"Respect for Muslims". This is the wish of Colin Williams, secretary general of the Conference of the European Churches (KEK), who issued a press release today about the publication in Denmark and other countries of satirical cartoons portraying Muhammad, the prophet. The release reads that Kek which gathers 125 Orthodox, Protestant, Anglican and Old-Catholic Churches from all over Europe (including the Church of Denmark and the Church of Norway), as well as 40 associated organisations – "fully supports the statements made by the two Churches". Williams makes reference to the Charta Oecumenica to confirm Kek’s position about "cultural and religious diversity in Europe", a diversity which is called ‘enriching’ for Europe; in addition, Williams recalls the principle of the reconciliatory role of the Churches and the wish to improve exchanges between Christians and Muslims for better communication.(to be continued)
