Bishops Condemn any Tendency to Label Islam as 'Fundamental'
In lieu of the rising fear of fundamental Islam in Europe, Anglican and Old Catholic Bishops in the continent’s mainland released a statement calling for dialogue and against the vilification of any religion.
In lieu of the rising fear of fundamental Islam in Europe, Anglican and Old Catholic Bishops in the continent’s mainland released a statement calling for dialogue and against the vilification of any religion. The statement was penned during the bishops’ conference in Wislikhaven, Switzerland, on Nov. 17-19, 2004.
Tension between Islamic and non-Islamic population has always existed within European society. However, following the killing of Dutch filmmaker Theo von Gogh on Nov. 2 by a Dutch-Moroccan Islamist in the Netherlands and subsequent attacks on mosques and churches across the country, nearby nations have been on high alert.
The bishops’ statement took note that at times, “comments by journalists and politicians with respect to this development have given the impression that among the non-Islamic population a radical Christian "fundamentalism" -- or even Christendom as such -- is at work as a counterpart to a radical Islamic "fundamentalism", and which is equally open to the use of violence.”
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Ultimately, the bishops said they reject “all such characterizations in whatever from they are presented.”
The following is the entire statement of the bishops, are released by the Anglican Communion News Service:
The Anglican and Old Catholic Bishops in mainland Europe, during our Conference in Wislikhaven, Switzerland, 17-19 November 2004, have observed with great concern that, in a number of countries in central and western Europe, tensions have risen between the Islamic and non-Islamic populations, provoked by a number of acts of violence.
Many comments by journalists and politicians with respect to this development have given the impression that among the non-Islamic population a radical Christian "fundamentalism" -- or even Christendom as such -- is at work as a counterpart to a radical Islamic "fundamentalism", and which is equally open to the use of violence.
The Bishops reject all such characterizations in whatever form they are presented. Since at least the end of the Second World War, European churches represented in ecumenical bodies in central and western Europe have never furthered a radical Christian "fundamentalism" which has preached violence or permitted it to be preached. On the contrary, the churches have supported and encouraged a continuing dialogue with non-Christian religions, which has often led to positive results. Moreover, the Bishops also condemn any tendency to label Islam as such as a religion that promotes violence.
Journalists and politicians have a responsibility to be more conscious of what they say in their comments or write in their reports. Over-simplified depictions, which may convey such a false opposition, whether conscious or merely careless, do not contribute to the goal of peaceful coexistence, and at worst, they create new divisions.
Signed
The Most Revd Joris Vercammen
Archbishop of Utrecht, Co-chair
The Rt Revd Dr Geoffrey Rowell
Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, Co-chair
