On the heels I woke up this morning and was considering the Koran burning and the media response. I doubt I would burn a Koran. But in a free society believe I could if I wanted to. This reminded me that not all things are prudent for a Christian in Scripture. However I reject that a pebble falls in the U.S. (someone burns a Koran) in Florida... and that riots in Afganistan resulting in death is an acceptable assessment. The truth is that Islam and the culture of the society in the Middle East is in far more dire condition. Acting in such a manner, over the destruction of a book, cartoons of Mohammed, or whatever the next percieved offense may be. In a free society, the matter of percieved offense should not affect our policies.
I am offended by the practice of genital mutilation of women and girls. I am offended of the status of women in Islamic societies. I am offended by indentured servitude and the practice of slavery. I am offended by the entering into marriage of girls as young as 9. I am offended by the sexualization of children and child abuse and sexual abuse of both sexes. I am offended by zealots and proponents of a perversion of a religion that seeks trans-national subjigation and world domination.
I am offended that the the glorification of death by a "faith" has lead to the suicide, murder, and slaughter of so many.
God Our Creator, who made the earth a peaceful garden, help us restore that peace wherever it has been broken by terrorism and injustice, especially in the Middle East. We repent for the times when religious language has fostered hatred and division. . . . Bring healing to those whose lives have been shattered by violence.
Instill a renewed spirit of reconciliation in thosewho lead our people politically and religiously. . . . Amen ~ Reverend John T. Pawlikowski, OSM Catholic Theological Union, Chicago, IL
Lord God. . . Bless all your children in the Middle East
with the gift of peace. Reach out and embrace Muslims, Jews and Christians.
Dry their tears with your gentle hands. Surround their trembling bodies with your loving arms. Replace their fears with the hope and vision
of peaceful times to come. . . . Amen ~The Reverend Said Ailabouni,Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Chicago, IL
In the name of God, Most Gracious, Most Merciful. Accept our prayer to sustain us and our brothers and sisters of different beliefs in our desire for peace. . .
Help us to find this peace in our living together, and in mutual sustenance with our neighbors. . . . Amen ~ Mian Ashraf, New England Islamic Center, Sharon, MA
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