Wintry mix spreads across Minnesota

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, and Christian leaders gathered at Hamline University on Saturday to rebuke the acts of a Florida pastor who at one point said he planned to burn copies of the Quran on September 11. 

That pastor has canceled his plans, but speakers at the event, including Bishop Rosilyn Carroll, said it was still important for them to stand together.

"An attack on one faith or group is an attack on all of us," Carroll said. "Christian, Jews, Muslim, and other leaders are not satisfied simply because the burning of the Quran was called off. The very fact that a cleric would think of doing such a thing and that it was acceptable as a resolution to a problem is just beyond expression."

Hamline Assistant Dean Carlos Sneed said the proposed book burning is just one of many examples of intolerance people come across every day. And he said it's important to question every one of those examples. 

"It's easy to point the finger at that minister, that cleric, his followers, those who delivered the Quran to him to burn," Sneed said. "But what do we do when we talk to our mother on the phone, and she says something that's racist?"

Dozens of people attended the gathering, where organizers handed out copies of the Quran and read from the religious text.

Gallery

9/11 events go on in shadow of Islam controversies

Rep. Ellison: Anti-Muslim protesters do not reflect the beliefs of most Americans

Fla. minister cancels burning of Qurans on 9/11

Pawlenty: Quran burning not wise

Religion and Faith

Social Issues

Rupa Shenoy

Author

Religious leaders gathered at Hamline University on Saturday to rebuke the acts of a Florida pastor had planned to burn copies of the Quran on September 11.

Religious leaders condemn Quran burning plans

Go Deeper.

Like this?

News you can use in your inbox