A top Vatican official has praised the Muslim call for dialogue whilst at the same time saying that there are difficulties in having a real theological debate because they saw the Koran as the literal word of God and would not discuss it in depth.
Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran stated in an interview in the French Catholic daily La Croix, that Christians would have to discuss the curbs on building churches in the Islamic world in any dialogue with the Muslim scholars.
The Cardinal stated that: "Muslims do not accept that one can discuss the Koran in depth because they say it was written by dictation from God. With such an absolute interpretation, it is difficult to discuss the contents of faith."
The fact that Muslims can build mosques in Europe (and elsewhere) while many Islamic states limit or ban church building cannot be ignored. "In limited dialogue among believers, it is fundamental to say what is good for one is good for the other" he said.
Whilst other Christian denominations welcomed the letter from the Muslim scholars, the key to any coordinated response is the Catholic response. It is expected that Pope Benedict will make a response to the appeal from the Muslim scholars when he addresses an interfaith meeting in Naples.
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