PM stands by Pell after Islam comments

The Age (Australia) ^ | 5/5/2006 | Staff

[Dark Skies]

Prime Minister John Howard is standing by Australia's top Catholic, as Islamic and other groups question Cardinal George Pell's remarks about the intolerance of the Muslim faith and the Koran's "invocations to violence".

Dr Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, defended comments he made in an address to US Catholic business leaders in Florida in February, which were published this week.

In his speech, Cardinal Pell questioned the tolerance of Islam.

"Considered strictly on its own terms, Islam is not a tolerant religion and its capacity for far-reaching renovation is severely limited," Dr Pell said in the address.

He also said there were "so many" invocations to violence in the religion's holy text that he gave up counting after about 70 pages.

He stood by these remarks, saying the criticisms were "cliches, smokescreens" to distract and divert attention from the real issues.

"Islamic terrorists are not a figment of anyone's imagination and the history of relations with Islam is full of conflict," he said in a statement.

"We need a lot of continuing dialogue, based on truth, history and the current situation.

"I continue to be completely committed to dialogue with Muslims, to supporting moderate forces on all sides ... and recommend that people read the Koran ... and judge for themselves."

Islamic Council of NSW spokesman Ali Roude welcomed Dr Pell's recognition of the need for greater understanding of Islam, but urged him to exercise his leadership more carefully.

"We welcome (Dr) Pell's personal efforts to understand Islam but we caution him to avoid making statements that he cannot support with evidence, and that which is likely to reinforce tensions and disharmony within Australian communities," Mr Roude said.

Mr Howard said he knew for a fact that Cardinal Pell has been "a strong proponent of good relations between Christianity and Islam".

"I think any kind of analysis that somebody makes from his position, and he brings a great intellect to the analysis he makes ... I'm quite sure he is not trying to be unhelpful," Mr Howard told Southern Cross Broadcasting.

Mr Roude called on Dr Pell to spread a message of love and understanding, and not of fear and hatred "in a climate full of mistrust (and) instability brought about by organised fear-mongering".

Peace, respect and understanding were the foundations laid by Pope John Paul II for interfaith dialogue, Mr Roude said.

"We reiterate the need to continue our life's journey of dialogue and engagement so that extreme views of any sort do not gain prominence in driving a wedge between all of God's creations," he said.

[butternut_squash_bisque]

Truth hurts, don't it, muzzies?

[lormand]

""Considered strictly on its own terms, Islam is not a tolerant religion and its capacity for far-reaching renovation is severely limited," Dr Pell said in the address."

Spot on analysis.

[trubluolyguy]

What are they going to sa, that the Koran does NOT tell them to murder or subjugate non-muzzies? That would be a lie, but they are also given a pass on that, so long as it's to non-muzzies.

[speedy]

Maybe it's just because they get posted here, but it seems like there is more straight talk from public officials about Islam out of Australia than there is anywhere else these days.

[WOSG]

Cardinal George Pell's remarks about the intolerance of the Muslim faith and the Koran's "invocations to violence". Dr Pell, Archbishop of Sydney, defended comments he made in an address to US Catholic business leaders in Florida in February, which were published this week. In his speech, Cardinal Pell questioned the tolerance of Islam. "Considered strictly on its own terms, Islam is not a tolerant religion and its capacity for far-reaching renovation is severely limited,"

Truth is more controversial than fiction.

[Dark Skies]

Maybe it's just because they get posted here, but it seems like there is more straight talk from public officials about Islam out of Australia than there is anywhere else these days.

It's true. IMO, Australian leaders (Howard, Costello, and Pell) are the only leaders in the world that talk straight about islam.

[mad puppy]

"Considered strictly on its own terms, Islam is not a tolerant religion and its capacity for far-reaching renovation is severely limited," Dr Pell said in the address.

"Islamic terrorists are not a figment of anyone's imagination and the history of relations with Islam is full of conflict," he said in a statement.

"We need a lot of continuing dialogue, based on truth, history and the current situation.

"I continue to be completely committed to dialogue with Muslims, to supporting moderate forces on all sides ... and recommend that people read the Koran ... and judge for themselves."

---

versus

---

"We welcome (Dr) Pell's personal efforts to understand Islam but we caution him to avoid making statements that he cannot support with evidence, .....," Mr Roude said.

---

The time has come to pick a side: in this case Pell or Roude. Obvious reality or denial of reality. A murderous cult or freedom of religion.

It concerns me immensely that world is taking so long to pick a side.

[JohnnyZ]

Cardinal Pell is a good one!

[vox humana]

Maybe it's just because they get posted here, but it seems like there is more straight talk from public officials about Islam out of Australia than there is anywhere else these days.

Right on! You will never hear any criticism from George "Islam is the religion of peace." Bush.

[Pyro7480]

Catholic ping!

[nightdriver]

"Islamic Council of NSW spokesman Ali Roude welcomed Dr Pell's recognition of the need for greater understanding of Islam, but urged him to exercise his leadership more carefully."

Yeah!

Or else!

Moose-limbs seem to issue threats no matter how much they try to mask them.

[siunevada]

Mr Roude called on Dr Pell to spread a message of love and understanding, and not of fear and hatred

Well, Ali, perhaps it is because the Cardinal is exhibiting genuine love he can speak plainly and simply. There is no fear. There is no hatred. Just the facts.

[Old_Mil]

...defender of civilization in the 19th century:
...defender of civilization in the 20th century:
Defender of civilization in the 21st century:

[Sir Gawain]

"We welcome (Dr) Pell's personal efforts to understand Islam but we caution him to avoid making statements that he cannot support with evidence, and that which is likely to reinforce tensions and disharmony within Australian communities," Mr Roude said.

What evidence would you like? It's all in the Koran.

[NYer]

Catholic Ping - Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

Eastern Catholic Ping List
Please freepmail me if you want on/off this list

[Convert from ECUSA]

Ain't it the truth! They seem to grow 'em right in Australia, God love 'em!

[Northern Yankee]

Excellent News!

[Bigg Red]

I just love PM Howard and the Aussies! (No, I've never been there, but it's on my list.) Pell sounds like a good archbishop. I wish we had more like that here.

[Robert Drobot]

When did Australia become a superpower?