Committee for Human Fraternity Document: Statement by Bishop Paul Hinder

Abu Dhabi.

On 19 August 2019, a committee was set up by the United Arab Emirates to implement the contents of the Human Fraternity Document, signed in Abu Dhabi on 4 February 2019 by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam of Al Azhar, Ahmed Al Tayeb.

Following the remarks of Pope Francis who expressed his appreciation at the formation of the committee, Bishop Paul Hinder released the below statement: 

Pope Francis has expressed his joy about the recent formation of a Higher Committee for achieving the goals contained in the Document on Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together, which he signed last February in the United Arab Emirates together with the Grand Imam of Al Azhar. 

I expect that this Higher Committee will help to promote and implement the content of the Document and to see its high goals being realized in the very near future. There is locally, regionally and worldwide much to do in order that the spirit of tolerance takes flesh and that Christian and Muslim believers are able to work together for the common good. All of us are invited to be “channels of peace” wherever we live or work. 

I am happy if our Christians with the necessary discernment and skillsets are able to put into motion initiatives and activities that will help build bridges between people of different faiths. I welcome the commitment of our government. The Catholic Church stands ready to contribute to Human Fraternity for World Peace and Living Together and to be part of the implementation of the document. I wholeheartedly recommend and invite our schools and our parishes to set the Human Fraternity Document on the curriculum of their activities.