Muslims and Catholics Join in Planning

Sydney, Aug. 16, 2007 (CWNews.com) - Islamic leaders in Australia may encourage participation in the 2008 World Youth Day celebration, in exchange for a promise from Catholic leaders that there will be no effort to convert young people of other faiths, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

The Australian Federation of Islamic Councils is offering to open school halls to accommodate the thousands of young people who will converge on Sydney for the July 2008 celebration. The Islamic group may also help organize sporting events involving both Christian and Muslim participants, and welcome Christian pilgrims to visit local mosques.

According to the Morning Herald report, Church officials have promised that Catholic leaders "will not try to convert members of other religious denominations taking part in inter-faith forums and volunteering facilities."

Organizers of World Youth Day in Sydney had issued an invitation for other religious groups to join in the planning and participate in the celebration. The Islamic group responded positively, saying that the event could help "break down barriers" in Australia.