ISLAM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

149 CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS IN MILAN: WHAT DIALOGUE? COMMUNITY - 06 - 2010 Christians and Muslims in Milan: what dialogue? Together with Christianity and Judaism it is possible to share precious resources to build the global culture of Peace and Fraternity. Recent events have brought to light beha- viours originating from Arab immigration, not referable to other immigrants, which have, to say the least, astonished the majority of Italians, incomprehensible behaviours but which have as their origin the social structure of the Arab countries. In fact, the Arab, accustomed to living in a mono-cultural environment, is confronted by global emigration with diversified en- vironments, is frightened by the apparent absence of God, is pushed to shut himself away and the Muslims to turn to Islamic centres which are proliferated thanks to the financing of the Arab countries. Islam thus becomes for many young immigran- ts the only clear reference point both on a cultural and religious level. The Muslim religion, because of the frustration caused by the impact with a new type of men- tality, represents an easy opportunity for identification and strong cohesion. In spi- te of national borders, the concept of the intimate (Muslim community) predomina- tes in Muslim philosophy: "a watchword launched by some authoritative voice at the right time can compact and lead back to tight unity" (Card. Martini). In Italy the- re is a lack of a policy of integration that accompanies the immigrant in his or her insertion into society that accepts new citizens by predisposing an adequate in- tegration policy. To establish coexistence with a fruitful dialogue, it is necessary to know one another, and knowledge is bread and butter from truth and respect for others. The immigrant is above all a man with the dignity that comes with it: rights, duties... This is the starting point for a small contribution to understanding the Arab world, to its culture and to peace in the Middle East. I have chosen to start from the invisible knots to the major bre- ad of Italians, impediments to coexisten- ce, to arrive at the role of parishioners in the rapprochement of Muslim families with the aim of promoting the cultural development of women, human rights, and combat religious fanaticism. The re- latively recent current of thought coming from the Wahahita Kingdom, financed by petrodollars, has imposed itself on the power of the States and claims to apply to the letter the dictates of the Koran without