Religions join with Muslims to condemn Boko Haram kidnappings

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 

For Immediate Release:
New York City Interfaith Statement 
Condemning the Kidnapping in Nigeria 

 

New York, NY – We who represent different faith communities condemn the recent kidnapping of hundreds of Nigerian schoolgirls by the terrorist group Boko Haram. No religion that respects the dignity of human beings can condone this heinous act, a crime that violates the moral foundation of our respective traditions. We believe that each person has a right to practice any religious faith as well as pursue educational advancement.

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

 

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