Your Opinion: Interfaith group calls for unity

Dear Editor:

Cities in our nation, including Jefferson City, are living in fearful times, in which violence breaks out in some of our most innocent places. Often the collective finger points to the Muslim community, rather than to extremists who claim attachment to the Muslim faith (but who in no way reflect its ideals).

Our culture and society don't always know the best ways to respond or react to actions we seemingly have no control over. The Capital Area Interfaith Alliance (CAIA) is a local organization composed of individuals from varying faiths, (and non-faith), including local Buddhist, Jewish, Christian, Muslim and Unitarian bodies.

We seek unity in midst of our diversity. We are founded on the premise of acceptance of each other and respect for each other's differing beliefs. We believe that it is only through interfaith dialogue and mutual understanding that we can be a community at peace with itself.

By this public statement approved by the CAIA, we seek to affirm the local Muslim community as a faith group represented by sisters and brothers who have become for us over the years educators, business leaders, students, health professionals, supporters of healthy family and - overall - some of the finest people in Jefferson City. Many are American citizens.

CAIA members and others in our community have over the years experienced Muslim hospitality and kindness in direct ways. We hope that all of the Jefferson City community will see our Muslim neighbors as we do - as a part of the fabric of who we are.

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