Faiths Unite to Counter “Clash of the Uncivilized”
By J. Michael Parker

The continuing controversy over cartoon depictions of the prophet Mohammad in Danish newspapers is not a clash of civilizations but "a clash of the uncivilized," a group of religious leaders declared here Monday in announcing a new Islam education campaign.
They also said San Antonio, with its long history of interfaith cooperation, could become a model for the rest of the world of how civilized society can respond positively to ignorance and violence by conducting interfaith dialogues that promote mutual understanding.
Representatives of the Muslim, Jewish, Hindu and Quaker communities and the Inter-Religious Council of San Antonio spoke of the need for education during a news conference at the Council on American-Islamic Relations' office.
The campaign, sponsored by the council, includes a Web site, www.cair.com/muhammad, providing detailed information about Mohammad, his life and teachings.
Sarwat Husain, San Antonio's CAIR director, said local Muslim leaders are available to speak about Islam and the prophet at schools, churches and other venues on request. The site also tells how to order free literature and DVDs about Mohammad's life.
"Civilized people come together to say that what is wrong is wrong, no matter who does it, East or West," Husain said.
(Courtesy San Antonio Express-News)

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