Magazine says Europe must insist on respect for Muslims, Christians

Published: 2006-03-02

ROME (CNS) -- While promoting respect for Islam, European governments also must insist that Christians are respected and protected in predominantly Muslim countries, said an influential Jesuit magazine. "Just as in the West Muslims are guaranteed full freedom of conscience and religion, this also must be guaranteed -- on the basis of the principle of reciprocity -- to Christians living in countries with a Muslim majority," said an editorial in the magazine La Civilta Cattolica. The early March editorial, which was reviewed by the Vatican prior to publication, discussed the protests over satirical cartoons of the prophet Mohammed published by several European newspapers. The Jesuit-run magazine echoed the Vatican's official position that it is wrong to use freedom of expression as an excuse to offend religious sensitivities, but also that violence was not a worthy response to the offense.

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