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Document Details : Title: The Chruches and Islam in Europe Author(s): SLOMP, Jan , VÖCKING, Hans Journal: Studies in Interreligious Dialogue Volume: 21 Issue: 2 Date: 2011 Pages: 211-232 DOI: 10.2143/SID.21.2.2141941 Abstract : After a brief historical survey of Christian-Muslim relations in Europe the authors describe how churches collectively responded to the arrival of new Muslim migrants and refugees since the last quarter of the 20th century. Initially, newly organized institutions have alerted church members to the social welfare and the protection of the rights of the new inhabitants. The authors focus on the activities of the Islam in Europe Committee of the Conference of European Churches, soon joined by the Roman Catholic Council of Episcopal conferences in Europe. From 1978 until 2008 this committee has addressed questions on the faith and religious practices of mainly Muslim migrants. Pastoral guidance was provided concerning interfaith marriages. Experiences were shared with churches in touch with older Muslim communities in Eastern Europe. Conferences were organized on mutual and parallel witness to God in a secular age and other theological issues. Special emphasis was given to improving the training of pastoral workers with co-citizenship, cooperation and dialogue in view. Through publications in all major European languages Christians and churches have been made aware of a lasting challenge. |
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