Introduction

The matter of Christian–Muslim relations cannot these days be ignored. While the term itself may not be mentioned all that often, relations between the two faiths and their perceptions of one another are undeniable influences behind many current conflicts, declarations of mutual recognition and peace negotiations, not to speak of the brooding hatred of religious extremists. Since the destruction of the New York World Trade Center on 11 September 2001 – the simple expression 9/11 is enough to stir distressing memories – relations between the two faiths, in one form or another, have hardly been away from the news.