English representatives of 8 dioceses (out of 14) met in Toronto Nov. 6-7, 2007 at the offices of the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops.  A representative of the Montreal based Canadian Centre for Ecumenism was present along with Bishop Jean-Louis Plouffe, the liaison Bishop for the Ontario Conference of Catholic Bishops.

            The seminar focus this year was on Islam.  Two presentations were made by representatives of the major groups of the Muslim religion:  Shiites and Sunni.  Each presenter gave insights into what is common for all Muslims and what distinguishes Shiite from Sunni Muslims.

A.   What is Common:      - Belief in one God called Allah

                                           -  Acceptance of role of Prophets sent by God among whom are the top five: Adam, Noah, Abraham, Jesus and Mohammed

                                           -  Life after Death

                                           -  The Koran as revealed by God to Mohammed as the basic scripture

                                           -  A life of prayer (5 times a day)

                                           - Fasting at a specific time of year “Ramadan”

                                           - Charity (taxing income to help others)

B.   What is Different:       -  Shiites number 130 million.  Sunni 800 million.

                                           - What distinguishes these major groups is the succession to the founder prophet Mohammed.   Shiites say the son-in-law and cousin of Mohammed were delegated by him and they trace their leadership through a family line.  Sunni say the Prophet left no one in charge and it was up to the community to choose successors.  Shiites have specific leaders of prayer (IMANS) who must be trained while Sunni Muslims can have anyone lead prayer.

            In their history of 1400 years, both major groups have lived together in peace and harmony EXCEPT when one group tries to dominate and control the other (as in Iraq today).  Within Islam a fundamentalist movement emerged about 40 years ago called WAHABI.  They promote violence to impose ISLAM – and are obviously the source of great discomfort for peace loving Muslims.

            A variety of questions were brought to the presenters and a good dialogue emerged.  It was a very enlightening seminar and gave very good impressions and insights into ISLAM as a very peaceful, open, and respectful world religion wanting generally to be part of the North American culture while maintaining their own sense of identify.    Because of world events in the last 6 years, they have generally experienced a negative response from stereotyping often found in the media.  “ISLAMAPHOBIA” is prevalent and challenges Islamic leaders to dialogue more with others in society in order to present a truer picture.

            The deep respect Muslim people have for Jesus (and Mary), as well as their reverence for Abraham is a starting point for dialogue.  As well, like Jews and Christians, their faith has a deep sense of social justice towards issues that plague humanity.  At least on the North American scene they are anxious to relate well with other religious groups – especially Catholics.

Fr. James A. Hutton

Diocesan Co-ordinator of the Diocesan Office of

Christian Unity, Religious Relations with the Jews, and Inter Faith Dialogue