Intolerance of Muslims

I am absolutely dumbfounded by the accusations regarding the Muslim faith made by Charles Galea from Australia in his letter Protect Malta's Shores (August 11). I too have the privilege of reading The Times online, having left Maltese shores at the age of 28. I suggest Mr Galea starts to attend interfaith forums and get to understand the true basis of other religions. None of these preach and advocate hatred.

To express the opposition to America's bullying in the Arab world and elsewhere, which in itself has ignited a spate of terror around the world, is everyone's right. Muslims are not alone in condemning the actions of these so-called Christians. His Holiness the Pope has himself been very outspoken against the immoral war.

Mr Galea says: "Their clerics preach hate and refuse to tolerate other religions and cultures". That's just not true. None of these supposedly "evil" clerics have been taken to court under our "anti-terrorist" legislation! It must be said that every time a bomb goes off somewhere, all Muslims are marginalised and looked upon as terrorists.

As a Catholic, I am overwhelmed by the warm welcome I always receive from the so many Muslims that I have got to know. I enjoy my dialogue with these people and also with people of other faiths. There is an enormous intolerance of Muslims, plainly through ignorance. Religion has nothing to do with the behaviour of individuals.

Malta's shores need only be protected against the "economic" refugees. Regardless of faith and colour, Malta is already overpopulated, and that is the only reason that its shores need protection.