ISLAM-CHRISTIAN DIALOGUE

287 other elements which do not adhere to the UCOI line and which are the most numerous but not organized; these non-politicized elements would beco- me almost obligatory to be channeled through those who have set themselves up as representatives of the Muslims. Another element to be considered are the many Muslims, especially women, who prefer not to have discriminatory regimes; on the contrary, they have fled their countries for this very reason. 4. Representing Muslims or Islam? I re- main perplexed about the frantic search for an interlocutor for Muslims. I say Muslims and not Islam. Already the Va- tican, the CEI and the local bishops have their own channels with the Islamic re- ligious authorities, but the State and the civic authorities deal with citizens, residents, illegal immigrants and so on, through their own institutions and the punctual application of laws. Are the- re interlocutors for each other category of citizens? Atheists, Buddhists, etc.? It slips to identify citizens for their religion, danger of falling into racism. 5.The UCOI is encouraged to become a political party for local elections following the example of the Muslim brothers in Egypt or Hamas in Palestine. 6.managers of the center would easily be- come a political leverage in the hands of a foreign funding state; a danger that will sooner or later arise. As you know, Muslims always refer to Mecca as a moral, theological or other authority (the same for Azhar). 7. opting for a provisional solution in Italy is the first step for a definitive one 8. it is likely to receive a request for a mosque to be built as a pendant to the cathedral with all the drawbacks men- tioned above 9. a unique location for the mosque does not favor the religiousness of families: in a city as big as Milan, moving from the place of residence requires a time that does not facilitate free attendance to prayer, which would be possible if the local quarter had a place to gather. 10. due to lack of preachers and qualified imams very often the sermon is tran- smitted from a foreign country through the TV with the consequences we know. 11. to encourage religious gatherings during public holidays rather than du- ring normal working Fridays causing bottlenecks to traffic. in Arab countries Christians have adapted and gather for masses on Fridays instead of Sundays. 12. It should be clear, the mosque is not only a place of prayer or worship, but a center of Islamic aggregation with cultural, social and political values. (All the riots started on Friday after the ser- mon). Religious rules are applied in dif- ferent ways according to the countries and the government of the moment, they are neither constant nor equal in all Islamic countries. Which Islam is to be taken as a reference in Italy? I have entertained at length and you will have to excuse me for this, but the subject has a long-term impact on our society. The same impact the deadlock had on de- cision making with regard to the invasion of the pavements in Viale Jenner.