An appeal to the Europeans, that they will convert the incident caused by the publication on the web of the Dutch short film "Fitna" into "an opportunity to increase that dialogue that promotes the mutual understanding of different cultures and religions". It was made today by the European "Religions for Peace" Council. "We can hope and pray writes in a note Reverend Vebjorn Horsfjord, secretary general of the European body (www.rfp-europe.eu/) – that this potential crisis in the relations between Muslims and Europeans may be converted into an opportunity for deeper mutual understanding, respect and dialogue". "The film presents an absolutely false image of the Koran and the Muslim faith, and seems to aim to offend Muslims, the majority of whom distanced themselves from any violence perpetrated in the name of Islam. It is an example of the Islam-phobia which is now infecting Europe". "Politicians, Church leaders and even the media have immediately and unanimously expressed their criticism of the film, and the Muslim leaders have shown their leadership by asking their devotees to ignore the film. These reactions show the will to leave together in peace, despite religious and cultural differences, and to discover the value of intercultural and inter-religious dialogue".
