When any givien religion is hijacked by extremists, it is very hard for that particular religion in isolation to defend itself, and to put forward to the world a clear account of the standards of faith for the religion in whose name violent and irreligious actions have been proclaimed.
Muslims the world over have been prompt to condemn Boko Haram for violent and abhorent actions while using Muslim terminology, and even using the sacred name Allah in perpetrating their vile criminality.
We are happy to report initiatives in New York, initiated by Muslim leaders, that have attracted the support of fellow peace seekers from all communities of faith
We join the international campaign “Bring Back Our Girls” and will not be silent until these innocent victims are safely returned to their homes and the perpetrators brought into justice.
We of many faiths stand together as one family with our Nigerian schoolgirls.
Imam Shamsi Ali
Spiritual Leader, Jamaica Muslim Center, NYC’s larget Muslim community center
President, Nusantara Foundation
Dr. A.R. Bernard, Sr
Founder and Spiritual Leader, Christian Cultural Center
President, Council of Churches of the City of New York
Reverend Chloe Breyer
Executive Director, Interfaith Center of New York
Reverend Paul de Vries, PhD
President, NY Divinity School
Rabbi Diana Gerson
Director, Dayenu! Enough Silence Initiative
Reverend Stephen C. Holton
Chair, Episcopal Muslim Relations Committee
Rabbi David-Seth Kirshner
Spiritual Leader, Temple Emanu-El of Closter, NJ
President, New York Board of Rabbis
Reverend Brian E. McWeeney D.Min(Prin)
Director, Office of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs at Archdiocese of New York
Reverend Marcos Miranda
President, New York Chaplaincy Services, New York State Chaplain Task Force
The Venerable William C. Parnell
Archdeacon for Mission, Episcopal Diocese of New York
Rabbi Joseph Potasnik
Executive Vice President, New York Board of Rabbis