Bringing two religions together
Cape Breton-raised priest to focus on commonalities between Catholics and Muslims
Islam may have been around since the seventh century, but a Cape Breton-raised priest said the Catholic Church still struggles in its relations with the world’s second largest religion.
Rev. Damien MacPherson is originally from Lingan, but today the 76-year-old Franciscan Friar is appearing before the Canadian Council of Catholic Bishops in Toronto.
His address to the bishops is likely the last presentation he will make as the Archdiocese of Toronto’s director of Ecumenical and Interfaith Affairs, a position he has held for the past two decades.
Earlier this month, MacPherson spent a few weeks back in Cape Breton at the Lingan residence of his sister Joan Corbett. While home he discussed the issue of interfaith relations and in particular dealings between Catholics and Muslims.
MacPherson said things began to change following the Church’s Second Vatican Council, 1963-1965.
“Prior to 1963, the Roman Catholic Church had little to say and much less to do with Islam and even with Protestants,” he recalled, before explaining about a document called ‘Nostra Aetate’ that was written during the council’s three years of sessions.
“In so doing it recognized the need to open itself to a new awareness and a deeper understanding of the Christian church in general and also to look at Jews in a different light and to recognize the importance of the growing presence of Islam.”
MacPherson, who has been recognized by both Muslims and Catholics for his work in bringing people from the two religions together, said that when he appears before the bishops he plans to reiterate the importance of focusing on commonalities.
“The Roman Catholic Church does recognize and does give support to those teachings that are held in common with Islam — so, whatever Islam believes that does not contradict the Catholic faith, we accept.”
MacPherson also pointed out that Canada is now home to more than one million Muslims, the majority are overjoyed to be living here.
“I agree that some Muslims, a very small minority, have misbehaved badly, and that has left the rest of their community under a veil of suspicion,” he suggested.
“They recognize that, but Muslims feel very at home in Canada and realize it is far better here than in other parts of the world — the vast majority of Muslims in Canada want to be Godfearing, law-abiding, family-oriented, employed and enjoying Canadian life.”
MacPherson said it’s imperative that non-Muslims realize that and should focus on the commonalities they share rather than their differences.