Interfaith Alliance Joins Open Letter Denouncing Anti-Muslim Bigotry from Elected Officials

Interfaith Alliance joined more than 200 faith leaders and allies, along with over 70 religious and civic organizations, in an open letter denouncing anti-Muslim bigotry from U.S. political leaders.

Interfaith Alliance's Adam Friedman spoke at Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign’s press conference announcing the letter, quoting its text: "We know that many in our congregations and communities have been unaware of the extent of anti-Muslim fearmongering and manipulation — how it is used to sow division among Americans, gain votes during elections seasons, and even generate support for discriminatory policies and military action against Muslim communities at home and abroad."

For the Love of God, and of our neighbor, we cannot sit idly by. Read the full letter below, and see the full list of signatories here.

We — as religious leaders and people of faith across the United States — express our concern and alarm over the concerted escalation of anti-Muslim bigotry from elected officials. We reaffirm our commitment to standing shoulder-to-shoulder alongside American Muslims in the pursuit of religious freedom, respect, liberty, fairness, and equality for all.

Bigotry against Muslims is, unfortunately, not a new phenomenon in our nation’s history. But the blatantly anti-Muslim rhetoric from elected officials in recent months requires us to speak out. Politicians continue to say deeply harmful things, with little to no consequences: claiming that Muslims don’t belong in the country; actively misrepresenting Islam, stoking misinformation about sharia, and casting all Muslims as a threat; and even advocating that Muslim immigrants  be deported or that Muslim citizens be denaturalized. Some leaders have used dehumanizing and derogatory language about Muslims, or propose to exclude them from protections to which all Americans are entitled, regardless of how (or if) they pray. Others have taken executive action to quash American Muslim civic engagement or ban those abroad from coming here. Meanwhile, many of their colleagues ignore this rhetoric or remain silent, signaling tacit approval. 

Harmful statements and proposals like these should not be tolerated; they have no place in American civil discourse. Even repeating them feels wrong, but we know that many in our congregations and communities have been unaware of the extent of anti-Muslim fearmongering and manipulation — how it is used to sow division among Americans, gain votes during elections seasons, and even generate support for discriminatory policies and military action against Muslim communities at home and abroad. Many in our communities also forget that the smear tactics used to target Muslims today have also been (and continue to be) leveled against other minority religious groups, including our own: Sikhs, Jews, Catholics, Quakers, Hindus, Latter Day Saints, and others.  

We cannot sit idly by—the normalization of anti-Muslim bigotry has harmful and even deadly consequences, including attacks at mosques, harassment of individuals, and even targeted violence. Lives have been cut short, children and parents have been traumatized, and communities have felt renewed fear about their safety and belonging in the U.S., including Arabs and South Asians who are often misperceived as Muslim. 

We, as a vastly diverse group of signatories, may not agree on every issue, whether domestic or international. But we all know that this anti-Muslim bigotry is wrong, and we endeavor to uphold values of universal human dignity and we insist on the freedom of religion and expression for all in the U.S, including Muslims. Our consciences and our respective religious convictions compel us to advocate for the rights and wellbeing of all, even if they don’t share our faith or identity. We expect the same from our leaders, who are charged with serving all Americans without discrimination.

To our elected officials, especially those who invoke Christianity or Judaism while demonizing American Muslims, we remind you of the words from scripture: “If today you hear God’s voice, harden not your hearts!” (Psalm 95). We appeal to you, as people of faith and conscience, who have not always done enough to denounce anti-Muslim discrimination ourselves. We have sometimes been silent when we should have spoken up; sat on the sidelines when we should have stepped in; and even, sometimes, forgotten the core tenets of our respective faiths. But our religious traditions teach us that, no matter our past mistakes, we can repent; that when we’ve strayed, we can turn back. And that we are called—now—to do the right thing: to courageously love our neighbors, even when it is unpopular or costly. For the love of God, and of our neighbors, let us together close this current chapter on anti-Muslim bigotry and together begin writing a new story that reflects the highest ideals of our faiths and of our nation.