Islam scholars reach out to pope

AMMAN, Jordan, Oct. 11 (UPI)

A Jordan-based group of Islamic scholars has appealed directly to the pope to help smooth out conflicts between Muslims and Christians.

Nearly 140 scholars signed a 29-page letter to Pope Benedict XVI and other Christian leaders urging them to be more aggressive in finding common ground that will head off future religious conflicts.

The Guardian of London said the letter was sponsored by the Royal Aal al-Bayt Institute for Islamic Thought in Jordan.

"We say to Christians that we are not against them and that Islam is not against them -- so long as they do not wage war against Muslims on account of their religion, oppress them and drive them out of their homes," the letter said.

The scholars contended that Mohammed received the same revelations from God that Christians and Jews heard from their own ancient prophets, and that the Koran calls for friendship and respect with people from other faiths.

Copyright 2007 by United Press International