We the Muslim community extended our greetings to His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI re. the historic visit.

Christianity is one of the world’s great religions.

It has served as a great actor for social change and innovation and a faith which above all calls for humanity, decency and compassion.

Today, people of faith face unprecedented challenges.

At a time when people are sceptical and suspicious of religion, lacking basic understanding and unable to appreciate the positive moral agency that faith has to offer, we all struggle to convey the basic values we share.

But as we continue to enter into an ever-increasing period of globalisation, such challenges also offer us hope and opportunity.

With new explorations in science and technology, our faith can continue as a constant anchor to our basic ideals and principles of humanity, justice and compassion.

I would also express our gratitude for the clarification His Holiness offered following the Regensburg lecture of September 2006 which at the time caused enormous distress to Muslims.

The Prophet Muhammad was the best of examples to mankind, a man who exemplified the need to respect and love one another with benevolence and humility.

His Holiness has made significant strides to reach out to the Muslim world with visits to the new King Hussein bin Talal Mosque, Jordan, and Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. Let us continue that effort and work together to unite as people of faith.

The common issues between us extend from our shared desires to lead better lives for our children, our communities and our country to our moral values as people of faith, the importance of the family and the sanctity of life.

These are issues of everyday life we must continue to celebrate.

Coun Salim Mulla (LCM).