3-August-2004 -- Catholic World News Brief
Vatican, Aug. 03 (CNA/CWNews.com) - The
Islamic-Catholic Liaison Committee has released a statement condemning
Sunday’s terrorist attacks against Iraqi churches and stating that “such
acts of blind violence offend the sacred name of God and true religion.” Dr.
Hamid Bin Ahmad Al-Rifaie, president of International Islamic Forum for
Dialogue, and Archbishop Michael L. Fitzgerald president of Pontifical Council
For Inter-religious Dialogue, signed the joint statement which was issued in
both English and Arabic.
“We condemn in particular the suicide attacks in areas in which are located
places of worship, both against Muslims and against Christians gathered for
worship,” reads the statement. “Such acts of blind violence offend the
sacred name of God and true religion. They evidence a gross misunderstanding of
the history and culture of this sorely tried country,” it continues. “They
represent a grave threat to peaceful coexistence and the ordered development of
Iraqi society.
The statement concludes: “It is our hope that, with the help of the
Almighty and Merciful God, the Iraqi people may finally enjoy the gift of peace,
in an atmosphere of mutual respect and genuine collaboration among all its
citizens of whatever religious tradition.