1. The need for collaboration

11 September 2001 is already considered a date with epochal dimensions, marking human consciousness in an indelible way, so that one will speak about �before� and �after� this date. There is no need to describe the events of this day. They are still fresh in our memories, evoking a sense of honor and revulsion. Yet this day does not stand alone, for there have been other days which continue to have historic resonance. One such, in a positive sense, would be 27 October 1986, the day on which religious leaders from all over the world gathered together in Assisi at the invitation of Pope John Paul TI to pray for peace. The Assisi event is recalled because it is relevant to our meeting here today.

Such days, though significant in themselves, do not happen out of the blue. They have a before and an after. There is a need to analyse the events of 11 September and to tiy to uncover their causes and foresee their consequences. It is not my intention to attempt this in the brief time allotted to me. I wish only to underline one lesson to be drawn from this disaster, namely the need for greater collaboration among religious leaders and more specifically between Christians and Muslims.

2. Joint statements

Such collaboration already exists. It has been a source of encouragement to many that Christian and Muslim leaders have been able to make joint statements concerning the events of 11 September. In the USA a statement was published signed by one Catholic bishop, Bishop Tod Brown of Orange, representing the Catholic Bishops of the US, and five Muslims representing different Muslim organisations. The two communities in which the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue is engaged, the Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee and the committee set up with al-Azhar, both issued brief declarations. All these statements contained an unequivocal condemnation of terrorism and called for common action by religious leaders.

3. The �spirit of Assisi�

I wish to contend that these common declarations could not have been made if good relations had not already been established and cultivated. This points to the relevance of Assisi 1986. This gathering to pray for peace had its background, for Catholics, in the renewed theological and pastoral outlook shaped through the Second Vatican Council. It has also had its follow-up, the keeping alive of the �spirit of Assisi�, in which the Community of St Egidio has played a prominent part. This would seem to point to the need for people of religious conviction, Christians and Muslims, but also people belonging to other religious traditions, to come together at all levels to continue to build up good relations.

What can religious leaders do together in order to draw from the sad events of 11

September the right lessons ? Basing myself on the work of the Interreligious Assembly

which was held in the Vatican in October 1999, let me suggest three areas of cooperation:

- education for mutual respect;

- joint efforts to prevent religion from being manipulated;

- joint service to humanity.

4. Education for mutual respect

This implies taking great care to impart objective information about each other�s religious traditions. Hasty generalisations, which only serve to nourish prejudices, are to be avoided. The teaching about another religion should be done in such a way that persons belonging to that religion would recognize themselves in the presentation made. As well as bringing out the differences between one religion and another, there should be a readiness to underline common fundamental moral and spiritual values. This means that teachers have therefore to be trained, and to be trained properly.

There has been some progress in correcting text books on religions, but more still needs to be done. The same vigilance should be extended to other matters, for instance to history, where a wrong appreciation of another religious community can easily be given.

5. Joint efforts to prevent religion from being manipulated

Religion provides a strong motivation for human behaviour. When tensions arise they may often rise from a conflict in material interests, for social or economic reasons. Yet the conflict can be fuelled by emphasising the different religious allegiance of the person held to be in opposition. Hence the phenomenon of Islamophobia, or of a distrust of Christians in some areas of the world.

What can religious leaders do with respect to this problem ? First of all they must surely try to monitor the way the religious message is given within their own ranks, to see. that religion is never used to incite hatred and violence. Religious solidarity should not be accentuated to such a degree that it would lead to discrimination. There is a need for all people living in any given area, whatever may be their religion, to be treated with respect and to enjoy religious freedom.

Secondly, such monitoring is required also with regard to the media, press, radio, television and electronic media. We all know how powerful the media is in shaping public opinion and attitudes. Fairness is a fundamental requirement, and religious leaders should be ready to support one another when any community suffers from misrepresentation.

Thirdly leaders from different religions could speak out more often together on the problems facing society today. This would imply at times taking a critical stance, even with regard to those exercising political authority. In some countries religious leaders do make their voices heard, but more could be done in this line. Courage is needed to uncover underlying injustices which lead to a breakdown in relations, to call for and contribute to the process of dialogue which alone can lead to equitable solutions, to condemn violence whether unprovoked or in retaliation, and to promote true reconciliation.

6. Joint service on behalf of humanity

There are many areas in which joint action could be taken. One that springs to mind immediately is reconstruction in war-torn regions. There is a need for material buildings, but perhaps above all to strengthen civil society. Religious leaders could surely cooperate in helping to build up that confidence which is necessary for people to be able to work together.

Another field in which more collaboration could take place would be in the care of refugees. Many religious NGOs are active in providing assistance. Common approaches and common action could be worked out.

Could there not also be concerted action to limit the sale of arms, and to see that chemical and biological weapons are not developed and used?

7. Conclusion

To conclude these brief reflections I feel I cannot do better than to quote what His Holiness Pope John Paul TI said on 23 September during his visit to Kazakhstan:

From this city, from Kazakhstan, a country that is an example of harmony between men and women of different origins and beliefs, I wish to make an earnest call to everyone, Christians and the followers of other religions, that we work together to build a world without violence, a world that loves life, and grows in justice and solidarity. We must not yet what has happened lead to a deepening of divisions. Religion must never be used as a reason for conflict.

From this place, I invite both Christians and Muslims to raise an intense prayer to the One, Almighty God who created us all, that the fundamental good of peace may reign in the world. May people everywhere, strengthened by divine wisdom, work for a civilisation of love, in which there is no room for hatred, discrimination or violence. With all my heart I beg God to keep the world in peace. Amen.