Muslims Chop Off Professor's Hand in India; He Had Defamed Muhammad in an Exam Question

Professor T.J. Joseph is "a martyr for Islamic-Christian dialogue in Kerala (India) and around the world," said Sister Marie Stella Thenganakunnel. The nun, who is also the elder sister of the Catholic college lecturer, spoke to Asia News website about the attack in which her brother had his right hand -- and part of the right arm -- chopped off.

She said she hoped the attack on July 4, 2010 might "bear fruit and open channels of communication between Christianity and Islam."

After Mass last Sunday (July 4), Prof. T.J. Joseph was attacked in Kerala by a group of unknown assailants who chopped off his right hand and part of the arm. He had been accused of defaming the Prophet Muhammad a few months earlier in an exam question.

Joseph's sister said, "We live in a Muslim environment. Muslims are good people. Many have donated blood for him. Unfortunately, a small fringe carried out this attack. My brother, however, has only talked about forgiveness, forgiveness, and forgiveness."