Pakistan diocese condemns ‘blasphemous’ movie

(September 17, 2012) Church leaders in Faisalabad added their voices to those of enraged Muslims in Pakistan in condemning an anti-Islamic film which has sparked a wave of violence across the Muslim world. The Commission for Interfaith Dialogue of Faisalabad Diocese issued a statement on Saturday, expressing outrage over the controversial movie made in the United States titled, “Innocence of Muslims”. “The movie has hurt spiritual and religious sentiments of Muslims as well as Christians worldwide. The Vatican, like leaders of other countries, has condemned its release and promotion. This is a huge blow to world peace and efforts for interfaith harmony,” the statement said, calling for the arrest of movie maker Sam Becile and Terry Jones, an American pastor who publicly supported the movie. Father Aftab James Paul, director of the commission, said the Church hoped to avoid a possible backlash against Christians by showing support to Muslims over the controversial film. On Friday a large banner was also hung on the gates of Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral of faisalabad. “We strongly condemn the blasphemous American-made movie against the Holy Prophet”, it read. It was undersigned by Bishop Rufin Anthony, apostolic administrator of Faisalabad diocese, and the “Christian community of Pakistan.” The banner was put up as violent protests gathered momentum following Friday sermons attacking the controversial movie.