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 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.