Norwegian Muslims and Christians say no to domestic violence

A joint Muslim-Christian statement condemning violence in the family and in close relationships was published by the Islamic Council of Norway and the Church of Norway Council on Ecumencial and International Relations on Nov. 9.

General Secretary of the Islamic Council of Norway, Mr. Shoaib Mohammed Sultan and General Secretary of Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit.

– Violence in families and in close relationships is a major social problem in Norway, which occurs at all levels of society and within all religious and cultural communities. Suffice to say that one out of four women is exposed to violence in the family and in close relationships, says the General Secretary of Church of Norway Council on Ecumenical and International Relations, Rev. Dr. Olav Fykse Tveit.

– In our capacity as religious communities, we want to contribute positively to the struggle against violence in the family and in close relationships, both by our attitudes and our actions, says the General Secretary of the Islamic Council of Norway, Mr. Shoaib Mohammed Sultan.

– As members of a society it is everyone’s responsibility to prevent and resist all shapes and shades of violence in the family and in close relationships. As religious leaders it is our special responsibility to strongly condemn any misuse of the teachings of our religions in order to legitimize such violence, says Fykse Tveit.

– Violence in families and in close relationships is a criminal act which goes against our religious teachings and the human rights. This applies both in Norway and globally, underlines Mr. Sultan.

The joint statement is a result of a dialogue between the Islamic Council and Church of Norway which has been going on since 1993. A Contact Group between the two religions meets regularly to discuss various issues concerning religion and society. The group works for greater understanding between Christians and Muslims and seeks to further the contribution of these religions to the community at large.

To read more visit the Church of Norway.