wfn.org | NCC's Edgar Rebuts Falwell's 60 Minutes Statements on Islam

["Nat'l Council of Churches" <nccc_usa@ncccusa.org>]

For Immediate Release -- October 6, 2002
National Council of Churches, New York City
Contact: Carol Fouke, 212-870-2252, Pat Pattillo 212-870-2048
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NATIONAL COUNCIL OF CHURCHES' BOB EDGAR
RESPONDS TO JERRY FALWELL COMMENTS ON '60 MINUTES'

NEW YORK CITY, October 6, 2002 -- Dr. Bob Edgar, general secretary of the
National Council of Churches, has issued the following statement in response
to tonight's remarks about the Muslim faith by evangelist Jerry Falwell on
the CBS television program, '60 Minutes':
Jerry Falwell speaks from the perspective of a radical right-wing group in
the United States, one that is aligned with conservative politicians and
fundamentalist theologians. His views are not those of the majority of
Christians in this country or in the rest of the world.
His statements about Islam and Mohammad are not only factually untrue, but
are dangerous to the national security of every nation where Christians and
Muslims are seeking a peaceful relationship.
His remarks create ideal conditions for breeding terrorism among those who
have no way of knowing that he does not represent the majority of Christians
or Americans.
His inflammatory words put at increased risk the lives of thousands of
Christian missionaries and humanitarian workers, and their Christian
partners abroad who are engaged in heroic efforts to be peacemakers and
bridge-builders in difficult and dangerous circumstances.
We condemn Mr. Falwells hate speech. It is unChristlike, it is shockingly
uninformed, and  because it is tied to his fund-raising efforts among
politically conservative constituents  it is financially cynical and
opportunistic.
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EDITORS: To interview Bob Edgar, call him at 917-821-0852, 201-870-3398; or
call Vicki Manning at 212-870-2025, Pat Pattillo at 212-870-2048, or Carol
Fouke at 212-870-2252.

Communication Department
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.
New York, New York
Phone: 212-870-2227 Fax: 212-870-2030