A group of leading Muslim scholars has sent holiday greetings to Christians worldwide.

In wishing a joyful and peaceful Christmas, the group also gave thanks for what it calls the "beautiful and gracious" response to its call for more openness between the faiths.

The group said it hopes the coming year will be one of forgiveness and where the dignity of human life is upheld.

Pope Benedict last month accepted an invitation by the 138 Muslim scholars to meet and talk about more cooperation between Muslims and Christians.

Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.