Catholic cleric In Cotabato joins Muslims
in condemning anti-Islam Danish cartoons

An influential Catholic priest based in Cotabato, Central Mindanao has joined Muslims in condemning the Danish cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad that angered Islam believers all over the world.

“This is tantamount to inciting violence as what is happening now,” said Fr. Bert Layson, inter-religious program coordinator of the Archdiocese of Cotabato and parish priest of Pikit, North Cotabato.

Layson said he could not imagine how Christians would have reacted if the Pope were depicted in a cartoon with the swastika (Nazi symbol) in his cap and an Armalite for a crozier (staff).

The priest said the cartoons had insulted the Muslims and sensible individuals should denounce the acts.

“Denmark should apologize to the Muslims, because it allowed the publication of the cartoons, in deference to so-called freedom of the press,” Layson said, even as he urged the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) to speak out on the matter.

“I urge the CBCP to issue a stand. It’s an insult to a religion. They are making fun of it. All religious leaders should join hands to condemn the cartoons,” he said.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hailed Father Lyson for his timely and appropriate response to the anti-Islam cartoons in the Danish newspapers, describing the priest’s position as sadly wanting in a world of contrasting values and sensibilities.

In its official website, the MILF assured that Muslims will never retaliate in kind against Jesus Christ, saying the Holy Qur’an has a very definitive ruling on the divergence of religions: “There is no compulsion in religion; unto you your religion and unto me my religion.”

Muslims greatly respect Jesus Christ as one of the most revered prophets of Islam, along with Prophets Abraham, Isaac, Moses, David, Joseph, Ismael, and others.

The anti-Islam Danish cartoons were published in the Jyllands-Posten starting in September last year; and in one of its cartoons, Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) was wearing a lit bomb for a turban. (ZS)