Christian-Muslim Summit Addresses Extremism as One of Root Causes of Displacement

Msgr. Robert J. Vitillo, ICMC Secretary General, recently served as the co-coordinator of the Fourth Session of Christian-Muslim Summit held in Tehran, Iran.

The summit, the fourth in a series of meetings of religious leaders from the Catholic, Anglican-Episcopal, Sunni and Shia religious traditions, revolved around the theme “Respect for Human Dignity: The Foundation of Peace and Security”.

The religious leaders and scholars raised concerns over the misinterpretation and distortion of sacred Books that often result in acts of discrimination and forced displacement especially of women, children, and ethnic minorities. They also condemned the rise of criminal acts, such as terrorist attacks, occupation of sovereign lands, and destruction of religious and cultural heritage.

The participants called for renewed commitment to being self-critical, understanding our own beliefs and texts, and interpreting them in context as a way to oppose extremism and advocate for a culture of peace.

• Read the Call to Action.