The reaction from the US religious community on the diplomatic attacks

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

US Muslims

This is an excerpt from a statement by the Islamic Society of North America:

"While we defend the right to free speech, even repugnant speech, these kinds of messages on the internet are so clearly crafted to provoke, to offend, to evoke outrage. The denigration of religion, the mocking of religious leaders, the intentional framing of religious texts and tenets in this manner must be repudiated by all religious leaders."

Muslims in the US face immense pressure as the riots in the Middle East rage on in the name of their religion. The Islamic Society's argument for freedom of expression — "even repugnant speech" — went further than US government officials have allowed in their public statements about these incidents,writes Aaron Lerner, columnist and director of Independent Media Review & Analysis.

US Copts

The high pressure on American Muslims to react could perhaps be matched by that on a smaller community, US Christian Coptics. The man who purportedly created the "Innocence of Muslims" video denigrating Islam is believed to be a Christian Coptic.

Here are excerpts from a statement by the Coptic Orthodox Church:

"The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California & Hawaii strongly rejects dragging the respectable Copts of the Diaspora in the latest production of an inflammatory movie about the prophet of Islam."

"Holistically blaming the Copts for the production of this movie is equivalent to holistically blaming Muslims for the actions of a few fanatics. Even though Christians often face persecution, injustice and calls for open attacks over the airwaves, we reject violence in all its forms."

"We call on everyone from all religions to respect the freedom of individuals to choose their faith."

US Jews

Before the spotlight shone on the Copts, media initially reported the filmmaker was an Israeli American backed by Jewish donors. Media have backed away from that version, but their reporting incensed Jews already sensitive about stoking tensions with Muslims.

The American Jewish Committee slammed "credible news sources" for failing to getting the facts straight:

"Initial reports identified the filmmaker as an Israeli-American who had received funding from 100 Jewish donors. This narrative was swallowed by credible news sources — newspapers, TV, wire services — hook, line and sinker, and repeated again and again in print and on screen.

"Later, after a few responsible journalists and bloggers did some basic fact-checking ... The individual behind the incendiary, offensive video did not appear to be Jewish. …

"Media, beginning with major US outlets, owe their readers and viewers an apology."

At a news conference Wednesday, Reform Rabbi David Sapperstein condemned the attacks in Egypt and Libya, and added that the video "was clearly crafted to provoke, to offend and to evoke outrage."

Christians

The Conference of Catholic Bishops said:

"Yesterday's events in Libya and Egypt point to what is at stake. We need to be respectful of other religious traditions at the same time that we unequivocally proclaim that violence in the name of religion is wrong."

"This gathering … highlights the need to defend vigorously religious freedom throughout the world. Americans are shocked when they read headlines of attacks on innocent people of faith in far off places, but too often the images of pain fade and with it the need for concerted action.

Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance, said:

"We completely denounce the practice of insulting and slandering adherents of other religions or their founders. Such inflammatory statements invariably arouse suspicion and confusion.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Christian brothers and sisters in those countries with Muslim majority populations in condemning both the video and the violence that has followed its publication."

The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA released this statement condemning the attacks and an affront to religions of the world:

"The attack has been appropriately condemned by both the US and Libya governments. Member communions of the National Council of Churches USA denounce this mindless violence as a travesty and mindless rejection of the historic precepts of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, which are based on God's love and a peaceful regard for all God's people."

"Our hearts and prayers go out for the families and loved ones of Mr. Stevens and the other victims of the attack. We are sadly aware that this attack took place on the 11th anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. We reiterate a statement we made we made then and ask all people to abide by its call: We assert the vision of community, tolerance, compassion, justice, and the sacredness of human life, which lies at the heart of all of our religious traditions."

Link

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US Muslims

This is an excerpt from a statement by the Islamic Society of North America:

"While we defend the right to free speech, even repugnant speech, these kinds of messages on the internet are so clearly crafted to provoke, to offend, to evoke outrage. The denigration of religion, the mocking of religious leaders, the intentional framing of religious texts and tenets in this manner must be repudiated by all religious leaders."

Muslims in the US face immense pressure as the riots in the Middle East rage on in the name of their religion. The Islamic Society's argument for freedom of expression — "even repugnant speech" — went further than US government officials have allowed in their public statements about these incidents,writes Aaron Lerner, columnist and director of Independent Media Review & Analysis.

US Copts

The high pressure on American Muslims to react could perhaps be matched by that on a smaller community, US Christian Coptics. The man who purportedly created the "Innocence of Muslims" video denigrating Islam is believed to be a Christian Coptic.

Here are excerpts from a statement by the Coptic Orthodox Church:

"The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Los Angeles, Southern California & Hawaii strongly rejects dragging the respectable Copts of the Diaspora in the latest production of an inflammatory movie about the prophet of Islam."

"Holistically blaming the Copts for the production of this movie is equivalent to holistically blaming Muslims for the actions of a few fanatics. Even though Christians often face persecution, injustice and calls for open attacks over the airwaves, we reject violence in all its forms."

"We call on everyone from all religions to respect the freedom of individuals to choose their faith."

US Jews

Before the spotlight shone on the Copts, media initially reported the filmmaker was an Israeli American backed by Jewish donors. Media have backed away from that version, but their reporting incensed Jews already sensitive about stoking tensions with Muslims.

The American Jewish Committee slammed "credible news sources" for failing to getting the facts straight:

"Initial reports identified the filmmaker as an Israeli-American who had received funding from 100 Jewish donors. This narrative was swallowed by credible news sources — newspapers, TV, wire services — hook, line and sinker, and repeated again and again in print and on screen.

"Later, after a few responsible journalists and bloggers did some basic fact-checking ... The individual behind the incendiary, offensive video did not appear to be Jewish. …

"Media, beginning with major US outlets, owe their readers and viewers an apology."

At a news conference Wednesday, Reform Rabbi David Sapperstein condemned the attacks in Egypt and Libya, and added that the video "was clearly crafted to provoke, to offend and to evoke outrage."

Christians

The Conference of Catholic Bishops said:

"Yesterday's events in Libya and Egypt point to what is at stake. We need to be respectful of other religious traditions at the same time that we unequivocally proclaim that violence in the name of religion is wrong."

"This gathering … highlights the need to defend vigorously religious freedom throughout the world. Americans are shocked when they read headlines of attacks on innocent people of faith in far off places, but too often the images of pain fade and with it the need for concerted action.

Geoff Tunnicliffe, secretary general of the World Evangelical Alliance, said:

"We completely denounce the practice of insulting and slandering adherents of other religions or their founders. Such inflammatory statements invariably arouse suspicion and confusion.

"We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Christian brothers and sisters in those countries with Muslim majority populations in condemning both the video and the violence that has followed its publication."

The National Council of Churches of Christ in the USA released this statement condemning the attacks and an affront to religions of the world:

"The attack has been appropriately condemned by both the US and Libya governments. Member communions of the National Council of Churches USA denounce this mindless violence as a travesty and mindless rejection of the historic precepts of Islam, Judaism and Christianity, which are based on God's love and a peaceful regard for all God's people."

"Our hearts and prayers go out for the families and loved ones of Mr. Stevens and the other victims of the attack. We are sadly aware that this attack took place on the 11th anniversary of the terror attacks of September 11, 2001. We reiterate a statement we made we made then and ask all people to abide by its call: We assert the vision of community, tolerance, compassion, justice, and the sacredness of human life, which lies at the heart of all of our religious traditions."

Link

That film had only one purpose: to incite violence by fomenting hatred. It cost people their lives. Still some opine that there is a free speech issue. I suppose yelling "fire" in a movie theater is also OK, it would probably cause a riot and people would get trampled to death but it is free speech, isn't it?

[X Factor 1,112]

Religion being used as an excuse to incite violence IMO

Edited September 16, 2012 by Mr Smiley

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

The more I think about and read about the protests and learn about what's coming out of each area my perception shifts. The reasons for protesting seem much bigger than the film. In some of the other countries it seems they're using the film as an excuse to vent but protesters say they're angry at America for much more than that. The film was a flash point after decades of US involvement and interference in the region. Any troll on the internet can doodle a character of the prophet and put it on Arabic speaking websites to anger, insult and offend Muslims. However, this film depicting the prophet was made to be highly offensive and insulting like putting an acceleration on a smoldering pile of coals.

Action = Reaction

The filmmaker is an Egyptian Coptic Christian with US citizenship and had lead others to believe it was solely 100% American and Israeli-American. Protesters didn't go after Egyptians Embassies. They didn't go after Israeli Embassies. They didn't go after Coptic Christians. They all went after American Embassy's, foreign institutions and military bases, which speaks volumes.

The numbers from the protests aren't that many really but in some cases it's enough to do damage. Most protests range from a couple hundred to a few thousand. I haven't put all the numbers together but I estimate it less than 10,000 protesters globally.

People need to remember that a vast majority of citizens in this region did not react to the film violently or protest. They condemned it and moved on with their lives. The vast majority showed peaceful restraint in the face of insult to their prophet. I spoke with my family back in Egypt and they said they recognize that Americans and Christians had nothing to do with it and they hold accountable to persons who committed the act. Those involved with the film and separately those who committed acts of violence. They say they know that most Americans are good kind people. From my personal experience most of the people from this region are also good and kind people.

Edited September 17, 2012 by Dr. A ♥ O

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I was reading this the other night on Wiki before they made their own Wiki page for it. It's reactions from the International Community. I thought you all might like to read what the leaders of the world are saying. Especially being this is an immigration site and you might want to read what the leader of your country said if anything.

This isn't all the reactions from the page. Some of the countries that were more involved have larger sections to read about such as Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Tunisia and the United States. Most of them seem to condemn the movie and the violence. Some of them had very intriguing perspectives such as the Vatican City.

Link to actual page if you want to read more.

International organizations

United Nations – In a statement, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said "The United Nations rejects defamation of religion in all forms. At the same time, nothing justifies the brutal violence which occurred in Benghazi"

Supranational organizations

European Union – In a statement, E.U. High Representative for Foreign Affairs Catherine Ashton condemned the attacks in "strongest possible terms" and urged "the Libyan authorities to work tirelessly to bring those responsible for these killings to justice."

Middle East and North Africa

Algeria – Foreign Minister Mourad Medelci offered his condolences to Hillary Clinton over the death of Ambassador Stevens. The foreign ministry also sharply criticised the movie "Innocence of Muslims".

Israel – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sent condolences after the attacks saying, "The people of Israel grieve with the American people, If there's any people in the world that understands what Americans are going through, what they went through in 9/11, it's the people of Israel, who've been standing at the forefront of the battle against terrorism, who've lost loved ones and who deeply, deeply sympathize with the people of America at this time," In a separate statement, Foreign Minister Avigdor Liberman condemned the attacks and said that "Israel stands by the United States in the fight for the free world and against terrorism." He added: "The rioters who attacked the American diplomatic missions are people who want to impose their views and beliefs at any price, and for them the ideals of freedom of speech and freedom of conscience are concepts that are to be removed from this world together with all Western culture."

Morocco – Morocco described the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi as "shameful aggression", and sent condolences to the American people. The government also denounced the anti-Islam film, adding that the attacks "cannot, in any case, be justified."

Saudi Arabia – Saudi Arabia expressed condolences to the United States for the victims of the violence and denounced the violent anti-American protests. The Kingdom also condemned the anti-Islam film. In addition, Saudi Grand Mufti, Sheikh Abdulaziz bin Abdullah Al al Sheikh, regarded attacks on foreign embassies as acts contra to Islam.

United Arab Emirates – Foreign Minister Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan called on the U.N. Security Council to act against the defamation of religion in order to prevent violent acts. Nahyan said: "The UAE carries a message of moderation, peace and opposition to terrorism and fundamentalism in all forms".

Asia

China – Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hong Lei said that the Chinese government was "shocked" by the attacks and that it "strongly condemn the violent deeds". It further reminded the Libyan government about its obligation to protect foreign ambassadors under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

India – Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai in a press release said "We are deeply shocked at the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi. India strongly condemns the violent acts which unfortunately resulted in the death of the U.S. Ambassador to Libya and other officials." The secretary has spoken to U.S. Ambassador in Delhi and conveyed condolences at the tragic loss of life.

Japan – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement upon learning the incident in Benghazi Japan extends condolences to the victims, their families and the U.S. government and also "resolutely condemns such acts of violence". Japan also reiterated the Libyan governments responsibilities, as prescribed by international law to protect the premises of foreign mission and their members and "strongly hopes that the government will make further efforts toward the improvement of peace and order". Japan will continue to ensure the safety of their nationals abroad.

Pakistan – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Pakistani government strongly condemns the killing of Ambassador Stevens and his staff members in Benghazi.

Philippines - The Department of Foreign Affairs released a statement saying that the Philippines is "outraged by the horrific criminal and senseless act of violence in Benghazi which should be condemned by the international community". The statement also stresses that the attacks were a "serious violation of long standing norms of international law" and reiterated that "diplomatic and consular agents should not be harmed and that the diplomatic and consular premises are inviolable". The Philippines also extended condolences to the U.S. Ambassador, the embassy staff and their families. The Philippine National Police has stepped up additional security for American diplomatic facilities.

South and Central America

Argentina – President Cristina Fernández de Kirchner said that she and the Argentine people condemned the attacks, and she deeply regrets the death of Ambassador Stevens.

Brazil – The Itamaraty, in a press release, stated that the Government of Brazil "vehemently repudiates" the attacks and "recalls the commitment required of all countries to uphold theinviolability principle of the premises of diplomatic and consular missions".

Chile – The government of Chile "expressed its strongest condemnation of the terrorist attack against the U.S. ambassador in Libya,". It also reiterated the country's "confidence that these events will not affect the democratization process the Libyan society is currently engaged in."

Colombia - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia through an express statement "strongly condemns the terrorist attack" and expressed "its solidarity and condolences to the U.S. government and the families of the victims."

Cuba – Cuba condemned the attacks in Benghazi. The Foreign Ministry's statement said "violence against diplomats is not justified anywhere, or under any circumstances."

Costa Rica – Costa Rica expressed "its complete rejection" of any terrorist attacks especially those that target diplomats and said that "Costa Rica makes a vehement call for respecting international law, in particular, the obligations set out in the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic Relations,".

El Salvador – The Salvadoran Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement in which it expressed its strongest condemnation of the attacks on the U.S. diplomatic missions in Libya and Egypt and called upon all states to ensure, pursuant to the Vienna Conventions on Diplomatic and Consular Relations, that all appropriate steps are taken to protect the premeses of diplomatic missions.

Guatemala – The Government of Guatemala rejected and condemned the "intolerant religious manifestation" and expressed its solidarity to the United States and the families of the victims. Guatemala urged others to "respect the inviolability of the properties of the diplomatic missions..."

Mexico – The Secretariat of Foreign Affairs expressed its condolences on the behalf of Mexico for the violence against the U.S. representatives in Libya and Egypt, and especially for the assassination of the U.S. agent. The agency expressed its solidarity with the United States and with the families of the victims.

Venezuela – Venezuela's Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks, saying the attacks "violated the territorial sovereignty of the United States and the immunity that protects all diplomatic missions."

North America

Canada – Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird issued a statement condemning the attack and urging "Libyan officials to ensure the extremists responsible are brought to swift justice."

Oceania

Australia – Foreign Minister Bob Carr condemned the "barbaric attack" on the United States consulate in Libya. He also called Ambassador Stevens a "friend to Australia" and noted that "Libya is a country finding its way out of the wreckage of decades of dictatorship, and struggling with the challenges of rogue militia and Gaddafi sympathisers."

Europe

Austria – Austrian Vice-Chancellor and Foreign Minister Michael Spindelegger was "deeply shocked" and condemned "in the strongest terms the murder of U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other consulate employees in Bengazhi." He added that "the new Libya...must draw a clear line here."

Belgium – Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Didier Reynders "strongly" condemned the attacks, expressed condolences to the American people and government. He "...the fact that the Libyan President has condemned this attack and that he is promising the Libyan government's full support in bringing the perpetrators of this cowardly attack to justice."

Bulgaria – Foreign Minister Nikolay Mladenov condemned the attack, stating that killing "in the name of religion" is unacceptable.

Germany – Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle condemned the attacks in "the strongest possible terms" and noted that "Yesterday's events in Cairo and Benghazi make abundantly clear what religious fanaticism can lead to."

Hungary – In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Hungary condemned the unjustifiable murderous attack, which caused the death of four American citizens who worked to support the democratic transformation in Libya. Hungary undertook to represent the interests of the United States in Libya for several months in 2011 as a protective power. Foreign Minister János Martonyi also sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, expressing the deepest condolences and sympathies of the Hungarian Government and the people of Hungary.

Italy – Prime Minister Mario Monti said in a news conference, "We will continue to support the government of the new democratic Libya, which we are sure will spare no effort in preventing Libya's new course from being hijacked," and added condemnation to the attacks.

Norway – Minister of foreign affairs Jonas Gahr Støre strongly condemned the attacks saying "We condemn the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi and the killing of diplomats and ordinary civilians in the strongest terms. Such acts of violence are indefensible. We will raise this matter with the Libyan authorities. Under international law, the receiving state has full responsibility for the security of diplomatic and consular missions and their staff".

Romania – Foreign Minister Titus Corlăţean condemned the attack in Benghazi and sent a letter of condolences to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on 12 September. On the same day, theMinistry of Foreign Affairs stated in a press release that "Romania requests the new Libyan authorities to urgently respond by measures to capture and bring before justice the perpetrators" of the attack, adding that "the international community must not condone such attacks against members of the diplomatic corps in the line of duty".

Russia – Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov sent a telegram to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, saying he was "shocked by the tragic deaths" of the ambassador and the other diplomats, and asked her to convey his country's condolences to the victims families.

Serbia - Serbian MFA had strongly condemned the attack on the US Consulate in Benghazi and the killing of Ambassador Christopher Stevens and three other US Embassy staff in Libya, welcomed the rapid response and condemnation of the attack by the Libyan authorities and expressed belief that "the leadership and people of Libya will stop extremists from preventing further democratic development of the country".

Turkey – President Abdullah Gül sent a message to U.S. President Barack Obama in which he expressed his condolences and condemned the attack on the American consulate in Benghazi which killed U.S. Ambassador Christopher Stevens and four other Americans. Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan also sent condolences to Obama in relation to the attacks.In a separate statement, Turkish Foreign Ministry also said it strongly condemns the attack and standing by American people in solidarity. It added that Turkey expects that Libyan authorities will bring those responsible in the death of the American ambassador to justice.

Ukraine – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that Ukraine was "shocked by the attacks on the U.S. consulate in Libya" and strongly condemned the attacks. The director of the ministry's information policy department, Oleh Voloshyn said that "This awful crime, unfortunately, once again shows that the real security situation in Libya is far from what the international community tried to achieve through its actions against the country,".

UK – United Kingdom Foreign Secretary William Hague condemned the attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi as "senseless and brutal" and added that the attack serves as "a reminder of the continuing need to bring law and order to all parts of Libya so that the people of Libya can have a safer, more peaceful and prosperous future."

Vatican City – Vatican spokesman Federico Lombardi said in a statement "The serious consequences of unjustified offence and provocations against the sensibilities of Muslim believers are once again evident." He continued: "The reactions they arouse, sometimes with tragic results, which in their turn nourish tension and hatred, unleashing unacceptable violence"