Nicosia, April 22, 2012
 |
| Whether it is a provocative action or an act by extreme elements, or people who do not think logically, it does not stop it from being a reprehensible act of disrespect towards a place of worship”, it is noted. |
“The Archbishop condemns unreservedly the arson against the external canopy of the Koprulu Haci Ibrahim Aga Mosque, on Ankara Street, in Limassol,” a press release issued here today by the Archbishop’s office says. “Whether it is a provocative action or an act by extreme elements, or people who do not think logically, it does not stop it from being a reprehensible act of disrespect towards a place of worship”, it is noted.
It is further pointed out that the Church of Cyprus, in its long history, has always promoted love, solidarity and conciliation and having been a victim itself of acts of discourtesy, it acts as a guardian for the respect of diversity. The Church, it is added, “strongly disapproves and condemns any acts directed against places of worship, which restrict religious freedom and which are used to create a climate of discord, mistrust and tension”.
“Cyprus has always been a welcoming place, where
people could live peacefully and could coexist, without
their religious or national roots constituting a cause for
division”, it is noted. Finally, the Archbishop
stresses that such acts against places of worship, be they
Christian temples or Muslim mosques, or any other place of
worship, are not typical of the people of Cyprus, nor of
the island’s culture and civilization.
The Korpulu Haci Ibrahim Aga mosque is one of several
mosques in the southern government controlled part of the
Republic of Cyprus, which has been divided since the 1974
Turkish invasion. The government has taken measures to
protect Moslem places of worship and carried out repairs
when necessary. By contrast, many Christian places of
worship in the northern Turkish occupied areas of Cyprus
have been destroyed or pillaged.
