[Greens-Media] Pagan and Islam abuse shows time Cardinal Pell stepped down

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
5 May 2006

Pagan and Islam abuse shows time Cardinal Pell stepped down 

Cardinal George Pell's latest comments about Islam suggest he is not
fit to hold such a senior position within the Catholic Church Greens MP
Lee Rhiannon said today. 

"Cardinal Pell's abuse of Islam and people concerned about climate
change is unacceptable," Ms Rhiannon said.

"Crimes committed in the name of any religion should be condemned but
that does not mean the whole faith should be insulted.

"Cardinal Pell in insulting Islam is air brushing from history the
crimes committed by sections of his own church.

"Has the Cardinal forgotten about the crimes perpetrated by large
numbers of christians during the Crusades and the Inquisition?

"The Cardinal's comments equating people concerned about climate
change with 'pagans (who) sacrificed animals and even humans' calls
into question Cardinal Pell's ability to be rational about these
important issues. 

"Cardinal Pell, as a leading catholic, should be working for
tolerance and respect for people of all faiths, instead of making such
abusive comments about Islam," Ms Rhiannon concluded.


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