"For the vast majority of people, religion gives meaning to their lives, and its values are the source of the traditions and rules according to which they live. Unfortunately, once again, in our northern lands, it seems some commentators feel completely free to say whatever they like with no respect whatsoever for other people’s beliefs and faith": this is a passage from the official release of mgr. William Kenney, secretary general of the Scandinavian Bishops Conference which gathers the national Catholic Churches of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The release also says about the sensation and the riots that have broken loose in many Middle Eastern countries as well as their repercussions in many parts of Europe that "the bishops of the Scandinavianm Bishops Conference disapprove of the attack on the religion and the indubitable wound inflicted on our Muslim brothers", highlighting that "many people have seen the cartoons on the prophet Muhammad as an attack on and a debasement of their religion". According to the Scandinavian bishops, then "free and open discussion in search of the truth is welcome, provided it is carried out in a scenario and a climate of mutual respect as well as in the awareness of what one is dealing with".
