NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      NAIROBI, Kenya (CWNews.com) - Kenyan Catholic and Muslim leaders met in Nairobi on Tuesday in an effort to defuse tensions between their religious followers in recent weeks.

      Catholic Archbishop Ndingi a'Nzeki of Nairobi and Pro. Abdul-Ghafur Al-Busaidy of the Supreme Council of Kenya Muslims released a statement following the meeting calling for increased understanding between Christians and Muslims and then traced the evolution of the problem. Several weeks ago, an American missionary in Nakuru made insulting remarks against the Prophet Mohammed. Angered Muslims then burned a church in Wajir and attacked a nun. Finally, Muslims felt Christians blamed then for the bomb attack against the US embassy by anti-American, radical Muslims.

      The two leaders said religions and communities should not be held responsible for acts of violence committed by certain groups. They also reminded Christians and Muslims that all Kenyans are working to better their country for themselves and their children. The religious leaders also agreed to preach tolerance and understanding to their people and condemn acts of violence against followers of other faiths.