Abstract

The Dominican, Ellul, begins the chapter with an excursus on the historical relationship of his native Malta with Islam and Muslims. This history, combined with migration and contemporary relations with the Arab world, colours the island's Christian-Muslim relations. The author's own life fits into the pattern with family links to Libya and an initiation into Islamic studies at IDEO before going for formal studies to PISAI. Teaching assignments in Rome and Malta, collaborative work with the PCID and local Muslim-Christian dialogue on Malta shape the engagement. The chapter charts the proud history of Dominican involvement in the field since the 13th century, notes with approval a speech by Pope Benedict XVI in Cologne, and points the way to a future based on reconciliation, acceptance, human dignity and mutual trust before God as two religious communities.

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