Faiths must work together

VATICAN CITY - As Muslims around the world prepare to celebrate the end of their month-long Ramadan fast, Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran encouraged Catholics and Muslims to work together to promote spirituality.

Tauran, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue, said Christians and Muslims are concerned about the challenges of materialism and secularization and the loss of the importance of spiritual and moral values in society.

The message, released Aug. 19 at the Vatican, was issued in 30 different languages. It was addressed to Muslims around the world to mark the end of Ramadan on or around Aug. 30.

Tauran deplored that “Christians and Muslims are too often witnesses to the violation of the sacred” and are often mistrusted by others.

“Christians and Muslims, beyond their differences, recognize the dignity of the human person endowed with both rights and duties,” the cardinal wrote.