“What we wanted was not to take over that holy place, but to create in it, together with you and other faiths, an ecumenical space unique in the world which would have been of great significance in bringing peace to humanity,” the letter said.
That was my thought - if they want an ecumenical space, why don’t they volunteer to convert ANY of their mosques into an ecumenical space?Why don’t we ask them if we can turn one of the many churches they (forcibly) turned into mosques after conquering a country (by force) into an “ecumenical space?”
Its a fair question, but it begs another. Are there mosques in Spain which were formerly churches?Why don’t we ask them if we can turn one of the many churches they (forcibly) turned into mosques after conquering a country (by force) into an “ecumenical space?”
Yes, the Cathedral in Cadiz is one and I am sure there are others.Its a fair question, but it begs another. Are there mosques in Spain which were formerly churches?
I think a recent Vatican document (published a few years back) very explicitly states that the Holy Mass absolutely may not be celebrated in sacred space belonging to a non-Christian religion. The reverse would occur if this happened, that is, the Muslims allowed to worship in the cathedral.Petition who? The government of Turkey, which is stridently secular, controls the Hagia Sophia and treats it as a museum. Religious services are not allowed there.
Quoting the Islamic Board:
They recognize that they are asking for something without precedent. Its worth discussing, especially within the context of reciprocity. But I don’t think there should be any quick decisions. Its important to consider all the implications.
Even then, Catholic Mass could not be celebrate there, as noted above. We must have fear of the Lord and grave reverence for His Body and Blood.Quoting the Islamic Board:
That was my thought - if they want an ecumenical space, why don’t they volunteer to convert ANY of their mosques into an ecumenical space?