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We, as Christian theologians in the public sphere, stand together in solidarity with Muslims in the United States in support of all Muslim citizens and residents of the United States. We do so not despite our deep Christian faith, but precisely because of it.
Recent statements in the wake of the horrific actions of violence in Paris and San Bernardino have once again raised the threshold of acceptable actions in this country. We reject and abhor any and all statements or actions that respond to these acts of violence with indiscriminate fear, suspicion, and hatred against our Muslim sisters and brothers.
We unequivocally oppose all acts of violence against Muslim places of worship. We oppose all acts of violence–verbal, physical, or otherwise– against Muslims. We oppose all acts of violence against people perceived to be Muslim. We oppose all attempts to establish any sort of religious test for citizenship or immigration status. We oppose all attempts to deny the fact that Muslims have been present in the Americas since the 16th century, living as enslaved people, soldiers, politicians, leaders, sports heroes, rockstars, and faithful citizens.
As December is a time of holy preparation for Christ Who Redeems not through violence or fear, but through love, sacrifice, and hope, we call upon all Christians to be mindful of your neighbor in a special way this season. Affirm your Muslim neighbors, who live in fear of the hateful stranger in a way we can never know. Affirm and support those who have accepted Syrian refugees, even against the wishes of state authorities. Affirm and support those who offer mercy, love, and support for those who flee persecution around the world.
