Dutch bishop 'urges faithful to call God Allah'

Tiny Muskens says using Arabic word for God – Allah - will foster interfaith understanding.

BREDA, Netherlands - A senior Catholic churchman from the southern Dutch diocese of Breda is urging believers from all religions to call God 'Allah', arguing the use of the Arabic name for Him will foster interfaith understanding, Radio Netherlands reports.

Outgoing Roman Catholic bishop of Breda Tiny Muskens says that God does not mind what he is called.

The bishop, who is retiring in a few weeks, admits he does not anticipate his ideas will find acceptance any time soon.

He has previously defied the Vatican by calling for the acceptance of married priests and the use of condoms to combat AIDS, Radio Netherlands said.

Muskens has also said that it is acceptable for the poor to steal bread.

(AKI)