A Priest in Minnesota State of US apologized for calling Islam the “greatest threat in the world, said “I am sorry for this”
US Media reported that A Roman Catholic priest in Minnesota apologized for calling Islam the “greatest threat in the world to the United States and Christianity.
Identified as The Rev. Nick VanDenBroeke, the Priest said in his statement posted on the website of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minnesota.
“My homily on immigration contained words that were hurtful to Muslims,” the statement read.
“I’m sorry for this. I realize now that my comments were not fully reflective of the Catholic Church’s teaching on Islam.”
The mea culpa followed a request by the
Council on American-Islamic Relations
Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations condemned the “hate-filled” remarks.
The apology came as the Council demanded that to apologize for disrespecting Islam and hurting Muslims.
“Silence on this issue would send the troubling message that the church holds a negative view of Minnesota’s Muslim community,”
The civil rights group said in a statement.
Meanwhile civil rights group said VanDenBroeke characterized Islam as the “greatest threat” worldwide to both the United States and Christianity.
“He also claimed that Americans do “not need to pretend” that all immigrants seeking to enter the country should be treated equally”
“I believe it is essential to consider the religion and worldview of the immigrants or refugees,” VanDenBroeke told parishioners.
Furthermore In a separate statement posted on the archdiocese’s website, Archbishop Bernard Hebda said he had discussed the matter with VanDenBroeke.
“He has expressed sorrow for his words and an openness to seeing more clearly the Church’s position on our relationship with Islam,”
the statement read.
However “The teaching of the Catholic Church is clear.”
Although The church “looks with esteem to Muslims,” who worship God via prayer, fasting and the giving of alms, Hebda said,
Moreover Pope Francis has emphasized the need for enhanced dialogue between Christians and Muslims. He added.
Furthermore Hebda’s statement continued.
“I am grateful for the many examples of friendship that offered by the Muslim community in our region and we committed to strengthening the relationship between the two communities,”
However The homily took place on a day declared as “Immigration Sunday” by Minnesota’s Catholic bishops.
The date was first celebrated in Catholic parishes statewide in 2009 to welcome migrants and refugees into local communities.
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