Our nation is afraid and our Muslim brothers and sisters are feeling the backlash. Our political leaders are working on holding back Syrian and Iraqi refugees even though since 9/11 only three of over 700,000 refugees have been arrested on terrorism charges (article here). While this is a political issue, it is first a moral and spiritual issue. Evangelicals to Atheists are reminding us that Jesus said to welcome the stranger (read Matthew 25: 34-40 here).
On Sunday, we have the opportunity to stand in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors. For five weeks this Fall, Andy Newgren led an Adult Education class on Islam. Dr. Arshad Shaikh, President of the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford, came to speak (read his op-ed here). But this is where our education turns to action. In an eerie parallel with Nazi Germany, some are calling for all Muslims in the US to be registered (read here), and we as a faith community need to say otherwise.
With the support and encouragement of our Governing Council, I will speak at a prayer vigil at the Muslim Association of Greater Rockford (located on Harrison and Mulford) Sunday at 1:30. I hope you will come. We will pray with and for our Muslim brothers and sisters and together we will beg God for peace. Join us if you are able.
Peace,
Rebecca