Pro-Life Muslims

Mark Shea found this small but gratifying story from the UK:

London, England (LifeNews.com) -- Christians and Muslims came together for a pro-life conference on Saturday, proving that pro-life values extend beyond religious boundaries. The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, a leading British pro-life group, brought together the Bishop of Pontefract and members of the Indian Muslim Welfare Society...

"We Muslims should act and show this mercy by trying to stop the unjustified killing of our innocent unborn children through the barbaric procedure of abortion," he said.

Mufti Jusuf Akudi, one of the organizers of the event, agreed.

"Abortion, euthanasia and immoral sex education are among the vital issues that have a profound effect on our lives, the lives of our children and the lives of all members of the human family whatever their faith or religion," he said.

"I urge everyone regardless of their background or religion, and especially my Muslim sisters and brothers, to actively support the work of SPUC," Akudi added. MORE

This is what we need to see, and a lot more of it. I'm convinced that the decadence and secularism of the West is a primary motivator for radical Islamists. Without shading the many differences, we have to build bridges wherever we can between Christianity and Islam. Pro-life activities are a great way to do this. Just as the movement brings together Catholic and evangelical Christians in pursuit of a common goal, Muslims and Christians everywhere who care about life issues should join forces.

Such partnerships will have two benefits: helping end the evil of abortion, and allowing individuals of both backgrounds to get to know each other better. It's a lot harder to think in "Us versus Them" terms when you know the other side personally.