Columban Fr Patrick McInerney, Director, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations, reflects on the pope’s visit to Indonesia and his loving encounter with the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar.
For me, the most moving moment in the pope’s 11-day pilgrimage to Southeast Asia was the encounter between Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Istiqlal Mosque, Nasaruddin Umar. They co-signed the Joint Declaration of Istiqlal 2024, which aims to "foster religious harmony for the sake of humanity.”
They then showed what harmony looks like. Posing together outside the Istiqlal Mosque for photographs, the Imam leaned over and reverently kissed the Pope on the forehead. The wheelchair-bound Pope clasped the Imam’s hand, kissed it, and held it warmly and tenderly against his cheek. It was a profoundly affectionate and intimate exchange between the two religious leaders, representing young and old, Indonesian and Argentinian, Muslim and Christian.
When we focus on the doctrinal teachings of Islam and Christianity, we will find both commonalities and differences. Similarly, when we focus on the moral teachings of Islam and Christianity, we will find commonalities and differences.
While the commonalities give us something to work on together, the differences inevitably lead to “othering”. However, when we move beyond doctrine and morality to friendship, then the “other” becomes our “brother” and “sister”. In friendship, there is unity, harmony, belonging, and community. We are equals, companions on the journey, encouraging and supporting one another, pilgrims sharing the same journey towards the fullness of Truth and Goodness.
Pope Francis and Imam Nasaruddin Umar have given us an example. I wonder how many priests, bishops, imams and lay believers are ready to follow their example?
The New Testament five times commands us to “greet (each other) with a holy kiss” (Rom 16:16; 1 Cor 16:20; 2 Cor 13:12; 1 Thes 5:26; or “kiss of love,” 1 Peter 5:14). It is a familial gesture showing mutual respect, affection, and friendship. But is it among Christians only? Jesus said there is no credit in loving those who love us in return (c.f. Lk 6:32ff). The litmus test for Christians is love of enemies (c.f. Mt 5:44, Lk 6:35, 37).
I encourage Christians, Muslims, and believers of all faiths, to take the risk of friendship. It does not mean that we compromise our doctrines or our morality. We hold and practice them with integrity, but in their proper place, under, not above, the greatest laws of love of God and love of neighbour (c.f. Mk 12:28ff, Mt 22:36ff).
Especially in the context of the ongoing war in the Middle East, it is even more important that Jews, Christians, and Muslims reach out to each other in friendship. Dare we? I fear for our world if we dare not!
Rev Dr Patrick McInerney, Director, Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations.
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban Interfaith eBulletin.
