News

Interfaith Leaders Release Statement of Unity Calling on FL Attorney General to Uphold Justice for All

February 11, 2008

We, the undersigned, call upon all Americans of conscience to counter the Islamophobia disseminated through the screening of "Obsession: Radical Islam's War Against the West" by the Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum on Friday, January 18, 2008. We call on the Attorney General to represent the mandate of his office, which is to preserve the safety of all Floridians and not to target any group with bigotry emanating from propaganda which threatens a vulnerable population.

A tool of propaganda, this film seeks to turn extremist rhetoric and images from mostly obscure media outlets in the Middle East into a reflection of mainstream Muslim society. Above all, "Obsession" promotes Islamophobia (fear, suspicion and mistrust of all things related to Islam and Muslims) and incites hysteria, fear, hate mongering, and alienation of the Muslim American community.

As upholders of justice, it is the duty of Attorney General McCollum and his staff to maintain fairness and neutrality with the people of this nation. Exposure to such a film neglects these principles by encouraging bias and hatred against an entire group of people. We urge Mr. McCollum to end the cycle of fear, hate, and marginalization of groups, and work together with all communities to protect our country.

As partners in solidarity, we ask you, a leader of our nation, to break the walls of fear and embrace paths of dialogue. Specifically, we ask you to join us in calling upon the Attorney General of Florida to:

1.  Hold a meeting with Muslim Americans and people of conscience to discuss the ramifications of showing propaganda like "Obsession”;

2.  Schedule a presentation to all staff in the Attorney General's office to provide effective tools in countering the threat of terrorism without stereotyping and scapegoating the Muslim American community or Islam;

3.  Hold a rally to unite all Floridians for the common purpose of upholding justice and security for all.

Signatories: 

Aaron J. Hahn Tapper, Ph.D.
Co-Executive Director
Abraham's Vision

 

Gibran Bouayad
Director of Operations
Abraham's Vision

 

Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs
Progressive Faith Foundation

 

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

 

Rev. Jerald M. Stinson

Senior Minister

First Congregational Church of Long Beach

 

Bishop Steve Gilliland and Judy Gilliland

 

Shakeel Syed
Executive Director

Islamic Shura Council of Southern California

 

Reverend Ed Bacon

Rector

All Saints Episcopal Church, Pasadena

 

Reverend George Regas

Founder

The Regas Institute

 

Rabbi Jack Moline

Board Member

The Interfaith Alliance