Statement On Pope Benedict XVI
During the Pope Benedict XVI Islam controversy Siddique wrote a letter critical of Pope Benedict XVI's decision to quote a medieval Christian scholar who "denigrated the teachings of Prophet Muhammad as 'evil and inhuman' and further downgraded his ministry to one that was conquered by the 'power of the sword.'" Siddique maintained that the Pope's apology on the matter and call for dialog was valid and an honorable reply to Muslims concerns and that violence that was motivated by these comments was indefensible. He wrote, "Pope Benedict XVI has subsequently expressed his regrets and remorse several times. Unfortunately, the Muslim reaction was quick, violent and predictable. it is now time to move forward. Pope Benedict has demonstrated in word and deed his desire to do just that. Muslims must now show their respect for Catholics and other Christians. ...Reciprocity is in order, as the Pope alluded to in his comments to diplomats from 22 Muslim nations and representatives of Italy’s Muslim community gathered at his Castel Gandolfo summer retreat. He said a “more authentic reciprocal knowledge” is required between the faiths. By that he means that Muslims must show the same respect toward Christianity, and must allow Christians living in Muslim nations the same rights, that they demand for themselves from Christians and Christian-led nations. Why should it be any other way?" Siddique than criticized Saudi Arabia for building a $50 million Islamic Center in Rome, but forbidding "even a modest church to open in Saudi Arabia". He took Afghanistan to task for making Muslims "subject to capital punishment should they embrace Christianity". He concluded "It is time for Muslims to show Islam’s generosity of spirit not only toward Pope Benedict XVI, but toward Christendom as a whole. As the Koran notes, Allah made us different so that we might get to know each other."
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