Programme for Christian-Muslim relations in Africa

PROCMURA (Programme for Christian-Muslim Relations in Africa), a partner of the Methodist Church in Britain, was honoured to have a private audience with His Holiness Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican on Wednesday 25 March, in a moment that reaffirmed the shared commitment to advancing constructive Christian-Muslim relations across Africa.

During the meeting, the Holy Father recognised PROCMURA’s long-standing work in building constructive relations and good neighbourliness between Christians and Muslims across the continent, noting that in a world marked by division and religious tension, such efforts demonstrate that people of different faiths can, indeed, live and work together in peace and harmony irrespective of their religious differences.

Pope Leo XIV further affirmed the Catholic Church’s openness to truth and goodness present in other religions, drawing from the Church’s teaching that it “rejects nothing of what is true and holy” in them, and emphasising the need for mutual understanding, respect and genuine encounter. 

He encouraged continued commitment to dialogue between people of different religious backgrounds, noting that authentic efforts toward unity and peaceful coexistence require openness, humility and a shared responsibility to build communities rooted in fraternity.

The day before the meeting, the PROCMURA Team held a very fruitful meeting with the Cardinal and staff in charge of the Vatican Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, to discuss future collaboration in work across Africa in promoting interreligious dialogue and peacebuilding initiatives.

This engagement marks an important moment for PROCMURA’s work, strengthening its role in advancing interreligious cooperation, peacebuilding and good neighbourliness across the continent.

The Revd Dr Andrew Ashdown commented, "It has been a huge privilege, both as Partnership Coordinator for Africa, and as Elected Chair of the European Partners of PROCMURA, to participate in these meetings with the Vatican. In the past six months, I have seen for myself in some of the most conflicted areas of Africa – northern Togo, northern Cameroon and northern Kenya – the transformative impact of PROCMURA's work amongst local communities in nurturing reconciliation, building peaceful coexistence where previously there was violence and radicalisation, and addressing some of the complex social challenges that contribute to social and religious violence.

"This work aligns perfectly with the Methodist Church in Britain's (MCB's) priorities of justice and peace and has the potential to help inform our own work in this country as we face challenges of social, political and interreligious tension. PROCMURA is committed to this work; is making a positive impact; and the Catholic Church’s support is indicative of the global relevance of its mission and ministry."

The PROCMURA delegation was led by our general adviser, Bishop (Dr) Nathan Samwini, team leader, Ms Joy Wandabwa, and the chairperson of PROCMURA's European partners, the Revd Dr Andrew Ashdown.