Italian Priest Cancels Cemetery Nativity Scene Because It Could Offend Muslims

From the Express:

Fr Sante Braggiè, from the city of Cremona in northern Italy, said there would be no nativity scene at the local cemetery this year as it could offend people from other faiths whose relatives are buried there. Fr Braggiè said: “A small corner of the cemetery is reserved for Muslim graves. 

“A crib positioned within sight of them could be seen as a lack of respect for followers of other faiths, hurt the sensibilities of Muslims, as well as Indians and even atheists. “In short, it would be a mess.” 

The priest also said that there were a shortage of council workers to set up the crib. 

Fr Oreste Mori, Fr Braggiè’s predecessor, said: “Seriously? I can’t believe it.” 

According to a report in the Italian newspaper Courier della Serra, he said: “We cannot renounce our culture and traditions. “That would be an unpardonable weakness.” 

“I am, for the time being at least, in Italy, not Saudi Arabia.”