Spain’s Catholic bishops plan new office for Christian-Muslim dialogue

MADRID (MNTV) – Spain’s Catholic bishops are moving forward with plans to establish a specialized office focused on dialogue between Christians and Muslims, according to Revista Ecclesia.

The proposed department will operate under the Subcommission for Interconfessional Relations and Interreligious Dialogue.

Church officials have already reviewed the initiative at the executive level, with final approval pending from the Permanent Commission.

Monsignor Adolfo González Montes, former bishop of Almería and subcommittee member, disclosed the plans during a formal visit to Madrid’s Central Mosque. 

The department’s mandate will include creating consistent structures for discernment and advancing projects that encourage collaboration between the two religious communities on matters of mutual concern.

The announcement coincided with Human Fraternity Day on February 4, when Catholic delegates and secretaries participating in national training sessions visited the mosque for institutional talks with Muslim leaders.

The gathering brought together prominent figures including Ayman Adlbi, president of Spain’s Islamic Commission, his secretary Mohamed Ajana, and various imams and community members. Taha Ali, imam of the Central Mosque and an Al-Azhar Observatory member focused on countering extremism, also attended.

During the meeting, González Montes highlighted common ground between the faiths, noting both traditions honor Abraham, affirm monotheism, and recognize human dignity as divinely ordained. 

He called for joint action in protecting personal dignity, fundamental rights, and human life while challenging anything that undermines these values.

The initiative represents an institutional effort to strengthen ties between Spain’s Catholic and Muslim communities through sustained engagement rather than sporadic encounters.