Friends Of Sabeel Condemns Proposed Burning Of Qur'an

Online, September 10, 2010 (Newswire.com) - The Board of Directors of Friends of Sabeel--North America condemns in the strongest possible terms the proposed burning of the Qur'an on September 11, 2010, as an offensive and sacrilegious action that runs contrary to the ethical standards and teachings of all religions. We question whether those who would participate in such thoughtless actions have ever read the Qur'an or are familiar with its call that believers honor and protect all "people of the Book," which includes Christians and Jews. As a Christian organization that is dedicated to the promotion of justice and peace in Israel-Palestine, we are particularly aware of the urgent need to draw upon our respective Scriptures and commandments to love God and our neighbors, which entails honoring and respecting every human being. We therefore urge all people of good will to redouble their efforts in the coming days to advance mutual respect through prayer and solidarity with each other, including standing against all forms of hatred, sacrilegious actions, and violence. As Muslims end their holy month of Ramadan and Jews commence their "Days of Awe" during Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, may we as Christians, Muslims and Jews build bridges of friendship, solidarity, and true community that alone will honor the one God we together worship and serve.

Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel, Moderator, Presbyterian Church USA, 214th General Assembly

Rev. Robert Assaly, Anglican Dioceses of Ottawa and Montreal

Elizabeth Barlow, University of Michigan (retired)

Rt. Rev. Edmond Browning, President/Former Presiding Bishop, Episcopal Church USA

Ann E. Hafften, World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine & Israel

Mary Hansen, Treasurer/Sisters of the Holy Names Associate

Sister Elaine Kelley, SFCC, Administrative Officer

George Adib Khoury, Engineer (retired)

Joy Lapp, Iowa Weselyan College

Rev. Darrel Meyers, Middle East Fellowship of Southern California

Rosemary Radford Ruether, Claremont School of Theology and Graduate University

Grace Said, Washington Interfaith Alliance for Middle East Peace (WIAMEP)

Rev. Canon Richard K. Toll, D.Min., D.D., Chairperson

Rev. Donald Wagner, Professor and Author

Rev. James M. Wall, The Christian Century