Question 4.83

4.83 Have there always been peaceful relations among the different religions in Guinea?

Yes, indeed, even in everyday life we have a long tradition of inter-religious dialogue. The religions have always lived peacefully with each other. The Muslims are in the majority, but they respect the Christians. We stimulate each other in our fidelity to prayer, to the truth, and to the depth of our religious practice; it is important for us to love one another and to walk together in the light of the truth, as Saint John says in his Third Letter addressed to Gaius.

This was an opportunity that left its mark on me. Personally, I was very impressed by the depth of the Muslim practices in my country. In every locality, at the hour for prayer, the Muslims stop and pray. It is the greatest sign that they love a God who is part of their lives. The Islam in Guinea is spiritual, devoted to rather moving practices. I am not afraid to say that the Islam in my country is a fraternal, peaceful religion. The possibility of conversion exists, and the newly baptized are not obliged to hide, as in other countries. Overall, this religious approach is the one found throughout West Africa.