A call for faith leaders to stand with Muslims
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
JUNE 26, 2018
Contact: Loretta Kane (917-410-7242 or [email protected])
A call for faith leaders to stand with Muslims
Statement of Auburn Seminary President Katharine R. Henderson
WASHINGTON — Today, in a 5-to-4 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court sided with the Trump administration, upholding the controversial travel ban targeting Muslims. Auburn Seminary President the Rev. Dr. Katharine R. Henderson issued the following statement in response:
“We at Auburn Seminary are dismayed by today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision upholding the Trump administration’s unjust and immoral Muslim travel ban. The ruling violates our democracy’s core value of religious freedom and promises to further marginalize Muslims, who are already under assault. America is great because of the diversity among those who call this country home, as well as the exchange with others globally who share the values of justice and peace. Just because the ban on Muslims has been declared legal does not mean it is moral or righteous.
“Attacks on Muslims not only weaken our country in the eyes of others around the globe, but violate the tenets of faith to love the neighbor and exercise welcome and hospitality towards the stranger. Violating these values weakens our relationship with God. We believe that all people are created equal before God and that our lives and all life are inextricably interwoven. We belong to one other and are called to protect the dignity and humanity of all people, including our Muslim sisters and brothers.
“All people of faith must summon the moral leadership to stand with Muslims and work against anti-Islamic bigotry, attacks, and hateful rhetoric. Faith leaders across religious traditions must stand with Muslims and against this ban. We must pursue an inclusive loving worldview, united in one belief: We are all God’s children.”
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Auburn Seminary is a leadership development and research institute, working to build the field of the multifaith movement for justice. From local to global, Auburn equips leaders of faith and moral courage and brings together unlikely partners to address today’s seemingly intractable challenges, strengthen communities and inspire hope.
