French Muslim leaders join Vatican in denouncing killing of Parisian editors

January 08, 2015

Four French Islamic leaders have joined with Catholic prelates in a statement condemning the murderous assault on the offices of Charlie Hebdo.

The statement, released on January 8 by the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue, specifically denounces the attack on a controversial journal, saying that “without freedom of speech, the world is in danger.” It goes on to say that “it is imperative to oppose hate and every form of violence that destroys human life, violates the dignity of the person and radically undermines the foundation of peaceful co-existence between persons and peoples, notwithstanding differences of nationality, religion and culture.”

The four imams—joined by representatives of the French bishops’ conference and by Cardinal Jean-Louis Tauran, the president of the Pontifical Council for Inter-religious Dialogue—suggest that the media should “offer information that is respectful of religions.”

The statement concludes: “Inter-religious dialogue remains the only path to follow together to dissipate prejudice.”

 

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Further information:

• The Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue calls for human and spiritual solidarity with the victims of the attack on “Charlie Hebdo” and their families (VIS)