The Words of the Burton Family
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The Words of the Burton Family |
Unificationists and their friends in the ecumenical religious community are raising their voices to protest the planned burning of a Quran in Gainesville, Florida on the anniversary of the September 11 attack.
The American Clergy and Leadership Conference (ACLC) has called a press conference at the Imani Temple in Washington, D.C. at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 10, 2010 to announce its intention to celebrate Sept. 12, 2010 as an International Day of Reverence and Respect for All Faiths.
In a press release the ACLC stated:
"Christian leaders, joined by leaders of many faiths, are alarmed by the actions of one pastor in Gainesville, Florida who plans to commemorate the 9-11 tragedy by burning the Qur'an. Christian pastors are outraged at his misguided understanding of the Christian faith and the misapplication of the message of Jesus."
The press release continues:
"In response to this crisis, Archbishop George Augustus Stallings, Jr., Founder and Senior Pastor of Imani Temple on Capitol Hill, and Co-president of the American Clergy Leadership Conference (ACLC), is calling on Pastors throughout the nation and the world to join in an international "Day of Reverence and Respect for All Faiths, Believers and all Holy Books" at their Sunday services this coming Sunday, September 12th."
Archbishop Stallings says, "In light of the immense sensitivities of September 11th and the tragedy that occurred nine years ago, Christians must stand up with the true spirit of Jesus which would be to "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
Joining with Archbishop Stallings will be Christian clergy from the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia area, including Apostle Floyd Nelson, Vice Presiding Prelate of Bibleway International; Rev. Michael Jenkins, chairman of the ACLC; Rev. Arnold Howard of Enon Baptist Church in Baltimore; Bishop Joseph Showell of Gospel Ark in Washington, D.C.; Rev. George Marshall of Holy Scripture Church of Christ in Virginia, Ed Young of New Beginnings Ministry in Virginia, among others.
"Though many have stood in interfaith settings, calling for the respect of all faiths, ACLC is calling for Christians to stand firmly on the biblical foundation which Jesus taught of the common brotherhood of all men and women, and the Constitutional principles of religious freedom, tolerance and respect for all faiths," according to Bishop Stallings.
Bishop Stallings went on to say that "when the Qur'an is read carefully, with a prayerful understanding, we can see that the text embraces and teaches the universal principles that are consistent with the Bible. The Qur'an teaches that all people of the book should be respected: meaning all Christians, Muslims and Jewish believers who hold to their scriptures, as well as all faiths, should be treated with respect."
In St. Paul, Minnesota a coalition of Unificationists, Ambassadors for Peace and The Wesley Center at Hamline University called for an "Interfaith Gathering for Peace" on Sept. 11 from 1:00 -- 2:00 p.m. at the Giddens Learning Center on the campus at Hamline.
Rev. James Gavin, Regional General Secretary General and President of the Universal Peace Federation USA also announced Thursday: "We stand firmly against the burning of the book of Qur'an, or for that matter, the burning of the holy scriptures of any religion. I am inspired by the initiative our UPF-USA representatives in Minnesota have taken on this issue. This is a great opportunity for all Americans to unite with people of other religions, to offer prayers for reconciliation and to build bridges of appreciation and love with people of all faiths." An open letter to Rev. Terry Jones in Gainesville, Florida from the Minnesota chapter of the Peace Ambassadors of the UPF states:
We, the Minnesota Ambassadors for Peace comprised of three Abrahamic faiths: Islam, Christians and Judaism, are writing this letter to you because we believe that your proposed action to burn the Holy Qur'an is contrary to the will of God. We believe in living for the sake of others and that reconciliation and healing are essential in communities of faith. These beliefs are what bring about peace in our neighborhoods, our nation and in the larger global human family.
We believe that respect is due to all who believe in God and that people of faith do not defame, disrespect or destroy the holy words or works of other faiths. We believe that to do so is exactly the opposite of what the Bible directs Christians to do, which is that we are not to judge others for Judgment is God's. We Christians are to forgive one another for trespasses, which is a part of the Lord's Prayer. Where is your forgiveness of those who are responsible for the September 11, 2001 atrocities? Those were individuals who did not live by their chosen faith. Are you living by your chosen faith by inciting confusion and disorder by burning a Holy Book?
We believe you have no authority to take into your own hands actions that reflect on all of us as Christians. Your actions are not of a singular nature therefore we feel we have every right to implore you to stop this action that brings chaos to our world.
We pray for you, to be of God, to withdraw your actions of desecrating a Holy Book of another faith of God's people. We pray that your mind and heart will be opened to forgiveness of those who have done evil to so many and that you would not become part of their evil acts. We pray that you will search deep in your heart, and help your congregation do the same, that you might all seek a path of healing rather than add to the rift in the human family of God.
While you are pondering your actions planned for September 11, 2010 to burn a sacred book, as Peace Ambassadors we will be gathering together as Christian, Muslim, Jew, Buddhist, Hindu and others, to learn and understand about each other, to build mutual respect and explore ways of living in harmony in this pluralistic society. Our prayers will be for the souls of all who were impacted by the horrendous act of 9/11 and for you.