Open Letter to People of the Islamic Faith

I drafted this letter in response to the "book burning" of the Qur'an planned in Florida. This is not a time to remain silent. The letter has been co-signed by two fellow members of the clergy here in Snohomish County. It will be published as a "letter to the editor" by the Herald, the major Snohomish County newspaper. The story has been in the "national media" but I am hoping the local press will note that we are not remaining silent!

Open Letter to People of the Islamic Faith

Steven Greenebaum, Pastor

Living Interfaith Church, Lynnwood

Mike Smith, Pastor

Saint Paul UMC, Everett

M. Christopher Boyer, Pastor

Good Shepherd Baptist Church, Lynnwood

Please do not judge us by the actions of one minister or a small group, however vocal. We know the difference between Al Qaeda and Islam, just as we know the difference between the KKK and Christianity. We do not support hate or burning books.

We share this earth together. We share not only a common humanity but a common desire to reach out with love and compassion to each other.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. wrote, "Returning violence for violence multiplies violence adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Hate, whether it comes in the form of militant Islam, militant Christianity, militant Judaism, militant Atheism or in any other form can only further blacken the night.

We need more light, not less. We need more love, not less. We extend our hand of love and light to all Muslims of love and light - and we believe that this is most of Islam.