AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (ABP) — Christians and Muslims should speak with each other rather than about each other, a prominent European Baptist leader told reporters prior to a celebration of the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement July 24.
Tony Peck, the general secretary of the European Baptist Federation, spoke at a July 24 press conference prior to the beginning of the “Amsterdam 400” conference in the Netherlands, scheduled for July 24-26. The EBF-hosted meeting commemorates the founding of the world's first Baptist congregation, composed of English dissenters exiled to Holland, in the back room of an Amsterdam bakery in 1609.
Peck expressed the conviction that Christian-Muslim dialogue would awaken greater understanding for each group. He noted that the founders of the Baptist movement had already struggled for religious liberty — not only for themselves, but also for Muslims.
Nothing has changed on that question since 1609, he said. The original Baptist congregation included Thomas Helwys (1550-1616), who published the paper, “A Short Declaration of the Mistery of Iniquity,” calling for complete religious freedom for all.
Peck gave the journalists present a photocopy of that document. He said Christians and Muslims could discover that they indeed have many joint concerns — for example, in providing a good education for their children. But, he contended, it is not helpful to cast aspersions on Islam’s highest prophet, Muhammad, in such joint discussions.
Peck criticized far-right European political parties that are resisting the social integration of Muslims in Europe. “We must learn to live together with Muslims and are also capable of doing so,” he said.
He also spoke positively about an initiative by 138 Muslim scholars and intellectuals that began in 2007. In a paper addressed to Christian leaders, titled “A Common Word Between Us and You,” the group appealed for better understanding and more peaceful relations between the two faiths. The Muslims pointed out that global survival is also dependent on peace between believers in the two traditions.
Both the Baptist World Alliance and the EBF have officially greeted the Muslim overture as a “hopeful sign.” Official discussions between leading Baptists and representatives from the Muslim side have already taken place, including a January meeting in the United States.