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Conviction and Conflict
Islam Christianity and World Order
By: Michael Nazir- Ali
ISBN 0-8264-8615-0 �14.99 Published by continiuum
Christians and Muslims must acknowledge the need for reciprocity if they are to live in harmony together, says the Bishop of Rochester, the Right Rev Michael Nazir-Ali, in a new book Conviction and Conflict. The issue is hotly political in many parts of the world. In Nigeria, Indonesia, Bosnia and other places where Islam collides with Christianity, there have been violent clashes over accusations of proselytising. Christian activists have long protested at the restrictions imposed, for example, in Saudi Arabia, where it is illegal to open any non-Muslim place of worship.
Bishop Michael, who served for years as a bishop in his native Pakistan, calls in his book for freedom to choose one's religion. "In today's world, it is increasingly important that there should be a dialogue between people of different faiths on matters to do with fundamental freedoms. These will certainly include the relationship between freedom of expression and public order, freedom of worship and of religious belief generally (including the possibility of changing one's belief), and freedom of movement without undue restrictions for people on the basis of their religion, race or national origin."
In this book, based on a series of lectures on Islamic teaching and thought, he looks at how conflict with Christianity can be avoided. He calls for a reciprocity based on the principles of co-citizenship, equality, the rule of law and human rights. Bishop Michael is one of the best authorities on Islam within the Anglican Church.
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