The Interim Committee of the Shia Muslim-Christian Council of Aotearoa New Zealand is a group of believers committed to the development of mutual understanding, peacemaking and co-operation for the betterment of our respective communities and society as a whole.

In a time of increasing international intolerance and violence we invite members of our respective communities of faith to join us in affirming the values of peace, love and justice at the heart of our two faiths, and in praying and working together towards that vision. 

In The Name of God 

At the heart of any religion, and specifically Islam and Christianity, is a belief in God’s desire for the spiritual enhancement of humanity and a mandate for the protection of society from inhumane and violent ideologies and actions. 

The Shia Muslim–Christian Council joins with religious and political leaders throughout the world in condemning the recent violent acts in Sydney, Paris and Nigeria. These, and other similar actions, are a complete and blasphemous denial of the principles of Islam. 

One of the biblical Ten Commandments is ‘You shall not murder’ (Deuteronomy 5:17). Jesus Christ said ‘Love your enemies’ (Matthew 5:44). And the Holy Quran declares the killing of an innocent person to be equivalent to the killing of all humanity, and the saving of a life equivalent to the saving of humanity (Sura 5:32). 

Throughout history countless spiritual leaders – in Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, and other religions – have given us an example by responding with non-violence and reason to those who insulted them, and even physically assaulted them. The mandate to show respect and loving consideration and care towards others, regardless of their religious beliefs, race or gender, is a duty placed on every Christian and Muslim.

None of these divinely-inspired religions invites its followers to commit acts of violence against those representing other, even opposing, ideologies. Rather, they are invited to engage in rational dialogue, with patience and grace. 

We give thanks that, in today’s global village, the vast majority of Muslims, Christians and followers of other faiths, live alongside one another in peace and harmony.

In upholding ‘free speech’ as a basic human right, we affirm that rights are accompanied by responsibilities; and in the case of freedom of speech, there is the responsibility of restraint, in order to safeguard the dignity of those whose beliefs and values differ from our own.

In the midst of the present challenging world situation and many conflicting voices, we collectively commit ourselves to pray for, and work towards, a global society without violence and extremism. 

Dr Ali Boorooni                   Matthew Hand

Dr Siamac Rastkar               Revd Bruce Keeley

Dr Adnan Ali                         Revd Dr Keith Rowe

Seyed Taghi Derhamy           Revd Deacon Chris Sullivan

Seyed Saeid Bassam Tabar

Abid Jafery 

Interim Committee, Shia Muslim-Christian Council of Aotearoa New Zealand