(CLEVELAND, OH, 11/27/17) – Representatives of the Cleveland chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Cleveland) recently presented on civil rights issues facing the Muslim community in America at the Dean’s Forum at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
The forum, which was moderated by The Rev. Dr. Paul L. Gaston III, Interim Dean of the Cathedral, was a part of a series of Sunday dialogues called “The Dean’s Forum Podcast.”
It covered issues such as the gap between the faith of Islam and its peaceful practitioners and the negative perception of Muslims in America due to the scourge of terrorism.
The forum also included information on Islamophobia and those who promote anti-Muslim bigotry, including right-wing think-tanks, religious figures, public officials, and commentators.
Forum participants touched on the rise in hate crimes and anti-Muslim discrimination, and provided information on dispelling stereotypes and how members of interfaith communities can take practical steps to help stem the tide of anti-Muslim bigotry through concrete action at the local level.
To listen to the Dean’s Forum Podcast, go to:
https://trinitycleveland.org/the-deans-forum-podcasts/
“Understanding and empathy are key to activating the wider public to stand up against scapegoating and bigotry that are increasingly being deployed for political gain in our country,” said CAIR-Cleveland Executive Director Julia Shearson. “The forum provided a chance for congregants to hear first-hand about how the rise of anti-Muslim racism and hate crimes are directly impacting the American Muslim community and what interfaith allies can do to help stop the hate.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
La misión de CAIR es mejorar la comprensión del Islam, fomentar el diálogo, proteger las libertades civiles, capacitar a los musulmanes estadounidenses, y construir coaliciones que promuevan la justicia y la comprensión mutua.
CONTACT: Julia A. Shearson, CAIR-Cleveland executive director, 216.440.2247 or jshearson@cair.com, Ibrahim Hooper, CAIR National Communications Director, 202.744.7726, ihooper@cair.com