” ““I am very concerned about the international events that have happened and that are still going on after the publication of the cartoons in the Danish paper. As well as peaceful demonstrations, violent deeds are being carried on and material damage is being committed. Violent protests cannot be excused. It is extremely important to put an end to such an explosive situation as soon as possible and bring peace back in the hearts and minds of so many people.” With these words, cardinal Adrianus Johannes Simonis, archbishop of Utrecht and president of the Dutch Bishops Conference, took position on the Danish cartoons affairs. The bishop said that Dutch Christians too had to put up with people sneering at them or at their religion. If this should happen, continued the cardinal, one could protest or go to Court and, he insists, “perhaps, as Christians, we should be more proactive about this”. In his release, the cardinal speaks of the need to “lay down laws or codes of conduct for specific jobs, such as journalists” but he adds what “is most important is respecting others, understanding the meaning of religious beliefs as well as being responsible for society”.
