AFRICA/SENEGAL – Bishops: "No to violence in God's name, but be careful not to offend religious feelings"

Friday, 23 January 2015

Dakar (Agenzia Fides) - "We strongly condemn the murderous violence of terrorism and fanaticism that attacks human life in the name of God. This is unacceptable because life is a gift from God that must be respected and protected", write the Bishops of Senegal in a statement sent to Agenzia Fides in relation to the massacre in Paris. After asking God's mercy for the victims, the Senegalese Bishops stigmatize the caricatures of "Mohamad, founder of Islam", distinguishing between freedom of expression and offending the religious feelings of millions of people.
"Religion is a very sensitive fiber. Therefore we must not play with fire! For this reason, without ever entering into the logic of revenge and violence, we denounce the abusive nature of these publications".
The Bishops also point out that "these caricatures cannot and must not, in any way, be treated as actions carried out by Christians against Islam". On the contrary, say the Bishops, the ideology of those who publish these cartoons "is often directed against the Christian religion, and especially against Catholics".
"We launch this appeal to protect our dear Senegal from the demons of division, hatred and violence, as religious Christian and Muslim leaders have always done" the statement concluded inviting everyone not to give in "to the pressure of outside influences, which might call into question the very foundations of our society and stake a claim on our future". (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 23/01/2015)


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