WASHINGTON — Following an interview in which Dr. Ben Carson, candidate for the Republican nomination for President, said that he believed Islam is inconsisent with the Constitution and that he could not support a Muslim candidate for president, Rabbi Jack Moline, exeutive director of Interfaith Alliance, released this statement:

“Dr. Ben Carson’s belief that a Muslim should not be President of the United States is another example of a candidate who claims to cherish the First Amendment trying to rewrite the Constitution and what it means for people of all faiths in America.  His willingness to denigrate and disenfranchise  millions of American citizens not only jeopardizes full equality under the law, but delivers a message that his brand of religious freedom is not meant to truly protect the rights of all. Our country’s motto “E Pluribus Unum” means we have to become one nation “out of the many”, not out of the few who worship and believe like we do.”

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.