Joint Muslim/Christian statement opposing religious extremism

Berit Hagen Agøy General Secretary Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations and Mehtab Afsar General Secretary Islamic Council of Norway. 

- Religious extremists put themselves in the place of God and believe that they are fighting on behalf of God against the enemies of God. Religious extremism is therefore contrary to the teachings of our religions, especially with respect to the basic dignity and rights of all human beings,the statement says.

The joint statement underlines that religious extremism is part of the global reality. But the main issue reflected in the text is that religious extremism also threatens the life, welfare and rights of human beings in many local situations.

The Islamic Council of Norway and the Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations see the statement as a tool to help local churches and mosques to identify religious extremism. The statement says:

- The Islamic Council of Norway and the Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations are especially concerned that possible tendencies to religious extremism in our own ranks should come to light. We therefore urge Muslims and Christians to prevent and oppose all forms of religious extremism both in their respective communities and in their fellowship with one another.

Read the full text of the Joint Statement Opposing Religious Extremism by the Islamic Council of Norway and the Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations