Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) rejects the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten’s claim that it was necessary to re-publish the facsimile of the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed.
"This is not a constructive way of promoting the freedom of speech. NCA advocates the right to freedom of speech, but we are disappointed that Norwegian newspapers choose to promote freedom of speech in a way that is dismissive of what Muslims in Norway and abroad cherish as sacred", says Mr. Arne Sæverås, special advisor on peace and reconciliation with NCA.
Freedom of speech is a freedom in need of continuous protection and maintenance, but it is also a freedom that comes with an obligation to uphold it responsibly. If one seeks to criticize Islam, Christianity or other religions this should be done in a respectful and direct manner providing space for the actors to voice their opinion. A debate of this nature must be tolerated. Rather than facilitating reconciliation and peaceful co-existence, re-publishing the cartoons will generate starker divides, which erode the basis for meaningful dialogue", says Sæverås.
Sæverås further states that "The attack on the Danish cartoonist Mr. Kurt Westergaard was an act that we strongly reject on the same level as we reject all forms of violent reactions to free speech".
NCA was the first Norwegian organization to reject the caricatures of the Prophet Mohammed when the self professed Christian newspaper Magazinet published them in February 2006. NCA has maintained close dialogue and collaboration with Muslim leaders in Norway and abroad and partner organizations. A specific outcome of these partnerships and relations was a joint statement condemning the violent reactions that followed the publication of the cartoons.