Romanian Patriarchate Expressed Disagreement Regarding Romanian Translation and Publishing of The Satanic Verses

It is well known that the Romanian Orthodox Church is one of the most ecumenical and devoted to inter-religious dialogue. The Publishing of the Satanic verses become an unpleasent event not only for Muslims in Romania but also for Orthodox Christians. Thus, Patriarch Daniel of the Romanian Orthodox Church has denounced the publication of a Romanian translation of Satanic Verses, saying the book attacks the spiritual values and symbols of all religions.

Patriarch Daniel released a statement on behalf of the Romanian Orthodox Church stating that the novel offends ‘spiritual values’ and ‘religious symbols’ of all Religions.

According to the Romania's Legislation ‘all forms, all means, all acts of animosity toward religion,’ as well as ‘the public defamation of religious symbols are criminalized.

The Polirom Publishing House indeed initiated a grave insult to Romania’s 100,000 + Muslim citizens.

We have no reaction to this publishing event on behalf of other Churches in Romania, either Roman - Catholic, Protestant or New Protestant.