Dozens of what are being billed as “anti-Sharia marches” are scheduled for this weekend in 28 cities in 20 states nationwide. The so-called March Against Sharia is organized by ACT for America, a grassroots organization that claims to “preserve American culture and keep this nation safe.” And religious groups across the country are speaking out.
Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign, an interfaith organization dedicated to ending anti-Muslim sentiments, organized a sign-on letter, joined by the leaders of 19 other faith organizations, including Sojourners’ Jim Wallis, demanding respect for Muslim communities in the U.S.
The rallies are not “anti- Sharia,” but blatantly anti-Muslim, reads the letter.
They continue:
The rallies claim to be against Sharia law. Such a claim is fear mongering designed to inflame already swelling bigoted attitudes. These rallies are not against Sharia; they are rallies against the Muslim community. This is why the rallies are held during the holy month of Ramadan. This is why the promotion of these events is accompanied by threats of violence against Muslims, their families, and their communities.
They also called citizens across the nation to speak out against unjust discrimination of Muslim on June 10 — when the rallies are scheduled — by organizing solidarity events with Muslim neighbors, attending Iftar, and joining vigils honoring the lives of Muslim people in this country.
A detailed map shows that the rallies are planned from coast to coast — from Seattle to Jacksonville, Fla.
ACT for America’s founder Brigette Gabriel is a Lebanese born American who survived the Lebanese civil war before coming to the U.S. In 2007. She has claimed that Muslims in the Arabic world “have no soul” and has referred to them as barbaric and evil. She is an avid supporter of President Donald Trump. This group has been described by the Southern Poverty Law Center as the largest grassroots anti-Muslim group in the U.S.
The faith leaders also called on people to fight against hate after the marches, highlighting shared humanity and faith as reasons to stand up to prejudice against the Muslim community.
They said:
We give thanks that our faith calls us to love one another and resist the evil of hate. We recommit ourselves to diversity, acceptance, resilience, and compassion for people of all faiths and backgrounds.
We will speak out and show up for everyone against the unjust targeting and discrimination of people because of the color of their skin, the faith they practice, or the origin of their family. All human beings have the right to live fulfilling and meaningful lives without fear of persecution.
Read the full letter here.
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