Jean Duff of the Center for Interfaith Action summarized the message of the group: “We call today on all Americans of faith … to stand together for tolerance and for understanding as a call to action.” She encouraged people to stand side-by-side against extremism and bigotry, “for the benefit of our children, for the benefit of all Americans.”

Imam Mehdi Bray of the Muslim American Society Freedom reflected, “For me as a Muslim and African-American male, sixty years old, born in the South in my grandparents’ house, it kind of looks like déjà vu all over again.”

Considering arguments raised about the location of the proposed Islamic Center three blocks from Ground Zero, he asked, “How far should we go? Should we move to Brooklyn? The same people pushing this campaign, this vicious campaign, are protesting the building of a mosque in Brooklyn.” So too outside San Diego, he said. And Murfreesboro, Tenn.

“It is a sustained campaign that is trying to deny the American community its constitutional and religious rights and freedoms,” Bray said.

Rabbi Mindy Portnoy of Temple Sinai in Washington identified with the victims of the hatred. “As a Jew, I am exquisitely attuned to the sounds of anti-religious bigotry and caricature. I know it when I hear it, whether it’s directed against Jews or anyone else. In my Jewish opinion, the building of an Islamic center in New York City close to the site of the World Trade Center massacre is being planned in the spirit of reconciliation and respect.” She spoke of George Washington, who called ours “a country which gives to bigotry no sanction, to persecution no assistance.”

Karen Brau, pastor of Luther Place Memorial Church, declared, “As a follower of Jesus, my Scripture finds Jesus engaged in ministry that reached out to connect people, all manner of people, to a gospel message of love and reconciliation.” Referring to the Nazi Holocaust, she confessed that “Lutherans have not always spoken up.”

Today, she said, “I speak up in resistance to degradation and bigotry towards people who are of Muslim faith; for love and respect for neighbors and strangers who are Muslim, calling for reconciliation based in authentic relationships.” She added: “And, as you can see, I do not speak alone.”

Standing in agreement was Canon Timothy Boggs from Washington National Cathedral (Episcopal), who quoted Dietrich Bonhoeffer. “‘Watching and waiting is not Christian behavior. Christians are called to action in a time of danger.’”

John Wimberly Jr., a pastor of Western church, organized and hosted the press conference. He spoke of the need for unity, saying that “when one part of Washington’s wonderfully diverse religious community is attacked, we are all attacked. We will defend the rights of and demand respect for our Muslim brothers and sisters.”

Western Presbyterian was chosen as the location for the news conference because, in addition to being the home of a Christian congregation, Western hosts large Muslim prayer services on Fridays, organized by the Muslim Student Association of The George Washington University.  Over 250 people attend the services weekly. During Ramadan, Western also hosts break-the-fast meals.

TrackBack URI for this entry

Your Responses (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed