SEPTEMBER 19, 2006

STATEMENT FROM THE DIOCESE OF TOLEDO:

“The attitude of the Catholic Church toward Muslims is one of respect and esteem, as solemnly stated by the Second Vatican Council. Last year at a meeting with Muslim representatives in Germany Pope Benedict said, “We must seek paths of reconciliation and learn to live with respect for each other's identity.”

I am deeply saddened that our Muslim brothers and sisters have taken such offense at the historical reference made by Pope Benedict in his academic lecture at Regensburg University. This sadness is compounded by the fact that the Pope’s intention in that lecture was to foster a more serious dialogue of cultures with reference to faith and reason.

Since becoming Bishop of Toledo I have enjoyed an excellent relationship with the local Muslim community.  This was evidenced recently by the inter-faith service held at Christ the King Parish. Together with members of other religions, local Muslims and Catholics prayed for peace and an end to hatred and violence in the world, especially in the name of religion. I remain firmly committed to strengthening and deepening Catholic-Muslim relations in a spirit of mutual respect, understanding and esteem.”

       Most Rev. Leonard P. Blair
       Bishop of Toledo