Ohio Faith Leaders Speak Out in Support of CAIR Ohio
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, December 20, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT
Austin Schuler, aschuler@faithinpubliclife.org, (540) 280-3393
Ohio Faith Leaders Speak Out in Support of CAIR Ohio
Dr. Tarunjit Butalia, “We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they cope with the betrayal of trust by one of their own.”
Columbus, Ohio– The Ohio chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations has fired one of its top leaders after discovering he was sharing information about the organization to Investigative Project on Terrorism, a known anti-Muslim group.
Below are statements of solidarity with CAIR Ohio from faith leaders in Ohio.
Rev. Dr. Jack Sullivan, Jr., Ohio Council of Churches:
“During this time of profound shock and sadness within the offices and networks of the Ohio Chapter of the Council on American and Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Ohio Council of Churches offers its prayerful support for the staff and mission of CAIR-Ohio. As an interfaith partner for justice, peace, and human flourishing, we stand in unflinching solidarity with CAIR in its great and impactful work to protect civil rights, fight bigotry, and promote tolerance. To our dear sisters and brothers with CAIR: You are not alone! We are with you!”
Dr. Tarunjit Butalia, Religions for Peace USA:
“We stand shoulder to shoulder with our Muslim brothers and sisters as they cope with the betrayal of trust by one of their own.”
Rev. Dr. Tim Ahrens, First Congregational Church, Columbus:
“We stand with our friends in the Muslim community as they face all the emotions and reactions surrounding the betrayal of one of their leaders. Betrayal of trust is horrible especially when it is grounded in religious community. As they go through all the emotions, anger, grief related to this moment, we are with them. We will not leave their side.”
Rev. David Long-Higgins, Heartland Conference, United Church of Christ:
“My heart was broken when I learned of the betrayal of CAIR by its former Executive Director. As a Christian, I treasure our Islamic siblings and the important presence of peace they have promoted in our community. I have personally been blessed by the presence of CAIR and its mission to build understanding and goodwill in a world often bent toward caricature, misunderstanding, and division.”
Karen Dawson, PhD, Interfaith Association of Central Ohio:
“I send my caring concern to our Muslim brothers and sisters in Ohio in this time of sadness and turmoil.”
Pastor Hank Osmundson, M.Div., Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio:
“Unitarian Universalist Justice Ohio reaffirms our solidarity with and support of our siblings in the Ohio Muslim community. As they experience an array of emotions, questions, and pain in the wake of this news, we will continue to support them. Always.”
Rev. Dan Clark, Faith in Public Life Ohio:
“Our friends and colleagues at CAIR Ohio, as well as Muslims around the state, are facing a shocking breach of trust. We pray for their safety as well as reaffirm our care for and solidarity with them. People of all faiths need one another in these trying times, as we gather together around our shared ethic of love.”
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