Indian Jesuits launch new Association for Islamic Studies
To promote reciprocal knowledge between Christians and Muslims and Hindus in India, encourage dialogue and build a culture of tolerance, pluralism and inter-religious harmony the Jesuit community in New Delhi has launched an Association for Islamic Studies. India has a population of one billion including 130 million Muslims a consistent minority group with deeply rooted historical and cultural traditions. Fr Victor Edwin SJ, one of the promoters, said: "In the present situation of inter-religious tension and episodes of Hindu fundamentalist and nationalist violence in many parts of India, the new Association will serve to promote understanding and harmony among communities with different religious beliefs in contrast to the closure and intolerance typical of the culture of 'communalism' promoted by some Hindu extremist groups." Source: Fides