Christians Send Message About Violence Against Muslims

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They noted that hate crimes against American Muslims have tripled and that terrorism has been “unjustly” linked with Islam “while ignoring our own Christian acts of violent terrorism even here in our own country.”

Here’s the full text of the letter:

“In the name of Emmanuel, “God with Us,” I write on behalf of Christians who wish to share commonality with those of other faiths. Our Christian faith points us to the God we share – God, Allah, Yahweh. Throughout our Christian tradition, Jesus points us to God by stating to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.” Jesus further charges us to “love your neighbor as yourself,” reminding us that “there is no other commandment greater than these” (Mark 12:29-31). Christians are called to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9), and to “pursue peace with everyone” (Hebrews12:14).

“Recent months have witnessed unnecessary violence and hatred in the name of God, treacherous rhetoric we believe seeks to divide and plunge into chaos God’s reign on earth. Hate crimes have tripled toward our American Muslim brothers and sisters, and those choosing to perpetuate such acts are unjustly linking terrorism with one’s faith, while ignoring our own Christian acts of violent terrorism even here in our own country.

“Recognizing that all people are created in the image of God, and heeding the words of our sacred scripture, we are disturbed and concerned as we witness the divisive discourse in our country concerning our Muslim neighbors. The rhetoric of exclusion and vilification runs absolutely counter to our understanding of God’s oikos, the inclusive fellowship of God’s children and creation.

“We are witnessing the convergence of a massive global refugee crisis, not limited to the displacement of over half the Syrian population due to the tragic war there; a sentiment of fear resulting from heinous attacks in many places in the US and globally; and the relentless nature of a U.S. presidential campaign in which candidates exploit circumstances and fears suggest ever more restrictive and exclusivist programs to address perceived threats. As a result, Islam and Muslims as a whole community experience an escalation in violent rhetoric and action that is misplaced and unjustified.

“In this moment, we own our Christian responsibility to raise our collective voices and stand with our Muslim brothers and sisters, with all those persecuted by fearful rhetoric, lead by anti-intellectualism and political gain. We stand in communion, in community, in solidarity with communities of faith in our revulsion of the intolerant and racist attitudes that motivate such hate speech and actions.”

Co-authoring the letter, signed “in peace, in shalom, in salaam,” were:

• The Rev. Greg A. Larsen, M.Div – Senior Minister of First Congregational Church, Rochester, United Church of Christ;
• The Rev. Dr. Scott R. McKinney, retired, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America;
• Jill McKinney, (ret.) Associate in Ministry/Interim Minister, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America;
• The Rev. Dr. George Portice, Senior Pastor, University Presbyterian Church, Rochester Hills; and
• The Rev. Sharon Janot, Pastor, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, Rochester Hills.

» Photo by Erwin Vogelaar via Flickr