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More than 40 prominent Christian, Jewish and Muslim leaders and religion scholars condemned the "xenophobia and religious bigotry" that is fueling an increasingly strident opposition to a proposed Islamic center and mosque near Ground Zero. They specifically challenge the divisive rhetoric of Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin, who have strongly opposed a center that will promote interfaith relations, combat extremism, and offer community programs for Americans of all religious backgrounds.
"It's simply wrong for Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin to malign all Muslims by comparing this cultural center and mosque with a radical ideology that led to the horrific attacks of 9-11," said Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby.
"We fail to honor those killed by terrorists when we betray the bedrock principle of religious freedom that has guided our democracy for centuries."
Faithful America - an online community of more than 100,000 people of faith - also stands up for the American Muslim community. It advises interfaith cooperation in response to anti-Muslim sentiment and fierce opposition to proposed mosques in communities across the country.
Faithful America members are signing a petition to honor the "many contributions of American Muslims toward global peace" and denounce bigotry and limits on religious freedom as a betrayal of American values.
The full statement with signatories is available online here. You can view and/or sign the Faithful America petition HERE.
10 comments:
Thanks for running this.
I hadn't seen it put exactly thus.
Word!
Suzan
"It's simply wrong for Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin to malign all Muslims by comparing this cultural center and mosque with a radical ideology that led to the horrific attacks of 9-11," said Sister Simone Campbell, Executive Director of NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby.
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Hurrah for the voices of tolerance.
http://www.blackwatertown.wordpress.com
Stirring up the ignorant with divisive rhetoric has paid of handsomely for the Republican Party. They're always on the hunt for the next bogeyman they use to their advantage.
There was a great editorial in our local paper touting the virtues of religious freedom by a local Rabbi.
We need to honor religious freedom.
I love touching base with reasonable people here in the comments section. You all give me hope and support. Thanks for chiming in on this post!
I repeat what Thomas said. It's like the Salem Witch Hunts all over again. The ignorance and hatred is astounding.
If the GOP can keep folks focused on the bogeyman under the bed, those same folks won't notice that their jobs, homes, and civil rights are gone.
Thanks for posting this, I signed the petition!
Good stuff. The truth is right here folks.
Peace.
The Twin Towers site is a whole in the ground. The idea of sacred ground belongs to religious fanatics.
You said in the comments section of this popst:
"I love touching base with reasonable people here in the comments section."
I can't say I'm reasonable, you can be the judge of that, but this whole issue receives way too much press. It is a bunch of assholes that are allowed to say ridiculous things about minority religions, (and races of people too), and get away with it because most Americans are drinking beer and smoking cigarettes and are too busy to care about real issues.
I'm just sayin'... "They" are NOT the reasonable people you mention in your comment, are they?
Peace anyway. Keep up the great work B.E.
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