Human Rights Commission

18 September 2006

New Zealand Catholic and Muslim Leaders Committed to Dialogue and Cooperation

Leaders of New Zealand's Catholic and Muslim Communities remain committed to dialogue and cooperation based on mutual respect, Race Relations Commissioner, Joris de Bres said today.

Mr de Bres said he had discussed the international controversy surrounding Pope Benedict's Regensburg lecture with Catholic Archbishop John Dew and Federation of Islamic Associations Acting President Mustafa Farouk.

Both leaders had emphasised their commitment to the process of interfaith dialogue and cooperation in New Zealand, and the cordial and respectful relationship that exists between their faith communities.

ENDS