Pope Benedict XVI in a past Meeting with Representatives of Some Muslim Communities invited Christians and Muslims to be “dear and esteemed friends” who 
are able to “face together the many challenges of our time… The lessons of the past must help us to avoid repeating the same mistakes. We must seek paths of reconciliation and learn to live with respect for each other’s identity.” St. Francis, too, mirrors this interpersonal kind of peacemaking in his friendship with the Sultan.
Franciscan Sister of Christian Charity, Sister Judanne Stratman, OSF, reviews My 
Jewish Friend by Celia Sirois, Pauline Book &Media 2008 and My Muslim Friend by Donna Jean Kemmetmueller, FSP, Pauline Books & Media, 2006 in a recent Momentum September/October 2008 edition, NCEA publication.
These two attractive books give basic introductions to Islam and Judaism for the young and not-so-young Catholic…The church is the vine with roots in Judaism and side branches that enhance its growth and fruitfulness.
While students are preparing for confirmation, they are becoming aware of the need to build community in their neighborhoods, villages and towns. Globally, they become attentive to justice and peace initiatives…These two short books encourage openness to Islam, Judaism and Catholicism. They are, as well, invitations to practice more meaningfully one’s own religious tradition.
