ISNA LEADERS MEET POPE BENEDICT XVI

Washington, DC 04/18/08 - ISNA has been an interfaith partner of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) for more than two decades. During that period ongoing joint conferences, retreats, and lectures have taken place.  Both have cosponsored several projects related to peace and justice.

ISNA played a major role in organizing the inter-religious meeting with Pope Benedict XVI on April 17th in Washington, DC.  This meeting was instrumental in conveying ISNA’s commitment to the joint work of ISNA and the USCCB.  The National Director of ISNA Office of Interfaith and Community Alliances reaffirmed ISNA’s commitment to continued dialogue.

ISNA would like to state that no letter of protest was signed or delivered to the Office of His Holiness by ISNA [or by any of the Muslim leaders present at the meeting].

ISNA National Director addressing the Pope said the following:

• Interfaith dialogue is part of our faith and we will continue to cooperate.
• We are proud of the legacy of productive cooperation that we have been able to build jointly in the United States and the need to further reinforce it.
• We pray that there is no statement or gesture that could jeopardize this relationship in the future.  We need to be respectful of each other’s traditions and teach and preach mutual respect and cooperation.

For further information contact Amanda Mouttaki at (202) 544-5656 or amouttaki@isna.net