Orthodox denounce cartoons

Orthodox Churches around Europe have vigorously condemned the republication of cartoons depicting the Muslim Prophet Muhammad by France’s satirical Charlie Hebdo weekly, after eight members of its staff were massacred by militant Islamists, writes Jonathan Luxmoore.

“We call on all journalists to observe a moratorium on publishing caricatures offending Muslims, Christians and followers of others faiths,” said the World Russian People’s Council, chaired by Orthodox Patriarch Kirill. “Calls to reprint them are irresponsible and unjust – a blow … to millions of innocent Muslims, a show of disrespect for an entire civilisation.” The issue sold 7 million copies.