Pat Robertson vs CAIR
Adnan balboa19@idt.net
Mon, 03 Nov 1997 21:33:42 -0800 (00878643222, 3.0.1.32.19971103213342.007438d4@idt.net)
ADNAN
Dispute between two religions again!
.................................................
CAIR
Council on American-Islamic Relations
1050 17th Street, N.W., Suite 490
Washington, D.C. 20036
Tel: 202-659-2247
Fax: 202-659-2254
E-mail: cair1@ix.netcom.com
URL: http://www.cair-net.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PAT ROBERTSON UNRESPONSIVE TO MUSLIM CONCERNS
CBN ignores Muslim outrage at bigoted remarks, tries to
divert issue
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 11/3/97) The Council on American-Islamic
Relations (CAIR), a Washington-based Islamic advocacy group,
today received what it termed a "non-response" from
Christian Coalition leader and Christian Broadcasting
Network (CBN) founder Pat Robertson concerning anti-Muslims
remarks he made on a recent broadcast of CBN's "700 Club."
According to transcripts of the program, Robertson said: "To
see Americans become followers of, quote, Islam, is nothing
short of insanity...Why would people in America want to
embrace the religion of the slavers...You say 'what's going
on in America, when we welcome into our society and give
rights to people who are persecuting Christians around the
world.'"
CAIR issued a demand for an apology to Muslims and to CBN
viewers. CAIR also called upon inter-faith and political
leaders to repudiate Robertson's remarks.
In response to CAIR's demand, a CBN spokesperson sent a fax
to CAIR defending the accuracy of the news story that preceded
Robertson's remarks, a subject not raised by CAIR. The
statement read in part: "...instead of attacking Mr.
Robertson and his ministry who (sic) is speaking out against
this terrible persecution, we would encourage American
Muslims to stand with us against these radical Muslim
fundamentalists..."
"This non-response to Muslim concerns completely ignores the
real issue, that of Mr. Robertson's anti-Muslim bigotry and
disinformation," said CAIR Executive Director Nihad Awad.
"He obviously recognizes that it would be impossible to
defend describing Americans becoming Muslim as a form of
'insanity' or Islam as 'the religion of slavers,' so he is
attempting to divert attention to an entirely different
issue," said Awad. Awad added that CAIR is now asking
Robertson for a meeting with Muslim leaders to discuss his
remarks.
Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in this
country and around the world. There are an estimated 6
million Muslims in this country and some 1.2 billion
worldwide.
- END -
ACTION REQUESTED: (As always, be FIRM, but POLITE. Hostile
comments are counter-productive.)
Contact the 700 Club:
Mr. Pat Robertson
President
Christian Broadcasting Network
977 Centerville Turnpike
Virginia Beach, VA 23463
TEL: 757-579-2120
FAX: 757-579-2017
CBN - http://www.cbn.org/
E-Mail: patty.silverman@cbn.org
Contact the Christian Coalition:
Mr. Don Hodel
President
The Christian Coalition
1801-L Sara Drive
Chesapeake, VA 23320
TEL: 757-424-2630
FAX: 757-420-1077
Toll Free: 800-455-9900
Email: letters@cc.org
World Wide Web: http://www.cc.org