Muslims, Catholics Reach Accord

Reports on positive developments from a local interfaith effort

clipped from www.theledger.com Concluding a three-day gathering at the nation's largest mosque, a collection of Muslim and Roman Catholic leaders emerged with a 114-word blueprint for greater understanding between the two faiths. Several dozen participants weighed tough questions - including ideas for guidelines governing attempts to convert Muslims to Catholicism and Catholics to Islam - and approved a mission statement to guide future dialogue. "Our common belief in the one God of mercy and love calls us into relationship with one another," the statement reads. "Therefore we see our dialogue as a spiritual journey. Common ethical concerns compel us to take responsibility for our relationship within U.S. society."