Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
New Delhi (Fides Service) - To promote reciprocal knowledge between Christians and Muslims and Hindus in India, encourage dialogue and build a culture of tolerance, pluralism and inter-religious harmony the Jesuit community in New Delhi has launched an Association for Islamic Studies. India has a population of 1 billion including 130 million Muslims a consistent minority group with deeply rooted historical and cultural traditions.
In the present situation of inter-religious tension and episodes of Hindu fundamentalist and nationalist violence in many parts of India, the new Association - says one of the promoters Jesuit Fr. Victor Edwin - will serve to promote understanding and harmony among communities with different religious beliefs in contrast to the closure and intolerance typical of the culture of “communalism” promoted by some Hindu extremist groups. (Agenzia Fides 1/3/2006 righe 20 parole 201)
