Several world leaders have stood firm against the Muslim rage following the Holy Father’s recent speech considered by Muslims to reflect poorly on Islam (which has of course, resulted in violence as protest.) From Australia, imams are read the riot act:
The Howard Government’s multicultural spokesman, Andrew Robb, yesterday told an audience of 100 imams who address Australia’s mosques that these were tough times requiring great personal resolve.
Mr Robb also called on them to shun a victim mentality that branded any criticism as discrimination.“We live in a world of terrorism where evil acts are being regularly perpetrated in the name of your faith,” Mr Robb said at the Sydney conference.
“And because it is your faith that is being invoked as justification for these evil acts, it is your problem.
“You can’t wish it away, or ignore it, just because it has been caused by others.
“Instead, speak up and condemn terrorism, defend your role in the way of life that we all share here in Australia.”
Mr Robb said unless Muslims took responsibility for their destiny and tackled the causes of terrorism, Australia would become divided.
Mr Robb, the parliamentary secretary for immigration and multicultural affairs, said it was important for migrants to learn English.
“I see as critical the need for imams to have effective English language skills — it is a self-evident truth that a shared language is one of the foundations of national cohesion,” he said.
And in Germany:
German Chancellor Angela Merkel defended the pontiff, saying critics misunderstood the aim of the speech.
In Italy:
Italian Prime Minister Romano Prodi said “there should be no controversy; the pope has already explained his true intentions. The religious dialogue and the respect for every religion is a necessity, and religion doesn’t justify violence.
Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said of Benedict XVI: He is a great pope, with great intelligence.
Of course the “outrage” of most liberals on the issue overwhelms the rational voices. But we have a start, don’t we?
