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VATICAN CITY, JULY 15, 2001 (Zenit.org).- A joint Catholic-Muslim
statement from a conference earlier this month agreed on the
benefits of globalization but also warned of its dangers.
The seventh Meeting of the Muslim-Catholic Linkage
Commission, held in Rome from July 3-4, published a joint
statement on Friday. The topic of the meeting was "Religion
and the Dialogue of Civilizations in the Era of Globalization."
The commission acknowledged "the importance of globalization
and its benefits, while calling attention to its dangers, which
create obstacles to the realization of a commonly shared, just
world order, the acceptance of just criteria whose objective
is the well-being of all, respect for the religious and cultural
values of human societies."
The document reaffirms that "with their material and
technological dimension, civilizations are a common human patrimony;
consequently, their positive elements should be preserved
and their benefits placed at the disposition of all; developed
and promoted in the interest of the safety and well-being of
the whole of humanity."
The meeting´s Catholic delegation was headed by Cardinal
Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious
Dialogue. The Muslim delegation was led by Dr. Kamel al-Sharif,
secretary-general of the Da´wah and Relief International
Islamic Council.
Both delegations agreed that religious values are fundamental
to preserve human dignity, peaceful coexistence and the environment.
They also noted the importance of dialogue between civilizations
for a common commitment in favor of peace and the protection
of humanity from disasters, poverty, ignorance, moral degradation,
family disintegration, wars, and the effects of weapons of mass
destruction.
The groups also rejected the thesis that the clash of civilizations
and social conflict is inevitable.
Commission members agreed to work together for a culture of
dialogue, to resist consumerism, protect human dignity
and rights, prevent aggression, oppression and injustice; to
guarantee the right of refugees to return to their native countries;
and to reject all forms of discrimination. ( ZE010715
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