"Muslim countries denying Christians religious freedom"

"Muslim countries denying Christians religious freedom"

("Middle East Times," October 10, 2005)

Vatican City - A Roman Catholic bishop taking part in the Vatican synod
criticized Muslim countries on Saturday for not allowing Christians to
practice their faith.

Archbishop Berhaneyesus Souraphiel of Addis Ababa in Ethiopia cited the
example of Ethiopian and Eritrean guest workers in Arab countries who he
claimed were unable to practice their Christian faith.

He named Saudi Arabia, Yemen and the Gulf States in a speech to more than
240 bishops gathered at the Vatican to discuss the problems facing the
Catholic Church worldwide.

"Before going to these Muslim countries, they are forced to change their
Christian name to a Muslim one, and in particular, the women have to
dress in Muslim clothing.

"Once they have reached their destination, they have their passports taken
away and are subjected to every kind of abuse and oppression. In this
situation many are forced to become Muslims," according to a text of the
prelate's speech released to Italian journalists.

"They are forced to go to these Muslim countries because of poverty in
their own countries and because other Christian countries are barred to
them. "The right to profess their own religion is denied them," he said,
including being able to go to mass and communion. "It's modern day
religious persecution."

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