Statement on the Publication of Caricatures that Offended Muslim Sentiments, by the Arab Group for Christian Muslim Dialogue (AGMCD)

The Arab Group for Christian Muslim Dialogue (AGMCD) has followed with grave concern the recent incident of the publication of caricatures in a Danish newspaper that offended millions of Muslims all around the world. These caricatures were reprinted in newspapers in several European countries.

The Arab Group strongly condemns any actions that offend the religious sentiments of any faith or ridicules its sacred symbols, rituals, holy books and places of worship. The Group believes that these hateful actions and could only serve to fuel sentiments of resentment and fanaticism that undermine the efforts of the Arab Group and other parties working in dialogue and unity among people of faiths as they face together a multitude of national and global challenges. The efforts of the Group have continually worked to foster and promote human solidarity and understanding against the waves of confessional separatism that some followers of each religion may have against one another.

The Arab Group understands and appreciates the anger that was expressed by the leaders and people of Arab and Muslim nations, and at the same time commends the responsible stances takes by numerous international organizations such as the Organization of the Islamic Conference, the International Union of Muslim Scholars, and the Islamic Organizations for Education, Culture and Sciences. The Group also commends the solidarity shown by Christians alongside their Muslim brothers, including that which was expressed by the Vatican, the World Council of Churches, as well as numerous regional and international organizations and leaders.

However, the Arab Group objects in the strongest terms to any attack directed at embassies, consulates, businesses and foreign companies in any Arab or Muslim country. More specifically, the Group notes that these diplomatic premises and their employees are protected under Islamic principles as well as international conventions and laws.

These attacks that have taken place do not serve the purpose of mutual understanding – a principle that is necessary in interfaith relations – and only serve to provoke harmful reactions among those whose embassies, businesses and people have been attacked.

While the Arab Group understands and emphasizes the right to object to the publication of drawings or texts that disparage any faith or religion, it calls upon Muslims to respond in ways that adhere to the Islamic values and practice which promote dialogue, and bring to light the voice of reason over reactionary measures.

The Group calls on media outlets around the world to respect the sentiments and sacred symbols of Muslims as well as those of other religions for the purpose of promoting peace as well as mutual human understanding and cooperation. Such action would safeguard milestones and achievements in interfaith dialogue that have accumulated over half a century, especially by Muslims and Christians.

The Arab Group has taken upon itself to convey this message to international Christian organizations including the World Council of Churches as it meets this week in Brazil for its Ninth General Assembly, calling on it to strengthen its efforts to caution Christians against the dangers of demeaning Islam and Muslims, and to continue in endeavors to advance interfaith understanding – that which is grounded in constructive dialogue and characterized by mutual respect.

The Arab Group is hopeful that the irresponsible, violent events that have taken place in the past week – which do not reflect Islamic tradition and culture – are the last incidents that violate national and international laws, as well as the moral parameters governing the inviolability of diplomatic premises and foreign missions. At the same time, the Arab Group deeply wishes that the irresponsible actions that disparage any religion and its people in any media outlet would not be repeated in any shape or form.

Judge Abbas al-Halabi, President
Rev. Dr. Riad Jarjour, General Secretary