Defend Muslim Neighbors and Religious Freedom

To the elected leaders of Texas and the United States:

We write as clergy and faith leaders from across traditions to condemn the harmful rhetoric and blatant discrimination aimed against Muslim communities by political leaders in Texas and our nation.

In the United States of America, the role of government is to stop genuine threats to national security. Its role is not to engage in the policing of thought, speech, or belief. In accusing American Muslim organizations, communities, and individuals of anti-American activity or intent, an increasing number of our elected officials have abdicated their authority as representatives of the American people.

In our public life, disagreement is inevitable. But what we are witnessing now is not disagreement. It is the rejection of an entire faith in the American story. It is the attack on classmates, co-workers, and neighbors because they are Muslim. It is the use of government power and political rhetoric to marginalize, demean, and exclude Muslims from their legitimate and well-earned place in American history and society.

Members of Congress have organized efforts warning of “Sharia” as a threat to the Constitution, introduced legislation aimed at barring those who “observe Sharia” from entering or remaining in this country, and convened hearings that portray Islam itself as incompatible with American life. In Texas, state leaders have designated prominent Muslim organizations as terrorist entities, initiated investigations into Muslim institutions, and sought to restrict their ability to operate and participate fully in civic life.

At the same time, we have heard anti-democratic words from public officials suggesting that Muslims do not belong in American society, that they are inherently suspect, or that our state should be made so inhospitable that they leave.

These are not isolated remarks. They form a pattern. And that pattern threatens the very foundations of our common life.

As people of faith, we recognize what is at stake. The First Amendment does not exist to protect only the majority. It exists precisely to ensure that no government may single out a religious community for suspicion, exclusion, or unequal treatment. When Muslims are targeted, no less than when Jews or Christians or atheists are targeted, religious liberty itself is endangered.

We reject the false claim that Muslim participation in our democracy is a threat to it. Muslim Texans and Muslim Americans are our neighbors, our colleagues, our fellow citizens. They serve in our communities, care for our families, educate our children, and contribute to the common good. They do not need permission to belong.

Our society is strongest when its diversity is embraced rather than exploited. We must replace suspicion with friendship and hostility with respect.

We therefore call on leaders in Texas and in Washington to:

• Repudiate rhetoric that denies Muslims equal standing in American society;

• Abandon efforts that single out Islam or Muslims for exclusion under the guise of national security;

• End investigations and designations that target Muslim organizations on the basis of religion;

• Reject policies that would limit participation in public life based on faith;

• Reaffirm, in word and in deed, the constitutional promise of religious liberty for all.

We also call on leaders of every party and every faith to speak clearly. Silence in moments like this is not neutrality; it is acquiescence. The work of democracy requires courage, and the work of faith requires us to stand with those who are targeted.

Our traditions teach us, in different ways but with one voice, that every person bears dignity. We are taught to love our neighbor as ourselves, and today the urgent test is whether we love our Muslim neighbors as ourselves. These truths do not change with the shifting winds of politics.

An attack on Muslims is an attack on religious freedom.

An attack on religious freedom is an attack on us all.

We stand with our Muslim neighbors. We will not be silent. And we will continue to insist that this country belongs equally to people of every faith and of none.

Signed,
Faith Commons