Members of Wichita’s Heartland Friends Meeting are concerned about the recent increase of public ill will toward our Muslim brothers and sisters.We are troubled by hateful caricatures of Islam that are contributing to tensions worldwide. Like many other faith families, Quakers are sensitive to religious intolerance in part because our spiritual ancestors were persecuted.

Heartland Friends Meeting is saddened by current attacks that blame all Muslims for the actions of a few. These verbal and physical assaults, whether they occur in Kansas, New York, or in other places, are not likely to bring better relationships with our neighbors at home and abroad. We believe that nonviolent means are best for lasting resolution of conflict.

Heartland Friends Meeting encourages Kansans to visit www.acommonword.com, the web site of a movement launched in 2007 to promote Muslim-Christian understanding. These international scholars insist that despite their differences, Islam and Christianity share the same Abrahamic heritage and the same two greatest commandments: love God, and love neighbor.

Freedom of religion, guaranteed and protected by the U.S. Constitution, is essential to our way of life. The future of all who live on this beautiful planet depends upon our ability to love God and one another.

Approved by Heartland Friends Meeting on 23 November 2010.