Building Bridges of Peace: The Value of Dialogue Between Anglicans and Muslims in Today's Europe

By Father Marco Baragli

Following my recent appointment as Adviser to the European Muslims League (EML) for Relations with the Anglican Church and Interfaith Dialogue, I wish to express my deep gratitude for the trust placed in me by the President, H.E. Ambassador Alfredo Maiolese. Beginning this mandate means making a concrete commitment to promoting peace, mutual respect, and international cooperation at a fundamental historical moment for our society.

Dialogue between the Christian tradition—and the Anglican Communion in particular—and the Islamic world is not merely a diplomatic courtesy, but a spiritual and ethical necessity. While remaining clear and respectful of our respective theological identities, our faiths share roots in a common Abrahamic heritage and unite around fundamental universal values.

In Deuteronomy we read: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one” (Deut. 6:4). This solemn affirmation of divine oneness is echoed in the Qur'an, which proclaims in Surah Al-Ikhlas:

“Say: He is Allah, the One. Allah, the Eternal Refuge (As-Samad).” (Qur'an 112:1–2)

It is precisely in the oneness of the Creator that we find the foundation for recognizing the equal dignity of every human being.

The figures of Jesus and his mother Mary (Maryam) also constitute an extraordinary bridge between our sacred texts. For Christians, Jesus is the Word made flesh and the source of salvation, while the Qur'an honours him as the Messiah and a noble Prophet sent to bring light and spiritual guidance (Surah Al-'Imran 3:45). The respect shown by both traditions toward these sacred figures offers an important opportunity for mutual understanding.

Today, in an increasingly pluralistic yet secularized Europe, interfaith dialogue is called to move beyond simple tolerance and become active collaboration for the common good. The Gospel reminds us, “Blessed are the peacemakers” (Matthew 5:9), while the Qur'an teaches:

“O mankind, We created you from a male and a female and made you into nations and tribes that you may know one another.” (Surah Al-Hujurat 49:13)

To dialogue effectively in contemporary Europe, we must focus on three core pillars:

- Education and mutual understanding, to dismantle prejudice, counter all forms of extremism, and appreciate the richness of our traditions.

- Shared social action, joining forces in the fight against poverty, the defence of human rights, the care for creation, and the support of those in need.

- The defence of religious freedom and pluralism, so that faith may continue to be a living resource for the moral and cultural growth of our communities.

I accept this responsibility with humility and determination, aware that building peace is an ongoing endeavour. With God's help and through shared commitment, we will continue to build paths of encounter, understanding, and brotherhood.

Father Marco Baragli

Adviser to the European Muslims League (EML) for Relations with the Anglican Church and Interfaith Dialogue