Archbishop Peter A Comensoli has released the following statement regarding the recent religious procession by members of the Shia Muslim faith community.
On 7 July, members of the Shia Muslim faith community in Melbourne engaged in a religious procession through the streets of Melbourne. This was a peaceful event that has occurred annually for over a decade.
This procession has been misrepresented in some quarters as an attack on Christians and, specifically, on St Patrick’s Cathedral. This is simply not the case.
Like all Victorians, the Islamic community is entitled to exercise freedom of religion. As Catholics, we expect nothing less.
I am now aware of a rally being organised for this weekend which appears to be a protest against the procession. Such a rally does nothing for peace and harmony, nor for promoting religious freedom.
I strongly urge people not to attend the rally and hope the organisers have the wisdom to call it off.
Instead, I urge Catholics and all people of good will to take up the call of Pope Leo to pray for peace in our world, for an end to war and suffering.
As Catholics, we place our trust in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. May He reign in all our hearts.
Most Rev Peter A Comensoli
Archbishop of Melbourne
Archbishop Peter A Comensoli
Most Reverend Peter Andrew Comensoli is the Archbishop of Melbourne.
