Maltese converts to Islam often write to newspapers to appeal for "peaceful co-existence through tolerance and mutual understanding" in answer to letters expressing concern over the "spread" of Islam. Such appeals for tolerance and understanding should have the backing of all true Christians. Tolerance of people holding different views and beliefs is the hallmark of Christianity.

The Vatican II document on the Church's relationship with non-Christian religion states that the Church looks at Muslims "with esteem". Referring to past quarrels and hostilities between the two faiths, the document states: "This most sacred Synod urges all to forget the past and to strive sincerely for mutual understanding." It adds that "the Church rejects as foreign to the mind of Christ any discrimination against men or harassment of them because of their race, colour, condition of life or religion".

Although prejudice still exists against Islam it is an undeniable fact that Muslims enjoy freedom of worship in most Christian countries, not least Malta. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for many Muslim countries where Christians are regularly persecuted, churches burned down and where some Muslims who converted to Christianity were punished by death.

Recently Pope Benedict XVI attacked those (Muslim) countries where Christians are not allowed to practise their religion. He said that religious liberty "is a fundamental, irrepressible, inalienable and inviolable right", and that the freedom to change one's religion "should be guaranteed not only legally but also in daily practice". He also attacked terrorism, including that which is perpetrated "in God's name".

In Britain, where the number of Muslims is considerable, there is growing concern about some 3,000 Muslims who have converted to other faiths. In a survey last year, 36 per cent of respondents aged between 16 and 24, and hence probably born in Britain, stated that Muslim converts to other faiths should be killed. An Anglican bishop, Michael Nazir, whose Pakistani father had converted from Islam, "appealed to Muslim leaders in Britain to uphold basic civil liberties including the right of people to believe what they wish and to even change their beliefs if they wish to do so".

The Pope's appeal to Muslims for religious tolerance was motivated by the plight of Christians in many Muslim countries like Iraq, Iran and Pakistan. Thankfully, there is no such persecution of Muslims in Western countries. Perhaps Muslims in Malta should take the initiative and write letters to the authorities in Muslim countries where tolerance of Christians is anathema.