Editorial: Chasm of Ignorance

WHATEVER views people may have about Pope Benedict’s controversial speech at Regensburg University last week, it underlines the urgent need for greater dialogue between people of different faiths. There is a dangerous chasm of ignorance about other faiths and it affects Muslims, Christians, Jews and practitioners of other religions equally; it is dangerous because it is so easily exploited by bigots and opportunists for their own political ends.

Arab News runs this important editorial. Without throwing stones toward Christianity or Islam, it notes that the bigots have to be considered when thoughts turn toward inter-faith dialogue. Not just as targets, but also as participants.

What is most surprising, however is this:

his paper has tried to publish a series of articles on interfaith dialogue. It is a perfect vehicle — an English language daily in a Muslim country with a readership of different faiths and nationalities. We asked major religious and political figures from around the world to contribute. The feedback was extremely positive: “Great idea,” we were told. But after months of reminders, not a single article has been submitted.

I will see what I can do to find religious leaders willing to write a piece for Arab News. I only hope that the entire pieces are run–and read–in their entirety, not just combed for the “possibly insulting, so let’s get outraged” quote.