Friends, members, and supporters of InterAct Cleveland,
As I am sure all of us are aware, there has been growing publicity concerning the building of an Islamic Center near Ground Zero in New York and some indications that members of the Muslim community are fearful about retribution due to the coincidental proximity of Eid al-Fitr and the anniversary of 9/11 this year.
InterAct would like to suggest that this is an opportunity for the interreligious community in our region to respond and offer our support to our Muslim sisters and brothers. If you and your community would join us in signing this statement please indicate that willingness by adding your name in comment box below.
Wishing you peace,
Sister Donna
InterAct Cleveland
We, the undersigned, stand in support and solidarity with our Muslim Sisters and Brothers during this 2010 celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan and including the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, the festival at the end of Ramadan, which this year coincides with the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks in New York, Washington, and Pennsylvania, as well as the start of the Jewish High Holy Days and Rosh HaShana. This coincidence of events, particularly the proximity of Eid al-Fitr and the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks presents very specific challenges.
All of us have the right to feel safe. We have the right to celebrate our religious beliefs without harassment or harm. We are aware that some of our fellow citizens are filled with many mixed emotions and so we are challenged to find a focus that will continue to unite us as a country that not only tolerates, but holds dear the religious liberty and freedom that is the right of each and of all who call this land “home”. As reported in a recent article in USA Today, some Christians have suggested that this anniversary of 9/11, because it will be at the end of Ramadan, should be remembered with a “Koran Burning Festival.” We are appalled by this invitation.
We do not accept the conclusion that since the perpetrators of the 9/11 attacks were Muslim and seemed to have been religiously motivated, that all Muslims are to be held suspect. We want our Muslim neighbors to know that we respect them and will work to guarantee that they have the same rights to which we all are entitled.
Signed,
InterReligious Partners in Action of Greater Cleveland
Tony Vento, Newman Catholic Campus Minister serving University Circle (CWRU, CIA, CIM)
Posted by: Tony Vento, Newman Catholic Campus Minister serving University Circle (CWRU, CIA, & CIM) | 08/31/2010 at 10:07 PM
I AM MORE THAN HAPPY TO SUPPORT RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN AMERICA. THIS THE LAND OF THE FREE NOT FREE TO GERTAIN PEOPLE OF RELIGIONS.
Posted by: LARRY DAVIS | 09/01/2010 at 09:49 AM
Johnny Caputo
Posted by: Johnny Caputo | 09/01/2010 at 11:07 AM
May God bless America and its constitution. Amen.
Posted by: Ahmad S. Ansari | 09/01/2010 at 11:36 AM
That all may live in peace.
Eileen Vizcaino, M.Div.,
Director Student-Community Ministries
The Church of the Covenant, Presbyterisn
Cleveland 44106
Posted by: Eileen Vizcaino | 09/01/2010 at 02:23 PM
Rev. Dana Cummings,of Renaissance Unity, Bedford Heights
Posted by: Rev. Dana Cummings | 09/03/2010 at 11:23 AM
Sr. Linda Szocik, ssj-tosf
Posted by: Sr. Linda Szocik, ssj-tosf | 09/04/2010 at 10:36 AM
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Cleveland
Posted by: Sarah Cruise | 09/06/2010 at 07:29 PM
Linda New
Posted by: Linda New | 09/06/2010 at 08:00 PM
Carolyn Hockey
Posted by: Carolyn Hockey | 09/08/2010 at 08:41 AM
Sr Eileen Quinlan SND PhD
Posted by: Eileen Quinlan SND | 09/08/2010 at 12:45 PM
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Posted by: J. Ward Pallotta | 09/09/2010 at 07:48 AM
Marcia Bryant
Posted by: Marcia Bryant | 09/09/2010 at 08:08 AM
Alberta Lowney
Posted by: Alberta Lowney | 09/09/2010 at 08:53 AM
Linda McCorkle
Posted by: Linda McCorkle | 09/09/2010 at 09:25 AM