We Stand For Religious Freedom and American Values

Rabbi Portnoy and I joined with several other clergy from across the religious spectrum to denounce violence against Muslims and the rising rhetoric of hate against all things Islamic.  Here is a clip of the local Fox 5 coverage:



And here is TribalChurch's announcement of the event:

A group of prominent Greater Washington D.C. area religious leaders will hold a press conference today, Monday, August 30, 2010 at 1:00 p.m., to denounce the upsurge of anti-Muslim rhetoric and actions in the U.S. The leaders represent many of Washington’s largest Jewish congregations, Muslim organizations and Christian congregations with histories of social justice advocacy. “When one part of Washington’s wonderfully diverse religious community is attacked, we are all attacked. We will defend the rights of and demand respect for our Muslim brothers and sisters,” says Rev. John Wimberly, senior pastor, Western Presbyterian Church.

Confirmed Participants as of 8/27/10:

Nihad Awad– Council on American Islamic Relations
Naeem Baig– Islamic Circle of North America Council for Social Justice
Rev. Canon Timothy Boggs– The National Cathedral
Rev. Karen Brau– Luther Place Church
Imam Mehdi Bray– Muslim American Society Freedom
Jean Duff– Center for Interfaith Action
Rev. Jeffrey Haggray– First Baptist Church of the City of Washington, D.C.
Sr. Asma Hanif– Council of Muslim Organizations
Rabbi Mindy Portnoy– Temple Sinai
Rabbi Jonathan Roos– Temple Sinai
Rabbi Ethan Seidel– Tifereth Israel Congregation
Haris Tarin– Muslim Public Affairs Council
Rev. John Wimberly– Western Presbyterian Church

Rabbi Oleon participated in an interfaith service on Saturday organized for the same message under the banner of several other groups.