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14.09.2012 Africa

World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary condemns making of the film offensive to Islam

14.09.2012 LISTEN
By World Council of Churches (WCC)

GENEVA, Switzerland, September 14, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The World Council of Churches (WCC) general secretary Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit has expressed great “regret” on making of the film “The Innocence of Muslims”. He called the film an “an insult to the heart of the Muslim faith” and “to all peoples of faith.”

The film made in US offensive to the Islamic faith has recently spurred reactions, including an attack on the US Consulate in Libya.

In a statement issued on 14 September, Tveit urged non-violence, respect for religions and the Christian and Muslims to “stand together in condemning such insults.”

Tveit said that “the film was produced and distributed by particular individuals who are not in any way representative of the attitudes of any mainstream religious group, nor indeed of particular countries or governments.”

Affirming the WCC's continuing commitment to the dialogue with the Muslim partners, Tveit said that “we have confirmed our commitment to work together with our Muslim partners for justice and peace. So we believe that it is tragic if the reactions provoked by this film were in turn to lead to negative stereotyping of Muslims.”

“It is vitally important that the relevant authorities ensure that such potentially vulnerable groups are protected and do not become the target of violence by misguided individuals reacting to the actions of those far away,” added Tveit.

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