A LETTER FROM THE BISHOPS OF THE EPISCOPAL DIOCESE OF CONNECTICUT TO THE MUSLIM COALITION OF CONNECTICUT FOLLOWING THE EVENTS AUGUST 6, 2010 AT THE MASJID AN-NOOR MOSQUE IN BRIDGEPORT (Dr. Mansoor attended the interfaith rally of support at the Capitol on August 13):

August 12, 2010
Dr. Reza Mansoor, President
Muslim Coalition of Connecticut

Dear Dr. Mansoor,
     We, the Bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut, decry the actions of hate and violence that can be perpetrated by extremists of any religious tradition.
   We stand in solidarity with the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut in condemning recent acts against Muslims in our state. We deeply cherish the right of all faith communities to worship freely and openly in this country and are deeply disturbed by the recent hateful harassment of worshipers at Masjid an-Nur in Bridgeport by a group claiming to be Christian. 
    We give thanks for the friendships we have with members of the Muslim Coalition.  The Episcopal Church has a long history of working together with Muslim groups across Connecticut to increase interfaith understanding, to serve the poorest among us, and to seek justice and peace in our society.  We give thanks for the many contributions of the Muslim community to our common life in this state and society.
    We pray that fear and acts of hatred may be set aside in the name of Jesus, whom we follow as the Prince of Peace.  We also know that prayer must be followed with action.  We commit ourselves and the congregations of this Diocese to be leaders in respecting the religious diversity which is an essential foundation of our country and a core principle for a society dedicated to the common good of all people.

Faithfully,

The Bishops of the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut

The Right Reverend Ian T. Douglas; The Right Reverend Laura J. Ahrens; The Right Reverend James E. Curry

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