Pacific bishops visit Imam

BISHOPS from Oceania visiting Townsville have taken time to visit the spiritual leader of the local Muslim community.

The Federation of Catholic Bishops of Oceania was in the Northern Queensland city for an executive meeting when delegates decided to break with tradition.

Federation President, Dr Peter Loy Chong – Archbishop of Suva  – said the bishops delivered a statement of support for the communities of Townsville and Christchurch.

“The recent massacre at the mosques in Christchurch has brought deep grief to all of us. As church leaders of Oceania we condemn this evil attach and are chocked and horrified that such an atrocity should take place against innocent people,” Chong said.

“We are equally horrified that it should be perpetrated in a place of prayer and worship, when freedom to worship is cherished in our countries.”

The Christchurch attack meant that that Bishop Paul Martin, prelate of the city, was unable to attend the Townsville meeting.

During the visit, Imam Abdul Salik spoke passionately of the communion shared by all religions.

“I feel honoured that you are here, We feel that we are not alone after this event in Christchurch” he said.

“I have no words to describe what has happened, I know in the teachings of Islam and every religion of the world that even the animals shouldn’t be treated like this.”

In a statement, the Oceania bishops said:  “in times like this we should take the time to reflect on the way we treat one another as children of God.”

Salik said he was touched by the comment and after praying with the bishops, invited them to take tea with him.

“There are a lot of similarities and beliefs that are the same as the Islamic religion, there is no difference that we all believe we must respect, care, love, honour and give and respect the rights of all humans,” Salik said.

The Federation of Catholic Bishops of Oceania has members from:  American Samoa , Australia , Cook Islands , Fiji , French Polynesia , Guam , Kiribati , Marshall Islands , Micronesia , New Caledonia , New Zealand , Northern Mariana Islands , Papua New Guinea , Samoa , Solomon Islands , Tonga , Tuvalu , Vanuatu , Wallis and Futuna