ANAHEIM — CAIR-LA joins the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California and all American Muslims in condemning the heinous killing of innocent Coptic Christian worshipers in Egypt. Such senseless action is alien to the longstanding tradition of peaceful and harmonious relationship between Egypt’s Christians and Muslims.
“We offer our condolences to the Coptic Christian community and pray that the perpetrators are swiftly caught and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” said Hussam Ayloush, Executive Director of CAIR-LA. “The best response to such vicious and sectarian murders is for Muslims and Christians, in Egypt and around the world, to remain united in opposing and challenging this and all forms of extremism and terrorism,” Ayloush added.
Below is the statement issued by the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California of which CAIR-LA is a member.
(ANAHEIM- January 1, 2011) – The Islamic Shura Council of Southern California mourns the senseless killing of the Saints Coptic Church members in Alexandria, Egypt.
“We extend our most heartfelt condolences to the Coptic Christian community and abhor the heinous crime,” said the Chairman of the Shura Council, Dr. Maher Hathout. He also asked the member Mosques to reach out to the Coptic churches in their area and offer moral support.
“We sincerely share your grief and stand in solidarity,” wrote Shakeel Syed, executive director of the Shura Council, in a memo to the Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Diocese of the Los Angeles, His Grace Bishop Serapion.
The Islamic Shura Council is an umbrella organization of Mosques and Muslim organizations serving more than half a million Muslims in Southern California.
Even after releasing these statements by CAIR, MPAC, Shura Council condemning the terrorist attacks, Islamophobes will claim that American Muslims don’t speak up against terrorism.