Clergy denounce anti-Muslim bigotry

WASHINGTON (RNS) Three days before the 10th anniversary of the 9/11
terrorist attacks, religious leaders gathered to remember the victims,
foster interreligious unity and speak out in defense of religious
freedom.

The event was held by Shoulder to Shoulder, a national coalition of
26 faith groups formed a year ago in response to a rise in anti-Muslim
sentiment following debates over an Islamic center near Ground Zero and
a Florida pastor's threats to burn the Quran.

"If we cower in the face of fanatic minorities, we are lost. This is
true for Muslims and it is true for us all," said Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the
outgoing head of the Union for Reform Judaism.