ISLAMIC-CATHOLIC LIAISON COMMITTEE MEETS IN FRANCE

VATICAN CITY, JUL 12, 1999 (VIS) - The Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee held its fifth meeting in Paris, France from July 1 to 3, corresponding to 17-19 Rabi'al'Awal, 1420, according to a communique released today by the Pontifical Council for Inter-Religious Dialogue.

Cardinal Francis Arinze, council president, led the Catholic delegation, while the Islamic side was headed by Senator Kamel al-Sharif, secretary general of the International Council for Da'wa and Relief, Cairo.

On the first topic under discussion - building a culture of dialogue on the present generation - both sides agreed that, to do so, "it is important to have clarity on the nature of the dialogue itself. It covers all forms of encounter which promote mutual understanding and respect."

With regard to the second topic - common action to sustain permanent religious values in a changing order - "the committee underlined the need to call attention to the religious values that should guide political leaders in achieving a world order which will assure the good of all human beings."

The note closes with "an appeal to the media to promote religious values and the culture of dialogue."

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