It is indeed interesting to note that the current violence over the Danish cartoons is the result of months of work by Danish Muslim clerics. In photos of the riots (not demonstrations), one can see signs that say among other things, “Death to America!” “Death to Israel!” “Behead those who insult Islam!”

Can you imagine the reaction if a Christian preacher were to act like that?

I worship the man who was nailed to a cross for proclaiming the Kingdom of God. While hanging there in agony, He said “Father forgive them – they know not what they do.” In other words, I worship a God of mercy and forgiveness. Can Muslims say the same?

We are at war with radical Islam, and it is a war that we cannot win by ourselves. It can only be won when moderate Muslims – if that is not a contradiction in terms – rein in their murderous brothers and sisters. Right now there is no sign of that happening.

Terence McManus, New Sharon