New book released on dialogue between Jesuits and Muslims

Indonesian Jesuits released a new book called "Jesuits and Muslims" to celebrate 50 years of their mission in Indonesia on March 13.

Father Bagus Laksana, chairman of the book launching committee, emphasized the importance of the relationship between Jesuits and Muslims. He talked about Jesuit identity in Indonesia.

"Our friendship and closeness with Muslims in Indonesia determine our role for future missions," said Farther Laksana.

The book is an effort of collaboration between three Indonesian Jesuits: Antonius Siwi Dharma Jati, Yohanes Kristostomus Septian Kurniawan, and Father Yoannes Berchmans Heru Prakosa.

Father Prakosa says that the publication shows the "seriousness of the Society of Jesus, which has been keeping in touch with the Islamic world since its founder, Saint Ignatius Loyola.

Five hundred years ago, Saint Ignatius Loyola changed his ways to embrace the Catholic faith. Recently, the Catholic Church celebrated 400 years of the canonization of Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis Xavier.

The book contains stories and reflections on the apostolic work of members of the Order of the Society of Jesus in Indonesia when dealing with problems in their relationships with Muslims.

“The book covers several issues, including formation, intellectual society, social, education, parish and community bases, retreats and spirituality, communication, and audio-in addressing the togetherness of life to realize dialogue among the faithful," said Father Prakosa.

According to Father Prakosa, the dialogical approach of members of the Jesuits towards Muslims in Indonesia as written in this book is grouped into three categories: Willingness to go their separate ways, Walking together through textual studies and Walking together contextually with the direction of wanting to learn from each other.

“The narratives built into the book express hope that the apostolic work around dialogue or encounters between believers in Indonesia. Christians and Muslims can develop dialogue and bear fruit positively,” the priest said.

He hopes that the book will "help spread the word about the value of dialogue, openness, and respect for different ideas."

Syafaatun Almirzanah, a Muslim woman, stated that "Islam has been embedded as part of the Jesuit's deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)."

She emphasized that since their founding father, Saint Ignatius, the Jesuits have had a dialogue with Muslims. 

"It can be said that the orientation of the Jesuit mission is related to Islam," said Almirzanah.