188
ship and become fully a part of society. We must
never forget that they âprofess to hold the faith
of Abraham, and together with us they adore
the one, merciful God, who will judge humanity
on the last dayâ.
198
The sacred writings of Islam
have retained some Christian teachings; Jesus and
Mary receive profound veneration and it is admi-
rable to see how Muslims both young and old,
men and women, make time for daily prayer and
faithfully take part in religious services. Many of
them also have a deep conviction that their life,
in its entirety, is from God and for God. They
also acknowledge the need to respond to God
with an ethical commitment and with mercy to-
wards those most in need.
253.âIn order to sustain dialogue with Islam,
suitable training is essential for all involved,
not only so that they can be solidly and joyfully
grounded in their own identity, but so that they
can also acknowledge the values of others, ap-
preciate the concerns underlying their demands
and shed light on shared beliefs. We Christians
should embrace with affection and respect Mus-
lim immigrants to our countries in the same way
that we hope and ask to be received and respect-
ed in countries of Islamic tradition. I ask and I
humbly entreat those countries to grant Chris-
tians freedom to worship and to practice their
faith, in light of the freedom which followers of
198
âS
econd
V
atican
E
cumenical
C
ouncil
, Dogmatic
Constitution on the Church
Lumen Gentium
, 16.
