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Interfaith Alliance Supports American Muslim Initiative to Combat Terrorism

Press Release
The Interfaith Alliance
July 25, 2005

Washington, July 25 — Today, Suzie Armstrong, Vice President of The Interfaith Alliance, joined with leaders of the American Muslim community to announce the initiation of a national campaign to combat terrorism (Faith Over Fear and Justice for All) sponsored by the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation. The press conference was held in the Lisagor Room at The National Press Club in Washington, D.C. and hosted by Mahdi Bray, Director of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation, who is also a member of the board of directors of The Interfaith Alliance.

"We support the bold action of The Muslim American Society in support of peace and against terrorism in their campaign," Armstrong said. "It is a sad truth that most if not all of the world's great religious traditions have at times been abused to rationalize acts of violence. Such violence is sparked when deeply-held religious beliefs are manipulated with the specific purpose of sowing hate and fear. We stand with all people of faith and good will who are working to put an end to terrorism. When any religion is used as an excuse for violence, all religions are debased and defiled."

"We are aware and ready to challenge those Muslims who might be recruited into cults of violence and terror," said Dr. Esam Omeish, President of The Muslim American Society. "There are 1.5 billion Muslims worldwide who are an authentic witness to their faith and actively defend justice. At the same time terrorism needs to be fought with more than might. Condemnation is not enough as a response to terrorism. We must actively and vigorously work together as Muslims to combat terrorism."

"This new program from MAS is not unique in the Muslim community," said Imam Mohammed Magid, Imam of the ADAMS Center. "Muslims share a common obligation to recognize the need for spiritual guidance, so instead of terrorism Muslims see and learn peace and justice as the proper response of true Muslims."

In his introduction to Muslim youth leader Hud Williams, Bray said "Some say youth are the future but they are now, they exist now and they are ready to do things. Muslim youth are not terror suspects but they are some of America's brightest prospects."

"On July 7th, in London, there was a bomb heard around the world," said Hud Williams, Youth Director of the Adams Center. "Islam does not condone violence - that is the wrong message. Islam is about peace and community involvement through the Boy Scouts and youth centers."

Support for initiating this program also came from the Christian community.

"Congratulations to MAS for coming forth to tell the truth in love," said the Rev. Walter Fauntroy,

President of the Black Leadership Council. "We must judge people on what they do and not on what they say. In street vernacular 'Mr. Say ain't nuthin. Mr. Do is the man!'"

Although not present at the press conference, Rabbi Jack Moline's support of and solidarity with the initiative was recognized by Bray. Within hours of the tragic events of 9/11, Bray said that Rabbi Moline called him, asking if he was okay and if there was anything he needed or could do.

"It is this kind of interfaith support and commitment to civility and solidarity among all people of faith that will bring healing and justice in response to all forms of terrorism," said Armstrong.

Armstrong's Remarks

July 25, 2005

Good morning – I am Suzie Armstrong, Vice President of The Interfaith Alliance, the national non-partisan advocacy voice of the interfaith movement. Our 150,000 members are drawn from more than 75 faith traditions to promote democratic values, defend religious liberty, challenge hatred and religious bigotry, and reinvigorate informed civic participation.

Today I join you to express The Interfaith Alliance's support for this effort to challenge terrorism perpetrated in the name of religion. It is a sad truth that most if not all of the world's great religious traditions have at times been abused to rationalize acts of violence. Such violence is sparked when deeply-held religious beliefs are manipulated with the specific purpose of sowing hate and fear. We stand with all people of faith and good will who are working to put an end to terrorism. When any religion is used as an excuse for violence, all religions are debased and defiled.

Bigotry, violence and hate are neither religious nor American values. Rather, all religious communities share the common value of teaching respect and dignity for every person.

The Interfaith Alliance works with faith-based organizations and individuals who serve this nation as sentinels for justice, safety and security. We stand up against hate crimes and walk side by side with those whose religious liberties are threatened. All Americans should have the right to live without fear of being victimized because of their religion, race or social standing

We commend the basic notion of religious freedom articulated so well in the First Amendment to the United States Constitution. This nation is based on freedom FOR and FROM religion. The freedom of each faith to worship as they choose and the freedom of those who choose no religion must be upheld. This is a particularly critical issue for minority religions in this nation, the most religiously diverse nation on earth, because each community requires trust in order to function, nurture families and provide safety for every person. Religious expression in the home, mosque, synagogue, Gurdhwara or church is private and personal. There is no place for interference in these sacred settings from any source.

As people of faith and goodwill, we stand together to send the message that terror stemming from religious bigotry must be vigorously challenged. The Interfaith Alliance supports every effort to promote peace and pursue justice – but never at the expense of human rights and religious freedom.

Copyright the Interfaith Alliance 2005.

This press release may be viewed at http://www.interfaithalliance.org/...

About the Interfaith Alliance

The Interfaith Alliance (TIA) is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization dedicated to promoting the positive and healing role of religion in the life of the nation and challenging those who manipulate religion to promote a narrow, divisive agenda. With more than 150,000 members drawn from more than 75 faith traditions, and 47 local alliances, TIA promotes compassion, civility and mutual respect for human dignity in our increasingly diverse society. www.interfaithalliance.org.

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