Congressional Hearings Unfairly Target Islam

Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice (MVPJ) objects to the presumption of guilt implicit in Congressional hearings under the title "The Radicalization of Muslim communities in America" being convened by Rep. Peter King (R, NY).  Since no religious community can claim exemption from the human tendency to resort to radical violence, it is unfair and very likely unconstitutional for a Congressman to single out Muslims for investigation.  MVPJ stands with those who protest the biased McCarthy-like opinions expressed by Sen. King.  We are sure that a truthful investigation would reveal that American Muslims are as dismayed and frightened by religion-based violence as American Christians, if not more so. 

Working, praying, serving and marching with our Muslim sisters and brothers for the past 8 years, in MVPJ there is no longer an "us" or "them", but only one people, one race, one human family.  Together we must show the rest of our nation and world that the friendship and trust we share cannot be divided.

Today, I am a Muslim too Rally:  In New York City Times Square on Sunday, March 6, members of diverse faith communities will join in unity and support of American Muslims. Altough on the "left coast", MVPJ is honored to cosponsor the event.  A Facebook page and a Twitter account for the rally have been setup at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=164682340248218 and http://www.twitter.com/march6rally respectively.

To learn more about the hearings, we recommend these articles:

Click here to read Rep. Peter King's presentation of his position in a Newsday article.

Click here to read Rep. Keith Ellison's (our nation's first Muslim member of the House) thoughtful opposition.

Click here to download a letter from The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights to Rep. King.

Click here to read the New York Times criticism of the planned hearings.

Click here to read a critique of the hearings by Amnesty International's Policy Director for Terrorism, Counterterrorism and Human Rights.