Following an armed protest at the Islamic Center of Irving last month, a peace rally took place offering a much different message. (Vernon Bryant/Staff photographer)
The armed protesters who convened outside the Islamic Center of Irving in November are planning a repeat protest Saturday, this time at a mosque in Richardson. And it may not be the last staged by the rifle-toting Bureau on American Islamic Relations.
In response, a newly formed task force consisting of Dallas-area religious leaders has released a statement condemning the armed demonstrations.
“Today we are deeply concerned that the flourishing of the city of Dallas and all of its citizens is threatened by planned demonstrations at Dallas area mosques on December 12th,” says the statement sent by the Dallas Area Multi-Faith Task Force.
“Armed demonstrations at mosques or any houses of worship are a direct affront to the dignity and religious freedom of persons of faith and threaten the security and safety of all the citizens of Dallas. The current atmosphere of hate and fear of Muslims goes against the deepest teachings of our religions and the common humanity that we share,” the statement continues.
The task force was initiated by the Interfaith Council of Thanks-Giving Square, where the task force held its first formal meeting Thursday following two informal workshops. Its membership includes reverends, rabbis, imams and religious scholars. Among those who signed the statement are Pastor Joe Clifford of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, Rev. Andy Stoker of First United Methodist Church of Dallas, Temple Shalom Rabbi Andrew Paley, Imam Shpendim Nadzaku of the Islamic Association of North Texas and Rev. Kraig E. Kelly of Highland Park Presbyterian Church.
“We urge our colleagues, congregation members, and friends to oppose the harassment of our fellow citizens who are Muslim,” says the statement. “It is our hope that all who read this message will act in their words and deeds, in every way appropriate to them personally or as religious communities, to act compassionately in response to this attack on our city and its citizens and engage in every opportunity to seek ways to work together for the common good.” … [visit site to read more]