The December 2016 issue of Bridges features a reflection on mercy from Pope Francis: that mercy is inclusive, that it reaches out to all people, that it is at the heart of all religions, and therefore that believers should show mercy towards each other and to all creatures.
On the 25th of December Christians will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and on 12th December Muslims will celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. May the proximity of these two celebrations draw Christians and Muslims closer to each other and so closer to God. I wish our readers a very happy feast day!
Contents:
- Page 1: From the Editor: Coming Closer Together reflects on the importance of Christians and Muslims coming closer together. Beginning with Pope Francis’ reflection on “inclusion” as an important element of mercy, it concludes that our closeness towards each other is a barometer of our closeness to God.
- Page 2: News from the Centre reports highlights from our recent activities at the Centre.
- Pages 3-4: News from the World highlights Christian-Muslim and interfaith events from around the world where Christians and Muslims have come closer to each other.
- Page 5: Pope Francis speaks to members of other religions on the theme of “Mercy”, an authentic element in all the world’s religions, calling all of us to practice this towards each other in our daily lives.
- Pages 6-7: The World Council of Churches & Muslim Council of Elders met in Switzerland to discuss peace-building and combatting religious extremism.
- Page 8: What’s Coming Up provides dates of some major feasts to add to your interfaith calendar for the coming year.
- Page 9: Ten Things Everyone Needs to Know About Islam - a new edition of this popular, informative booklet, now with stunning images to complement the text.
- Page 10: The Golden Rule Poster - “treat others as you want to be treated” - in the sacred texts of thirteen religions/spiritualities.
Blessings,
Rev Dr Patrick McInerney
Coordinator, Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations
Columban Mission Institute