Washington, D.C. — Rep. Michele Bachmann recently led a group of Congressman in alleging that high-ranking American Muslim State Department official Huma Abedin, members of her family and several American Muslim organizations are connected with the Muslim Brotherhood and part of a Muslim terrorist conspiracy against the United States.  Interfaith Alliance President Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy issued the following statement condemning these claims:

As disheartened as I was to see the letter sent by Rep. Michele Bachmann and her colleagues insinuating that somehow the U.S. government is being infiltrated by Muslim terrorists, I have been pleased to see it resoundingly rejected by people from across the political and religious spectrum.  Let's make no mistake, this was a cynical attempt to play to a certain segment of the population by demonizing another, and to me, that is the worst kind of patriotism.

Huma Abedin, by all accounts, has been a dedicated public servant whose commitment to the principles of this nation is beyond reproach. But let's also be clear that her story as an American Muslim is not unique. She is joined by countless others from her faith who work every day to keep us safe and make this a better country for everyone.

The same can be said of the important work being done by groups like the Islamic Society of North America, the Muslim Public Affairs Council, and Muslim Advocates who have been longtime allies of Interfaith Alliance in our efforts to protect religious freedom, and are led by individuals I am proud to call my friends.

We face serious threats from people who want to do our nation harm.  Rep. Bachmann should spend her time engaging with people like Ms. Abedin and the groups that represent so many American Muslims rather than trying to score cheap political points by demonizing the Muslim community.


Interfaith Alliance is a network of people of diverse faiths and beliefs from across the country working together to build a resilient democracy and fulfill America’s promise of religious freedom and civil rights not just for some, but for all. We mobilize powerful coalitions to challenge Christian nationalism and religious extremism, while fostering a better understanding of the healthy boundaries between religion and government. We advocate at all levels of government for an equitable and just America where the freedoms of belief and religious practice are protected, and where all persons are treated with dignity and have the opportunity to thrive. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.