Muslim Magazine Apologizes for Offending Catholics

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, MARCH 10, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Al-Islam magazine apologized to Catholics for publishing a report in which two of its journalists profaned a consecrated host, reported Eglises d'Asie, agency of the Foreign Missions of Paris.

Archbishop Murphy Pakiam of Kuala Lumpur had asked for the apology last week after affirming that the archdiocese would not pursue legal action.

Two days later the directors of the monthly publication issued a public apology for the actions last May of two Muslim journalists who attended a Mass and, posing as Christians, took Communion. They spat out the hosts, and one took a photograph. They later criticized and ridiculed Christian beliefs in an article published in al-Islam magazine.

The incident was reported to the police, who accused the two of having "caused disharmony, feelings of enmity and hatred, and undermining religious harmony in the country."

Penalties for this offense in Malaysia include imprisonment for two to five years. The charges, however, were later dropped.

The editors of al-Islam magazine explained that the intention of his journalists was not to offend the religious feelings of Catholics and that the two journalists were investigating rumors about the conversion of Muslim girls to Christianity.

The apology will be published in the April issue of al-Islam, which goes on sale in mid-March.