Posted on 01/15/2015 4:35:34 AM PST by marshmallow
OXFORD, England (CNS) — German church leaders have criticized an anti-Islamic movement that staged mass demonstrations in Dresden and other cities, but they also urged a better understanding of public fears.
“This movement looks set to grow — and the Catholic Church totally distances itself from it,” said Michael Baudisch, spokesman for the Dresden Diocese.
“But we also have to speak to those involved, many of whom nurse frustrations about the political process and their lack of life chances. Far from just branding them extremists, our bishops think we must consider their opinions and aims.”
Jan. 12 rallies by “Patriotic Europeans Against Islamicization of the West,” known by its German acronym as Pegida, were attended by 25,000 people in Dresden and thousands more in other cities. However, rival marches across the country the same day also drew tens of thousands in various cities.
Baudisch told Catholic News Service Jan. 14 that Muslims made up only 2 percent of the population of Dresden and surrounding state of Saxony, compared to a much larger Muslim presence in Berlin, Mannheim and other regions.
However, he added that protesters had flooded to Dresden from other parts of Germany “to find a place where they can feel strong with those who think and feel the same.”
“Fear of Islamicization, however exaggerated, is being used as a banner for many frustrations, from disenchantment with political parties to dislike of the European Union,” Baudisch told CNS. “The church’s leaders believe we must talk to people and see which problems can be discussed and which merely reflect anti-democratic prejudices.”
(Excerpt) Read more at catholicphilly.com ...
Is it the baggage from Germany's previous embrace of Nazism which leads them to promote "tolerance" at any cost?
Established churches in Europe are in decline. Add this to the list of reasons why.
Funny I don't see any other denominations stepping up to the plate, but I do see that the Jews are once again in peril and as history should have taught us. God does not like it when the Jews are picked upon.
My two cents.
This sounds like more catholic love of islam.....seeing how ya'll worship the same God based on the CCC.
The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day. ccc841
The differences between Islam and Christianity are clear and distinct. We can talk to Islam all day, but unless they're willing to reject the Koran, then there isn't much room for negotiation.
ROFLOL!
ph
Duuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuh................
Start here:
When they want to chop your (bleeping) head off—it is INCORRECT to describe that as a ‘problem’.
Idiots.
It’s increasingly starting to look like Catholicism is the enemy of freedom everywhere.
Will they still preach understanding when Islamic swords are placed at their children’s necks?
This could read just about every American Diocese in my area.
Love the muslims, hate the protestants (the priest had a nice anti protestant sermon on Christmas eve, followed by how much he respected the mosque across the street).
The Catholic church has a problem.
The German protesters will simply ignore such calls.
Real LOVE of the Muslims is to pray for their CONVERSION to Christ.
“The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day. ccc841”
This one Catholic rejected that position.
Also I am interested in what it is exactly that people both Catholic and non expect us to do about the Muslims and the mosques? Just curious, as it gets rained down on our heads. What are the Evangelicals, Lutherans, UCC's, Baptists, Ana-Baptist, Calvinists, Methodists, United Methodists, United Evangelicals,Congregationalists, Pentacostals, Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, Adventists, Presbyterians, Episcopalians, Quakers, Amish, Mennonite, Unitarians,Non Denominationals, all those who fall into anyone one of these with a variation of theme and all those who steadfastly refuse to be categorized, going to do about any of it?
I apologize if I missed your particular sect.
Muslims are the creation/mindset of those who could not/cannot accept the fact that it is from the stem of Sarah’s womb that there is a valid and true presentation by Almighty God in Jesus Christ. Mohammed was a frustrated demigod. However, he did manage to establish a very large and powerful cult centered in Saudi Arabia especially the cities of Mecca and Medina.
This one Catholic rejected that position.
You're not allowed to reject anything of catholicism. You must be subject to the pope in everything.
Else, you're making your own personal interpretation of Scripture, and as catholics have shown on this board, you're not allowed to do that.....at least catholics can't.
It would be funny if it weren’t true.
Hey you protestants, first see if you can agree on one thing and then go talk to the Muslims. We’ll jump in after you try.
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