As the Church welcomed Pope Leo XIV and honoured the legacy of Pope Francis, Christians and Muslims gathered for the second event in a series marking 60 years since Nostra Aetate, reflecting on the challenges and hopes of Christian-Muslim dialogue. Nathalie Marytsch, a Columban Lay Missionary in Britain who attended the event, shares its key moments.
Imam Mohammad Asad MBE addressing the group. Photo: Columban Missionaries Briton
Lessons and Challenges for Muslim-Christian Relationships
Celebrating 60 Years of Nostra Aetate
On the evening of Thursday 9 May 2025, an unexpected moment of joy arrived as the cardinals in Conclave announced that Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost was to be the new pope. This news was shared in a local mosque, where Christians and Muslims had gathered for a thoughtful discussion on interfaith relations and dialogue. The “habemus papam” excitement, though bittersweet given the recent loss of Pope Francis, helped lift spirits and provided a moment of renewal. Pope Francis, a tireless advocate for peace and dialogue, was beloved by many, including Muslim friends, who respected his efforts to bridge divides.
This gathering marked the second event in a series commemorating the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II document that redefined the Catholic Church’s relationship with non-Christian faiths, particularly Islam. The Columbans have played an active role in organising these events, which have brought together communities to reflect on the lessons and challenges of Christian-Muslim dialogue, and to envision the way forward in fulfilling Nostra Aetate’s bold vision for unity.
The evening’s discussions were chaired by Shabana Parveen, a trustee of the Bahu Trust and mother of three. Shabana expertly introduced the keynote speakers: Bishop David Evans (Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham), Sheikh Mohammad Shomali (a leading scholar in Catholic-Shi’a engagement), and Imam Mohammad Asad MBE (Birmingham Central Mosque). Their presentations were followed by a dynamic group discussion where participants had the chance to pose questions and reflect on the speeches.
In his opening address, Pope Leo XIV spoke with passion about the necessity of building bridges through dialogue and encounter, emphasising efforts that “unite us all to be one people”. This call for unity resonated deeply throughout the evening, with participants agreeing on the essential need to recognise and nurture our shared humanity. Overcoming prejudice, fear, and hatred was identified as central to building a more harmonious world.
The event, a resounding success, was jointly organised by the Bahu Trust, the Columbans in Britain, the Focolare Movement, and the Archdiocese of Birmingham Commission for Inter-Religious Dialogue.
Reflections from Imam Mohammad Asad
Following his participation in the Muslim-Christian dialogue, Imam Mohammad Asad shared on LinkedIn his reflections on the challenges and opportunities in interfaith. He highlighted the importance of Nostra Aetate, which calls for mutual understanding, dialogue, and respect between people of different faiths.
Imam Asad also spoke of his visit to Indonesia, where Southeast Asia’s largest mosque, Istiqlal Mosque, stands directly across from the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Jakarta. These two iconic landmarks symbolise religious diversity and interfaith dialogue in Indonesia, a Muslim-majority country. The juxtaposition of the mosque and the cathedral—both places of worship and peace—serves as a powerful reminder of how diverse communities can coexist and enrich one another.
Key Excerpts from Nostra Aetate on Islam
Nostra Aetate, the Vatican II document, outlines the Catholic Church’s respectful stance towards Islam. The document affirms that Muslims, like Christians, worship the one true God, merciful and omnipotent, the Creator of the heavens and earth. Although Muslims do not recognise Jesus as God, they revere him as a prophet, and they honour Mary, his virgin mother.
The document calls for the Church and Muslims to engage in sincere dialogue, based on mutual respect and understanding, to overcome historical grievances and work together to promote social justice, peace, and moral welfare for all of humanity. It says,
“The Church regards with esteem also the Moslems. They adore the one God... They value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting.”
Nostra Aetate also urges Christians and Muslims to work for “mutual understanding”, to “forget the past”, and to unite in promoting peace and freedom for all people.
Nathalie Marytsch is a Columban Lay Missionary in Britain.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban Interfaith eBulletin
