Christian and Muslim leaders plan to hold a joint news conference to discuss an Islamic prayer vigil on the grounds of the United States Capitol this week. Muslim leaders who are organizing the large prayer vigil on the lawn of the United States Capitol Friday, September 25, will be in attendance.
Kris Keating, Director of Hillside Missions, states,
"Christians are interested in making God's love evident to all peoples. I am excited for the unique opportunity to do that through dialogue with Islamic leaders as we believe Christ is the hope of the world. In America, one can freely share their faith tradition with an open hand. This ongoing dialogue with Islamic leaders celebrates that freedom. Sitting at a table with people of diverse and even conflicting perspectives for a time of listening and sharing is positive and at the heart of Christian teaching. I encourage America's Christian community to be united with us as we acknowledge that love without conditions is the right motive for relationship with our Muslim neighbors."
Rev. Rob Schenck, President of the National Clergy Council, comments,
"With over 1.5 billion Muslims in the world, it is important that Christians have an open dialogue with the Islamic community. The church must never be timid in reaching out to peoples and groups with differing beliefs and traditions. Too much is at stake for future generations not to begin this historic conversation. This is an opportunity that we cannot afford to miss."
Rev. Patrick J. Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition, adds,
"The heart of Christ is to reach out and build bridges to all peoples regardless of what their faith traditions or beliefs might be. Several years ago the Christian Defense Coalition began reaching out to the Muslim world which resulted in a prayer delegation going to Baghdad to pray for the nation of Iraq and Prime Minister Maliki. Since then we have had many conversations and discussions with Islamic leaders in Washington, D.C. and around the world. This news conference gives us another chance to dialogue and share with our Islamic neighbors. It also gives us the platform to celebrate the greatness of America where everyone is allowed to practice their faith tradition in the public square free from government interference of harassment. The prayer vigil on the lawn of the Capitol this Friday highlights that timeless truth.
