The Experience of Christian-Muslim Co-Existence in Europe : Majority, Minority Challenges and Opportunities in Politics, Culture, Education, and Religion

6 September, 2007

European Experts Present Their Experiences

6 September 2007: On the second day of the international conference Exploring Christian-Muslim Relations in the Middle East and the West, academics from France, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium and Sweden engaged local and international participants at Bethlehem University in interesting and enlivened exchanges which addressed the relations between religious groups and secularized states, especially concentrating on Muslim minorities.

“French Muslims often can not understand why female pupils are not allowed to wear a scarf at public schools,” said Father Henri de la Hogue, Vice Director of the Institut de Science et de théologie des religions, Institute Catholique de Paris. Many Muslims in France find it difficult to adapt to the highly secularized environment they are confronted with in European countries.

Dr. Sami Aldeeb, legal adviser for Arab and Islamic Law at the Swiss Institute of Comparative Law, criticized the Swiss Muslim community for not adapting to the laicistic laws in their country. This position was intensely questioned by Father Jean Jacques Pérennés, Secretary General, Dominican Institute for Oriental Studies (IDEO) in Cairo , who referred to Bethlehem University as a role model that allows the open practice of both Christian and Muslim religions in a manner which fosters a fruitful dialogue and a productive coexistence.

Dr. Werner Wertgen, Professor of Theology at the Catholic University for Applied Sciences in Paderborn , Germany , described some situations in Germany which some may see as problems and he posited that these are not caused by Islam per se, but perhaps are “social and cultural problems that appear in the dress of religion.”

In addition to the exploration of some difficulties, the participants also presented many positive experiences and perspectives concerning religious dialogue in their home countries.

Dr. Göran Gunner, Researcher for the Church of Sweden, registered tendencies towards a liberal “Swedish Islam” in his home country. “Ladies and girls already take a very active part in Islamic organizations,” he explained.

Ms Els Vanderwaeren, Researcher at the Antwerp University, Centre for Migration and Intercultural Studies in Belgium, focused on education as being the essential condition for religious dialogue. “Young Muslims with a high educational level consider themselves more tolerant and open towards persons of different faith.”

Finally, considering the fact that European societies are more and more dominated by a non-religious attitudes, Father Henri de la Vogue of the Institute Catholique de Paris spoke about the necessity for the monotheist religions to find a way to work together peacefully and to “have a common and convincing word able to be heard.”

The Conference speakers for the second day included:

•  Fr Henri de La Hougue , Vice-Director of ISTR (Institut de Science et de théologie des religions), Institut Catholique de Paris

•  Dr Sami Aldeeb , legal adviser for Arab and Islamic Law, Swiss Institute of Comparative Law

•  Dr Geries Khoury , Director of Al-Liqa' Center for Religious and Heritage Studies in the Holy Land

•  Dr Werner Wertgen, Professor of Theology, Katholische Fachhochschule, University of Applied Sciences

•  Ms Els Vanderwaeren , Researcher, Antwerp University , Centre for Migration and Intercultural Studies

•  Dr Göran Gunner , Researcher, Church of Sweden

The Conference will continue for one more day with the following speakers:

•  Fr Jean-Jacques Pérennés, Secretary General, Domincan Institute for Oriental Studies IDEO

•  Fr Christian Van Nispen, SJ , Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies, Coptic Catholic Faculty of Human Sciences and Theology

•  Dr Amer al Hafi , Professor of Comparative Religions and Chairperson of the Islamic Studies Dept., Al Al-Beyt University, Jordan

•  Fr Rif'at Bader , Member of the International Catholic Union of Press

•  Dr John Borelli , Special Assistant to President for Interreligious Initiatives, Georgetown University

•  Dr Zahid Bukhari , Director, American Muslim Studies Program (AMSP), Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University

•  Dr Eduardo Domingo , An Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Education Department, De La Salle University

Conference proceedings will be available shortly after the Conference. For more information, please contact religiousconference@bethlehem.edu