Bridge or Barrier? Mary and Christian-Muslim Relations

The Catholic conciliar document Nostra Aetate acknowledged that Christians and Muslims share a devotion to the Virgin Mary. But did Christians always view her as a bridge between the two religions? A few medieval Latins stressed concord between the two Marys, but others raised the Virgin on military standards in battles against Muslims. My talk will consider the history of Mary’s role as both bridge and barrier in Christian-Muslim relations.