In this issue of Bridges we address the heightened tensions in Christian-Muslim relations here and overseas. We urge people to keep things in perspective:
- We detail the dynamics that escalate tensions so that we can address them without being caught up in them (pp.1, 7)
- Christians, Muslims and others have walked together to show solidarity (p.4)
- Muslim scholars have demolished the claim of the so-called “Islamic State” to act in the name of Islam (p.5)
- Radicalisation is being tackled (p.6)
- Islam and Muslims loom large in media and in public consciousness, far out of proportion to their actual numbers (p.7)
- News from the Centre (p.2) and News from the World (p.3)
This is the Columban's last edition of Bridges for the year. We wish our Christian readers a blessed and happy Christmas and we wish our Muslim readers a happy celebration of Mawlid al-Nabi, the birth of the Prophet (2-3 January).
We pray that 2015 will bring peace and improved relations between Christians and Muslims and all citizens of our land and our world.
Rev Dr Patrick McInerney
Coordinator, Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations
Columban Mission Institute