[ELS]

For my part, I say that it is time to put an end to the abuse and the violence of Muslims who do not respect the freedom of religious choice. In Italy there are thousands of converts to Islam who live their new faith in peace. But there are also thousands of Muslim converts to Christianity who are forced to hide their faith out of fear of being assassinated by Islamic extremists who lurk among us.

Welcome to the Catholic Church, Magdi Cristiano! May God continue to bless you and protect you!

[wideawake]

I asked myself how it was possible that those who, like me, sincerely and boldly called for a “moderate Islam,” assuming the responsibility of exposing themselves in the first person in denouncing Islamic extremism and terrorism, ended up being sentenced to death in the name of Islam on the basis of the Quran. I was forced to see that, beyond the contingency of the phenomenon of Islamic extremism and terrorism that has appeared on a global level, the root of evil is inherent in an Islam that is physiologically violent and historically conflictive.

Powerful statement.

[Bringbackthedraft]

Well, he’s brave, I guess that’s one with only a Billion more to go? Onward!

[maryz]

And I will be more so after the courageous and historical gesture of the Pope, who, as soon has he knew of my desire, immediately agreed to personally impart the Christian sacraments of initiation to me. His Holiness has sent an explicit and revolutionary message to a Church that until now has been too prudent in the conversion of Muslims,

I said at the time that I didn't think the Regensburg speech was going to be a one-shot deal -- this Pope is utterly amazing!

[NYer]

Bookmarked forever!

Journalist Magdi Allam holds a candle after being baptised by Pope Benedict XVI during a Easter Vigil mass in Saint Peter's Basilica at the Vatican March 22, 2008. Pope Benedict led the world's Catholics into Easter on Saturday at a Vatican service where he baptised Allam, a Muslim-born convert who is one of Italy's most famous and controversial journalists. REUTERS/Dario Pignatelli (VATICAN)

[NYer]

At the same time providence brought me to meet practicing Catholics of good will who, in virtue of their witness and friendship, gradually became a point of reference in regard to the certainty of truth and the solidity of values.

According to my pastor, this is how Muslims throughout the centuries, have always been converted - through christian witness. That is why it is so important to be strong in one's Catholic faith.

[vladimir998]

I hope you read this article.

[defconw]

"Dear Director, you asked me whether I fear for my life, in the awareness that conversion to Christianity will certainly procure for me yet another, and much more grave, death sentence for apostasy. You are perfectly right. I know what I am headed for but I face my destiny with my head held high, standing upright and with the interior solidity of one who has the certainty of his faith."

I will pray for Magdi Cristiano Allam. What a brave man.

[Salvation]

Welcome home!

[steadfastconservative]

Well, today Benedict XVI, with his witness, tells us that we must overcome fear and not be afraid to affirm the truth of Jesus even with Muslims.

Yes, the time has come for the Church to begin evangelizing Muslims. It is time to stop playing by Islam's rules and time to start listening to Christ, who ordered His followers to baptize all nations. He did not say to to baptize all nations except those who forbid their followers from converting to other religions. Moreover, unless we in the west can convert Muslims away from a false religion, that is inherently violent and anti-human, we will never have peace.

[bboop]

We have a young Muslim woman in our RCIA class this year; will convert at Easter Vigil.

I am going to bring this to her.