Anti-Muhammad film inexcusable: Cardinal Gracias

(Sept. 19, 2012) The blasphemous film about Prophet Muhammad is an "unjustifiable" act, but should not be fought with violence, rather "through dialogue and peace", Cardinal Oswald Gracias, President of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI) told AsiaNews on Tuesday. The Cardinal, who is also the Archbishop of Bombay was commenting on the widening protests in several Muslim countries, which in some cases have culminated with the death and injury of innocent civilians. A few days ago, India witnessed demonstrations by the Muslim community, which, however, remained peaceful, thanks to the call for calm by local imams. The wave of violence began after the 11 September attacks at the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya. In the attack, Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three of his co-workers lost their lives. Speaking of the film, Cardinal Gracias said “Freedom of expression in the media is unquestionable, but it is imperative to exercise respect, especially for the religious beliefs of others. There are some boundaries which can never be crossed”, he added. The President of the CBCI hoped that dialogue, understanding, tolerance and harmony become the norm all over for Christians, Muslims, and Hindus and for the peaceful coexistence of peoples .