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Schneider: Struggle against Exclusion is a Common Task for Christians and Muslims

EKD Council Chairperson Addresses Muslims on Ramadan

August 25, 2010

The Chairperson of the Evangelical Church in Germany (EKD) Council, Praeses Nikolaus Schneider, called for closer collaboration between Christians and Muslims in combating poverty and social exclusion. In his Ramadan message marking the Muslim month of fasting and which was communicated to mosque associations on August 25, he wrote: "As you are surely aware, the churches in Germany and their diaconal agencies are deeply engaged in the fight against poverty and social exclusion, and strive to heighten public awareness of the issue. I believe that the time is ripe for Muslims and Christians to join forces in carrying out the common task of defending those who need our solidarity, help, and support."

Schneider said the problem of poverty and social inequality in Germany was a matter that particularly worried him and stressed the urgent need for a down-to-earth discussion on the goals and achievements of the fight against poverty in Germany: "We are not only talking about hunger, but about participation in society. The fear of losing one's job, of not being able to get by on one's income, or of having to depend on the help of others can of itself threaten a person's health and satisfaction and happiness in life; it can also reinforce his or her feeling of not being part of society."

Schneider also acknowledged the work of the German Islam Conference, which was held for the second time this year. "It is important to maintain a dialogue despite numerous differences of opinion and to clarify problems and questions openly and sincerely." He also hoped that the Islam Conference would be of benefit to Muslims in Germany and would serve to promote "mutual understanding and respect." Schneider thanked Muslims for extending invitations to non-Muslim friends and neighbors to break the Ramadan fast with them in the evening. "I welcome this gesture of openness and solidarity with great gratitude and joy as a sign of a growing trust."

Hanover, 25 August 2010

Press Office of the EKD