This afternoon at the National Headquarters of the Muslim American Society's Freedom Foundation
The press conference served as a springboard for the announcement of a joint agreement between the internationally recognized grassroots organizations of MAS Freedom and Pax Christi USA
MAS Freedom Foundation announced that its youth department, which is represented through 55 chapters nationwide, will partner with Pax Christi USA/International youth leadership in developing joint programs that address violence, hunger, and other social and economic justice issues.
The organizations also vowed to jointly strive for the continuation of dialogue promoting peace and social justice. Affirming dedication to these causes, Dave Robinson, Executive Director of Pax Christi USA, stated, "Clearly the need for continued, deepened dialogue between our two respective faith traditions is of the utmost importance. We must and do reject the system of domination that sadly remains the foundation of international economic policy and US foreign policy today, and we call for a dialogue between our great cultures that focuses on unmasking this domination system and the political and policy manifestations that perpetuate it.
"As a grassroots people who share a faith in the God of Abraham, Pax Christi is committed to a dialogue of the spirit as well as the intellect. Therefore, I announce on behalf of Pax Christi USA, as a gesture of political resistance and spiritual solidarity, our intention this year to keep the Ramadan fast so foundational to our Muslim sisters and brothers." [For Robinson's full statement, including information on the Ramadan fast, click here >>.]
MAS Executive Director Mahdi Bray expressed concerns as to whether or not this Pope was retreating from the tremendous ecumenical and interfaith work that had been achieved by his predecessor, Pope John Paul, II.
"There is nothing academic or scholarly about a quote without clarification that defames Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and represents Islam as intrinsically evil and violent. If there is one thing history has demonstrated, it's that when it comes to violence committed in the name of religion, the devil is an equal opportunity employer.
"The world seems to forget that it was a little more than a decade ago when thousands of Muslims were murdered using the guise of religion in Bosnia. Nevertheless, the Pope has apologized; the useless violence needs to stop; the extremists, condemned and ignored; and good people of faith need to continue building bridges of understanding and cooperation that foster a more peaceful and just world."
Statements were also offered by MAS Freedom Foundation Human and Civil Rights Division Director Ibrahim Ramey; Pax Christi International Vice President Marie Dennis; Dr. William F. Vendley, Secretary General, Religions for Peace, USA; and Phil Jones, Director, Church of the Brethren Witness, Washington, DC.