Messages of Support & Apology in The Wake of The Publication of Offensive Cartoons by New Zealand Media
Message From John Greally
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am a senior member of the Tridentine Rite within the Catholic in New
Zealand, and someone who abhors the unwarranted insensitivity underpinning
the publication of the recent cartoons claiming to depict Mohammed (May
God's Peace be upon Him) which put words and sentiments into his mouth that
would be blasphemous to any follower of his.
There must be a wider definition attached to the term obscenity than
pornography, bestiality, depictions of violence, etc. These cartoons are
capable of being seen as obscene even to non-Muslims. I find them obscene.
For many religious cultures, their most important figures are very much
still 'alive', capable of being defamed from the believers perspective, and
deserving of the utmost protection therefore. To maintain laws that seem to
expect religious cultures to treat their important people or founders as
though they are not to be cared for any longer, as 'dead' even, to expect
them to be left unprotected is just plain wrong. We have to live together,
and - rightfully - I cannot abuse your living family with impunity, let
alone those who have recently passed.
At my wedding in 1998, a young man who is now a Priest, rose from his table
to tell me he was going to get me my wedding present - an unusual present.
Later that day I saw this young man, Ian Smith, on the 6 o'clock News being
arrested for attacking the notorious blasphemo-pornographic virgin in the
condom statuette at Te Papa Museum.
This is not behaviour I condone - even a little.
I believe, and am taught, that the thinking error that leads to attacks on
the statuette are the same thinking errors that put the statuette there in
the first place.
Profound respect for each other is vital to a sound and healthy society, and
that respect is all the more vital with those we strongly disagree with,
precisely because we are in conflict with their views. And that respect
should be extended to all those who are no longer physically present today,
but who are 'living and present' through their followers from their
perspective. To ignore their special status is to wish anarchy upon us all.
I am hoping that my views can also be taken into account in sorting out the
foolishness and sadness New Zealand's media have allowed us all to descend
into.
I hope the Human Rights Commission will:
|
Publicly acknowledge that the cartoons were obscene to a significant
group of responsible New Zealanders, not exclusively Muslims, and
|
|
Publicly participate in conveying to all Kiwi Muslims that the Government
is upset at such behaviour, and
|
|
Immediately call for the widest possible debate to consider framing
further laws to prevent such disgusting insensitivity in the future against
any religion or against those of no religion also.
|
Thanking you,
John Greally.
Message From Justin Fredricskson
Hello, I am a Roman Catholic, but I also am saddened by the cartoons
depicting your prophet in a derogatory manner. I never like Jesus Christ
being portrayed as an object of fun or derision and thus I respect your own
sadness. Please believe that many in NZ do not approve of the cartoons.
Justin
Apology From Norma
Hello, my name is Norma. I live in New York. I wanted to extend an apology
to all my dear Muslim brother and sisters around the world, a sincere
apology for disrespecting your beliefs, your sacred names and religion. The
issue is not one of democracy but of understanding and caring about your
fellowman's heart and soul.
Please don't think that everyone in the western
world is anti-Muslim. We are all children of God. I have always believed in
One Humanity, on One Planet, under One God. I hope someday that humanity
will evolve and learn to love all it's many and varied forms. You are my
brothers and sisters, although I am not of your faith, and I am sorry you
have been disrespected. Let us not give up in trying to restore peace.
Please help me by passing this message to many more, and have them pass it
on as a soothing wave of God's love for us all. I ask this of you. Pass this
around the world and let us defeat those who seek to disturb life. God bless
Norma
|
