DIOCESAN NEWS
09/10/10
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Official Statement – Diocese of Jackson
Sept. 11 anniversary – time for prayers for peace, understandingh
As the anniversary of the horrific events of Sept. 11, 2001, approaches this weekend, there has been a deeply unfortunate rise in anti-Islamic voices and actions throughout our country. Efforts in some places are bent on public burnings of the Koran, the sacred text of Islam. The Sept. 11 anniversary should be marked with prayers and actions of peace not voices of hate and division.
The destruction of a copy of the Koran is an affront to all people of faith, and to society as a whole. It is also an affront to the Gospel message to love our neighbor as ourselves and in direct opposition to our church’s efforts to build bridges of understanding and bring about a civilization of peace.
The Diocese of Jackson condemns any act against an individual or a group of individuals that is done out of hate, violence, bigotry and evil in order to promote hate, violence, bigotry and evil. These actions are not Christian and are not American.
At the Second Vatican Council, the Church Fathers issued a document on the relation of the church to non-Christian religions entitled “Nostra Aetate.” Here is part of the section from that document that pertains to Islam.
The church regards with esteem also the Muslims. They adore the one God, living and subsisting in himself; merciful and all- powerful, the Creator of heaven and earth, who has spoken to men; they take pains to submit wholeheartedly to even his inscrutable decrees, just as Abraham, with whom the faith of Islam takes pleasure in linking itself, submitted to God.
Though they do not acknowledge Jesus as God, they revere him as a prophet. They also honor Mary, his virgin Mother; at times they even call on her with devotion. In addition, they await the day of judgment and the reward of God to all those who have been raised up from the dead. Finally, they value the moral life and worship God especially through prayer, almsgiving and fasting. (Nostra Aetate #3, Oct. 28, 1965)
Pray for peace, understanding and healing for ourselves, our communities and our world.
+Joseph N. Latino
Bishop of Jackson
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