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	Media release Friday 26 May 2006 Bishop raises Islam issues The Bishop of Tasmania, The Right Reverend John Harrower, today addressed the annual Tasmanian Anglican Synod meeting this weekend in Launceston. In his speech Bishop Harrower raised the issue of promoting understanding between Christians and Muslims living together in Tasmania. He said 'I call on Anglicans and others to work to get a greater understanding between Christians and Muslims living together in Tasmania.' The Bishop will be speaking at workshops titled 'Understanding our Muslim Neighbours' around Tasmania during the next few months. Bishop Harrower said, 'There are a number of reasons why as Christians we need to understand Muslims living in our community. Jesus commands us to love our neighbours as ourselves. Love entails understanding and sensitive engagement. The Light of the world is not to be hidden but to be shared: sharing is effective when hearts and minds are open in love. Pragmatically, we live in a multi-faith society and world. Understanding is a vital key to our building on shared values, respect of differences and a commitment to our common life. Islam is in the news. 'A failure to try to understand one another can at worst lead to an exaggeration of perceived differences and hostility; ignoring differences risks giving offence and shows a lack of hospitality. The workshops will provide an opportunity for participants to learn something of Islam, and similarity and difference with Christian faith.' Contact Media Officer - Revd Stephen Carnaby 0417 343 710 Read previous media releases.