we face increasing incidents of religious intolerance across the globe.”
“It is incumbent upon Catholics to recognize and raise up the positive voices from the Muslim world who clearly reject violence by practicing and teaching an Islam of peace, compassion and mercy.”
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