The Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops said as much when it reasserted its commitment to dialogue with other religions, and Muslims in particular, in a statement released August 19. The committee listed tensions between Christians and Muslims in different parts of the world as a primary reason for reaffirming the need for dialogue:
We understand the confusion and deep emotions stirred by real and apparent acts of aggression and discrimination by certain Muslims against non-Muslims, often against Christians abroad. … Along with many of our fellow Catholics and the many Muslims who themselves are targeted by radicals, we wish to voice our sadness, indeed our outrage, over the random and sometimes systematic acts of violence and harassment — acts that for both Christians and Muslims threaten to disrupt the harmony that binds us together in mutual support, recognition, and friendship.
For their part, many Muslim organizations have been at pains to let people know where they stand. The Institute for Islamic and Turkish Studies condemned the atrocities being carried out by ISIS/ISIL saying, “Islam is a religion of peace. It forbids the injury of Innocents, in particular women, children, the elderly, and even of crops, trees, natural resources, and property.”
The U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations also spoke out: “USCMO roundly condemns this group and rejects its ideology and actions. The terror organization ISIS does not speak or act on behalf of the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims. In fact, they have killed so many Muslims indiscriminately. Their actions are reprehensible, inhumane and completely contravene all aspects and tenets of Islam.”
In addition, The Center for the Study of Islam and Democracy, the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and other Muslim organizations have spoken out against religious extremism and terrorism in the name of Islam. ISNA has published a brochure to clarify some key issues. In it, terrorism is defined as any act of indiscriminate violence that targets innocent people, whether committed by individuals, groups or states.
ISNA reminds its followers that in 2005, the Fiqh Council of North
America (FCNA), an Islamic juristic body, issued a fatwa (religious ruling) that affirmed FCNA’s long-standing position on this issue and was unequivocal in its condemnation of terrorism, stating: “Islam strictly condemns religious extremism and the use of violence against innocent lives. There is no justification in Islam for extremism or terrorism.”
ISNA’s brochure addresses Muslim responsibilities in counter-terrorism and religious extremism by saying:
We must take whatever steps we can to combat these scourges. … In the interest of justice and positive change, we also request our neighbors and friends from other faiths to support us in this effort by speaking out against the recent backlash and widespread demonization of Islam and Muslims. Islamophobic statements and actions punish and victimize the entire global community of Muslims for the actions of a few, and hinder our efforts to provide a moderate voice, and promote mutual understanding and peace.
The vicious cycle of violence in our interconnected world has to be broken, and we must work together to do so through mutual understanding and constructive dialogue, rather than allowing those who would divide us through hate to achieve their goals. It is the only hope for bringing about real and genuine mutual respect, justice, and peace.
What does that look like in the concrete? There are associations of churches as well as interfaith networks around the country that spell it out. In the area around Washington, D.C., where I live, the Annandale Christian Community for Action (ACCA) provides day care, food, furniture, rental assistance and other services to low-income families in the area, regardless of religion, race or ethnic background. What counts most is serving those in need. They operate under the banner of “doing what Jesus would do.”
Their initial concentration on daycare expanded to address a host of other needs: emergency food, delivery of basic furniture, emergency financial assistance, transportation to medical appointments, Meals on Wheels, housing rehabilitation, and scholarships for handicapped students pursuing higher education. The ACCA pantry collects from churches, mosques, synagogues, schools, community groups and local businesses, and delivers food and other necessities on an emergency basis to area households.
What we’re seeing in the news is an unprecedented — at least in our lifetimes — number of people living in the grip of deprivation and oppression. The biblical vision of peace with justice for all is not one of several options for the followers of Christ; it is an imperative for our times. You and I are probably not in a position to make a difference internationally, but we can do so locally. This certainly includes making a concerted effort to avoid discriminating thoughts and actions in response to the violence we’re hearing about. And it could be as simple as being a reasonable voice in conversations where others are condemning Muslims in general for the ISIS/ISIL beheadings. Interfaith dialogue and action, to be real, must be local.
What opportunities do you have to make a positive contribution — to do what Jesus would do?
