Assembly supports Christian-Muslim dialogue
19-June-2002
GA02084

Assembly supports Christian-Muslim dialogue

by Frank Buhrman

COLUMBUS, OH - One of the first actions of the 214th General Assembly of the
Presbyterian Church (USA) was the approval on June 19 of measures to promote
dialogue and understanding between Muslims and Christians.

Following the recommendation of its Catholicity and Ecumenical Relations
Committee, the GA called on individuals, congregations and governing bodies
to "interact with those Muslims in their own localities who are interested
in building bridges of understanding and trust, doing so ecumenically
whenever possible."

It commended a document titled "Striving Together in Dialogue: A
Muslim-Christian Call for Reflection and Action," written by Christians and
Muslims together after discussions organized by the World Council of
Churches.

Four PC(USA) publications also were commended for study and reflection,
after a brief discussion about whether some inappropriately promote
conversion of Muslims rather than dialogue. More than 70 percent of GA
commissioners voted to retain all the publications as valuable resources for
congregations.

The commissioners called on the General Assembly Council (GAC) to seek
opportunities for dialogue through ecumenical efforts, urging solidarity
"with people of all ethnic and religious traditions who face discrimination
in response to world events and the perceived interests of the United
States."

The Assembly approved a report about the World Alliance of Reformed Churches
(WARC) and its Caribbean and North American Area Council and appointed
delegates to both. WARC represents more than 75 million Christians in 200
denominations. Dr. C.S. Song, its president, spoke briefly to the
commissioners.

At the committee's request, commissioners were shown a video about the
PC(USA), the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and the Cumberland Presbyterian
Church in America, which have strengthened relations and will hold a
combined General Assembly in 2006.