Focus on brotherhood: Theologians talk about the epochal explanation

Focus on brotherhood: Theologians talk about the epochal explanation

Austrian theologians, signed in 2019, classified "Document on the Brotherhood of all people for a peaceful coexistence in the world", also known as an explanation of Abu Dhabi, as a "prophetic text". On February 4, 2019, Pope Francis and the Grand Mam of the Al-Azhar University, Ahmed el-Tayeb, signed this important document in Abu Dhabi, which aims to promote interreligious dialogue and peace. According to the Innsbruck theologian Prof. Michaela Quast-Neulinger and the Graz religious scientist Prof. Franz Winter, the text represents an "epochal character" and raised the question to what extent his principles can now be implemented, such as kathpress.at reported.

content and meaning of the explanation

The document illuminates the fraternity of all people and speaks against violence and terror in the name of religion. It promotes a "culture of mutual respect", which serves as the basis for the interreligious dialogue. This important message inspired the introduction of the international day of human fraternity by the UN, which is also celebrated on February 4. In addition, the document includes demands on religious freedom and the protection of women's rights. Quast-Neulinger pointed out that the topics of religious freedom and civic equality were recorded in a document of historical importance, which was signed by a high-ranking representative of Sunni Islam. This signing was perceived as a "liberation strike" in the Islamic world, according to Quast-Neulinger, while Winter underlined the signal effect of the document, even if the implementation is still pending, reported Wikipedia .

The explanation addresses, among other things, the dangers of extremism, the loss of moral values ​​as well as the need for tolerance and cooperation between the different religions. In his encyclical "Fratelli Tutti", Pope Francis described the document as essential for interreligious dialogue and emphasized his practical relevance in the daily life of the faithful. However, critics fear that the content will not be implemented consistently. Nevertheless, many see a milestone in the explanation for peace and the cooperation between religions, and in the future it could shape the Christian-Islamic dialogue, as was found by various theologians.