Washington, DC – On the June 12 edition of the 700 Club, host Pat Robertson stated, “Islam is not a religion. It is a worldwide political movement meant (sic) on domination of the world. And it is meant to subjugate all people under Islamic law.” In response, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy, president of The Interfaith Alliance, issued the following statement:

Pat Robertson’s comments on Islam are as outrageous as they are patently false.  Islam is a religion; in fact it is the third largest religion in the United States, behind Christianity and Judaism.  Robertson has become increasingly reliant on tirades like these to gain attention and reassert his influence. This time, however, very few people are going to accept this message of hate.

These thoughtless remarks should be rebuked in the strongest possible terms by all religious and political leaders, including Robertson’s allies on the right.  Even President Bush has gone to great lengths praising Islam as a peaceful religion, despite our conflict with Islamic extremists. 

Robertson has once again proved that he is woefully out of touch with reality.  America is the most religiously diverse nation in the world, which is something that Robertson seems unable to grasp.    

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.