Pakistani church works to strengthen peace after cartoon protests

Published: 2006-02-28

NEW DELHI (CNS) -- With protests about the cartoons satirical of the prophet Mohammed turning violent in Muslim-majority Pakistan, the Catholic Church is taking steps to promote harmony with Muslims and keep protesters from victimizing the small Pakistani Christian population. After an emergency meeting Feb. 22, "we once again condemned the offensive cartoons that have hurt our Muslim brethren," Catholic and Protestant church leaders said in a pastoral letter scheduled to be read March 5 and 12 in churches. The letter also denounced "the irresponsible mob violence and destruction of private properties," referring to attacks by Muslim protesters on Christian targets, including churches, schools and hospitals. Describing the current situation in Pakistan as "tense and difficult," the church leaders urged the "clergy and lay leaders" to set up interfaith peace committees as suggested by Pakistani Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz when church leaders called on him Feb. 22 following the recent violence against the Christian community.

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