Few Christians are willing to admit that Islam has an important contribution to make to world peace, yet the enormous problems faced by the modern world necessitate cooperation and respect between the different faiths, says Australian Jesuit and Islamic scholar Fr Herman Roborgh.
Fr Franz Magnis-Suseno (IDO) was born as Count von Magnis in 1936 in Silesia, Germany. In 1955 he became a Jesuit priest and later went to Indonesia, where he still lives and works as a priest and university professor. In 1997 Father Magnis-Suseno, who studied theology, philosophy and politics and had by then obtained a doctorate in theology, took out citizenship in his adopted country and chose the additional Javanese name of Suseno. In 2001 he was awarded the Commander’s Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. He was interviewed in early January by representatives of the international Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).
This is an article written by Fr Jojo Fung (MAS) for a book publication by Penerbit Ledalero (Ledalero Publishing House) at the STFK (Catholic Institute of Philosophy and Theology) in Ledalero, where John Prior SVD, a well known Asian theologian, has been lecturing for more than 25 years. The book is in honor of John’s 65th birthday in gratitude for his dedication to academic progress, in particular in Ledalero, and as a contribution of STFK Ledalero towards the development of contextual theology in Indonesia.
Sch Ladislas Nsengiyumva (CHN) joined the Scholastics and Brothers-in-Formation Assembly in December 20, 2010 – January 2, 2011. It was centered on the theme of Interreligious Dialogue. Bro Ladi wrote, “We started from sharing in groups about our personal experiences with Islam in our own countries followed by a three day live-in experience with Muslim youths in Pesantrens (Schools teaching Islamic Studies). This combination of sharing and experience led me to realize how little and often distorted was my knowledge about Islam. I personally knew that there were two categories of Muslims – moderate and radical Muslims – but I had never had the opportunity to sit together with any of these two groups. This time, I had the chance not only to share meals with the moderate Muslims, but also to pray together in their Mosque. It was for me an eye opening and heartwarming experience.”
The Qur’an, which was revealed about 600 years after the New Testament, tells the story of Christmas in its own way. An account of the birth of Jesus occurs in more than one of its 114 Surahs (or chapters). In these accounts, we find a clear emphasis on the virgin birth of Jesus and an announcement that Jesus was sent by God with a message of peace for all mankind.
Fr John Wataru Uekuri (JPN) shares about his work: “I am fully involved in retreat guidance, and I do this job mainly using the method of Sadhana retreats composed by the late Fr Anthony de Mello.” Read more. . .
The interreligious dialogue apostolate recently suffered the loss of two of its dedicated advocates, Fr Albert Poulet-Mathis (CHN) and Fr Bill Johnson (JPN).
Fr Jojo Fung (MAS), Coordinator of Jesuit Companions in Indigenous Ministry (JCIM) of the Jesuit Conference of Asia Pacific, writes on the gathering of Jesuits and youth leaders of indigenous peoples.
Rampant consumerism and religious extremism pose a dual threat to Indonesia's national character; Fr Franz Magnis-Suseno (IDO) of Jakarta's Driyarkara School of Philosophy warned speaking to about 80 participants at a June 2 symposium in Jakarta organized by the Democratic National, an organization dedicated to creating integral freedom in Indonesia.
The Seven Fountains Spirituality Center in Chiang Mai, Thailand witnessed the gathering of a few of the Jesuits who are engaged in the area of Buddhism. It was for them, a first-time opportunity to communicate with fellow brothers face to face. The occasion was the Workshop on Buddhist-Christian dialogue held last April 23 – 25. The participants including Fr. Mark Raper were ten, of which two were from India. Fr Cyril Veliath (JPN), JCAP Coordinator for Dialogue with Buddhism, gave this report.