Liberty and Justice for All Still Matter

Below are sample letters of support received by CAIR from Southern California interfaith leaders in solidarity with the Muslim community. They are a reminder that liberty and justice for all still matter to us Americans.

Thank you so very much for thinking of me for the Town Hall meeting. I would have been w/you in a heartbeat. I have an ecumenical commitment that night that has been long standing.
PLEASE keep me posted on this urgent issue, know that I stand firm with you, and uphold you and the Muslim community in my prayers for a resolve to this most distressing issue. As of humanity is impacted by this act of inhumanity.
Blessings,

The Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord
Officer of Ecumenical and Inter-religious Concerns
The Episcopal Diocese of Los Angeles

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While no one disputes the need for security in our country, it is dangerous to presume that because of events of terror in the world, we need to therefore suspend the basic rights of citizens of the United States, or those legally within its borders. The most dangerous form of terrorism is the characterization of ethnic or national groups as being a threat in and of themselves. We have witnessed the mistakes of ethnic discrimination too many times in our world’s history, and at no time should it be justification for limiting the freedoms of the American people or those within our country legally and rightfully. Due Process is an integral part of our legal system, and is what maintains the integrity of our country. When individuals are singled out without justification or due process, it only hurts the very fabric of the country we seek to defend.

Dr. Stanley D. Smith
President
Interfaith Council of Central Orange County.

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“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor. If an elephant has its foot on the tail of a mouse and you say that you are neutral, the mouse will not appreciate your neutrality.”
- Bishop Desmond Tutu

Stanley D. Smith
Orange, California

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I apologize for not being able to join you next Monday evening to speak in support of the Muslim community and those targeted by Homeland Security.
I send my hopeful wish that justice be accorded to all our brothers and sisters regardless of race, faith tradition, or amount of time in the country.
May God’s mercy be shown that night.

Reverend Fr. Edward Poettgen
Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church
Santa Ana, California

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Peace be upon you!
In the aftermath of the horrendous events of 11 September 2001, I vividly recall His Eminence, Cardinal Roger Mahony, issuing a statement which read in part:
“As we begin to cope with the magnitude of these terrible crimes, may our nation’s leaders be guided. Let each of us be mindful to avoid unsupported speculation and to refrain from indulging in harmful stereotypes. In this time of unprecedented tragedy and fear, we ask God in a special way to pour out his abundant blessing upon all of us, to comfort us, to strengthen us and to bring us together in a spirit of unity and solidarity.”

The unprecedented harassment and detention of several Muslim religious leaders recently is clearly contrary to the sentiments expressed in His Eminence’s prayer. I am appalled that members of the Muslim Community are being singled out for such treatment, clearly an indication of “harmful stereotyping,” and hardly conducive to “bringing us together in a spirit of unity and solidarity.” Please be assured of my continued support.

I myself recently witnessed such harassment directed toward two of our Catholic priests of Lebanese origin with Arabic surnames. The three of us were traveling together, the two of them wearing clerical garb, myself dressed as a civilian. We were separated by the airport security people: the two Lebanese priests were detained, thoroughly interrogated, and physically searched, while I, an Anglo, easily passed through security unscathed. I believe the only reason they were selected out for such scrutiny was their nationality. So also members of the Muslim Community are being selected out for similar harassment merely because of their religion. This simply is not acceptable, and I stand willing to assist you in whatever way I can to combat this deplorable situation.

I pray for the day to come soon when we will be truly “together in a spirit of unity and solidarity,” one people, acknowledging our common origin, and sharing a common goal, the betterment of the people of the United States.
In the One God,

Rt. Rev. Alexei Smith
Ecumenical and Interreligious Officer
The Archdiocese of Los Angeles

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I find it grievous and outrageous that my country -- founded on principles including religious freedom and toleration -- now finds it expedient to violate those very principles by oppressively mistreating Muslim Americans under the excuse of national security.

Reese M. Riley
Past President of the Interfaith Council of Central Orange County
And Rector
Saint Paul’s Episcopal Church
Tustin, CA

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Government must act with compassion, justice and consciousness, otherwise we will become the evil and oppression we are fighting. We must not single out an entire group or community for unfair treatment in spite of what some members of that community may do. In these difficult times it is the difficult responsibility of those whom we trust with our security to act only when a true threat is known and avoid interfering and disrupting the lives of the innocent in our country.

Nirinjan Singh Khalsa
Executive Director
Sikh Council of Southern California


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Editor: Akhtar M. Faruqui
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