Cardinal commends Muslims for extending Christmas wishes

Dec 10, 2006 / 22:00 pm

In his Christmas message this year, Cardinal Keith O'Brien criticized public institutions which, in an effort to be politically correct, have avoided using the word "Christmas” in recent years.  

The cardinal laughed at public groups who have defended their actions, saying that the word “Christmas” offends or alienates people of other faiths.

"I am certain that there never was a real risk of alienating or marginalizing those of other faiths, as was often claimed,” said the primate of Scotland and archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh.

"I am hopeful that the pinnacle of politically correct posturing in recent years has passed,” he said. "I hope that councils, parliaments and other public bodies will no longer feel they have to contort their language to avoid mention of the word Christmas.”

He also commended Scottish president of the Muslim Association of Britain, who wished Christians well for the season.

This message "underlined the true meaning of tolerance and respect," he said.

"If members of other faiths can extend their good wishes to their Christian brothers and sisters as many have done recently, hoping that we have a peaceful and holy season, surely we must do the same to one another and to all people of goodwill," he added.

The cardinal-archbishop said he believed the Christian foundation of Christmas was finally being recognized.