Who Supports ISNA? American Baptist Churches

Special Announcement

Statement by the Rev. A. Roy Medley, General Secretary of the American Baptist Churches, January 19, 2009

On January 9-11, five different Baptist organizations within the United States, including my own denomination – the American Baptist Churches – participated with the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) in a historic national dialogue between Muslims and Baptists which focused on the commandment to love one’s neighbor which both our faiths share.

The meeting was warm and productive and included academic and other representatives who for three days explored how our scriptures and traditions enjoin and support efforts of Muslims and Christians to live in peace and mutual respect as we work together for the flourishing of humanity in societies which are just and free.  

At the event, one Baptist presenter urged all of us to show love of neighbor by following the commandment to “not bear false witness against one’s neighbor.” It is in that spirit that I write.  In all my relationships with ISNA I have found it to be an organization that fully supports religious liberty and our democratic and pluralist traditions in America.  Its inclusion in the national prayer service in the person of its president, Dr. Ingrid Mattson, is both fitting and proper as it represents the earnest prayers of our nation’s Muslim citizens for our nation’s peace and prosperity.  Furthermore, it mirrors what has become the custom at local and regional public gatherings of significance where leaders of all the major faith traditions are invited to participate.  

As a nation, it is important that all our citizens feel included in the life of our country.  False accusations against the U.S. Muslim community, as represented by ISNA, fails to meet our obligation to love our neighbor and to not bear false witness against them.

A. Roy Medley
General Secretary
American Baptist Churches