Letter to the Editor, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

We, the Cabinet of Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls speak out in unequivocal condemnation of the outrageous statements against Islam and against Muslim Americans that were quoted in Tim Townsend’s column on Saturday, December 3rd. These are reprehensible assaults on our Muslim friends and neighbors. They stand in direct conflict to a cherished cornerstone of our life as a nation: respect for the rich religious diversity that enhances our communal life.

The shocking statements that Mr. Townsend quoted are directed not only against members of the Muslim community. They are directed against all who believe, as we do, that we are “one nation, under God, indivisible”.

We call on all St. Louisians to reject this attempt to tear the fabric of our communal life. Join us in condemning the attacks on our Muslim friends and neighbors recorded by Mr. Townsend and any future such attacks.

Maryl F. Walters, CSB
Chair of the Cabinet

The Rt. Rev. George Wayne Smith, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri
Vice-Chair of the Cabinet
Interfaith Partnership/Faith Beyond Walls