This article was first Published on Thursday, March 6, 2008 at – :
http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2008/03/christian-apology.html
Dear friends,
Down below, Marylou has put together some serious thoughts for all of us to consider, this comes on the eve of the announcement from Pope Benedict that a formal committee will be established between the Catholics and Muslims to improve upon the soured relationships between the communities.
This also reminds me of the intense moments I experienced with 33 other members of different faith traditions about two years ago in a conference, which resulted in a documentary called “one path many ways”. You can see the trailer of it at: http://www.manypathsonesource.org/LeaderBios/MikeGhouse.html
The movie was presented in the Canadian film festival and we are hoping it would be released on PBS. I will update you about it. Once it is shown, I can put it on the website, or I can show it to a few friends here in Dallas with the permission of the producers Joshua & Mary Ann Thompson-Frenk.
Being a Muslim, I was expecting that every one will be pointing the guns at me, and I was ready to deal with it. But it was a total surprise to every one that it turned against the Missionary Zealots who demolished the Native cultures of America and Africa (about 15 representatives of the cultures were participating). The tense moment came when Becky a Navajo, cried for what they did to her tradition… and offered a symbolic rope to any Christian to come forward and accept it as part of the healing (at least six Christian traditions were represented)… absolute tenseness prevailed, then Rev Todd, a Presbyterian minister walked up to her and received the rope… and offered an apology… Then the biggest surprise miracle of my life happened… Tony Ambrose, an Apache prayed for rain, in no time, it was pouring… it was a moment of celebration. Goose bumps are appearing on me imagining that evening. Watch the slide show http://picasaweb.google.com/MikeGhouse/MemnosyneConference
Now, Marylou has offered that opportunity, remember, healing begins with one person at a time. As a Muslim, I accept the apology and offer an apology to everyone, where wrongs have been committed in the name of Islam by forced conversions and other incidental crimes. God would not have authorized any such compulsions in his name. Let’s recognize, Marylou does not represent every Christian, nor do I represent every Muslim. No one on the earth represents every one, but it takes a few to begin the movement for peace and co-existence.
As responsible citizens of the world, and servants of the creator, it is your, mine and every one’s responsibility to cause peace. If it does not happen with you and me, it will not happen with others. Let the peace begin with me. It is our duty to Jihaad (struggle) for harmonious and peaceful co-existence. Amen.
We do have the room for the few, who would not accept this exchange. God is forgiving, loving, kind and merciful, when we follow him (Christians), surrender to him (Hindus) , submit to his will (Muslims), and simply obey him (every faith), then we are to reflect his forgiveness, kindness and love. Please feel free to express your agreement or disagreement in 150 words are less.
Mike Ghouse
http://www.worldmuslimcongress.com/
http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/
WorldMuslimCongress@yahoogroups.com