ICC Note: In an escalation of the conflict in Malaysia over the use of the word “Allah” by Christians, Muslim groups have called for the removal of Archbishop Joseph Marino, the Vatican’s first envoy to the country, to be recalled by Rome. The Archbishops mistake appears to simply have been calling arguments in favor of the use of Allah by Christians “logical and acceptable.” This spurred a strong reaction from Islamic groups accusing the Archbishop in meddling in internal Malaysian affairs. In Malaysia, Christians often face discrimination, especially over the use of the Arabic word “Allah” in the Malay language version of the Bible that has been used for centuries in the country. 
7/19/2013 Malaysia (Jakarta Globe) – Several Islamic groups on Friday demanded the recall of the Vatican’s first envoy to Malaysia, describing him as an “enemy of the state” after he supported the use of the word “Allah” by non-Muslims.
Dozens of protesters gathered outside the Vatican’s mission in Kuala Lumpur after prayers on Friday, urging the government to expel Archbishop Joseph Marino.
Marino, who arrived in Kuala Lumpur less than six months ago, recently elicited a rebuke from the government after he waded into a religious row over the right to translate “God” to “Allah” in Malay-language Bibles and other literature.
He had described arguments supporting the move put forward by the Catholic Church in an ongoing court battle with the government over the issue, as “logical and acceptable.”
He was on Tuesday summoned to the foreign ministry over his remarks, and has since apologized.
It was not enough for some Muslim organizations in the country, however.
“Joseph Marino is an enemy of the state. His actions have strained race relations in the country,” said Ibrahim Ali, president of right-wing group Perkasa.
Ibrahim has previously drawn controversy by calling for the burning of the Bible.
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