Tuesday, February 04, 2014

German cardinal criticized for remarks on Muslims

Cardinal Joachim Meisner of Cologne told members of the Neocatechumenal Way that “I always say one of your families replaces three Muslim families” – prompting criticism from political and Muslim leaders. 

According to The Local, a European news site, Cardinal Meisner was praising the large family size of the ecclesial movement’s members. 

“It was never my intention to offend those of other faiths,” the 80-year-old prelate later said. “Perhaps my choice of words in this case was unfortunate.” 

“I have repeatedly stated that in many cases Muslim families set an example to our ageing society,” he added.