Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has issued a statement on the recent religious procession of Muslims that passed by St Patrick’s Cathedral, after a video of the procession captured global attention. Source: News.com.au.
Videos of the July 7 event had been viewed millions of times and attracted the attention of anti-Islam personalities with huge followings around the world, many of whom suggested it showed something sinister taking place.
On Tuesday afternoon, Archbishop Comensoli issued a statement calling for calm and clarifying that the event has the support of the Church.
“On 7 July, members of the Shia Muslim faith community in Melbourne engaged in a religious procession through the streets of Melbourne,” Archbishop Comensoli said.
“This was a peaceful event that has occurred annually for over a decade. This procession has been misrepresented in some quarters as an attack on Christians and, specifically, on St Patrick’s Cathedral. This is simply not the case.
“Like all Victorians, the Islamic community is entitled to exercise freedom of religion. As Catholics, we expect nothing less.”
The archdiocese has been in contact with leaders within the Shia community to discuss the misrepresentation of the procession on social media and to assure them that they had no problem with the procession.
But concerningly, Archbishop Comensoli said he has been made aware of “a rally being organised for this weekend which appears to be a protest against the procession”.
“Such a rally does nothing for peace and harmony, nor for promoting religious freedom,” he said.
“I strongly urge people not to attend the rally and hope the organisers have the wisdom to call it off. Instead, I urge Catholics and all people of good will to take up the call of Pope Leo to pray for peace in our world, for an end to war and suffering.”
FULL STORY
Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne breaks silence on video of Muslims at St Patrick’s Cathedral (By Rohan Smith, News.com.au)
Statement from Archbishop Peter A Comensoli (Melbourne Catholic)
