World leaders react to trial of Christian convert in Afghanistan

Published: 2006-03-22

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- Christian and political leaders around the world have expressed concern and outrage over the trial of a man in Afghanistan facing the death penalty after converting to Christianity. "The German bishops' conference solemnly demands that Christians in Afghanistan be able to practice their faith openly and freely and that conversion to Christianity must be possible without any disadvantages," German Cardinal Karl Lehmann of Mainz, president of the bishops' conference, said in a statement. "German bishops will try to ensure Christians in Islamic countries enjoy the same rights as Muslims have in our country." Anglican Archbishop Andrew Hutchison, national leader of the Anglican Church of Canada, said the trial raises doubts about Canada's involvement in Afghanistan. "I'm absolutely horrified to think that this kind of fanatical literalism would be applied in this day and age," he was quoted as saying in Canada's Globe and Mail.

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