A Call for Discourse

As religious leaders in the City of New York, we are deeply disturbed at the increasing level of anti-Muslim rhetoric in our city. From it's earliest days, New York has stood for religious freedom; we have always welcomed the immigrant and the stranger into our midst.

Now the mood has changed. We hear hostility and rancor. Some of this comes from nativist elements in other parts of America; they clearly do not understand our New York commitment to welcoming the stranger. Other voices speak of Islam without knowledge or understanding. They identify our neighbors with radical forces seeking to destabilize the community of nations. We deplore the linking of our fellow New Yorkers with these radical elements.

First, we seek to reduce the intensity of discussion. Our City has always been the home of free speech; each of us has the responsibility to speak our thoughts with care and with respect for our neighbors.

Second, we encourage all New Yorkers to learn more about Islam. All of us, community leaders, politicians, teachers, journalists and clergy, know too little about the faith of the more than 770,000 Muslims with whom we live in New York City.

Third, we implore our fellow New Yorkers to respect those in our midst as we expect to be respected. This does not mean that we cannot express alternate views. What it does mean that we speak to our neighbors and about our neighbors with the dignity that they deserve.

Rev. Dr. Alvin Jackson
Senior Pastor
Park Avenue Christian Church

Rabbi Leonard Schoolman
Director
Quest: A Center for Spiritual Inquiry