“Taking a Stand for Unity”
Once again, it is that time of year to celebrate the National Day of Prayer, a special day set aside (the first Thursday in May) originally by President Harry Truman some 59 years ago uniting Americans to pray for our nation and the world. What was born to be a day of unity, love and understanding, will thankfully be kept that way due to a very bold decision made by the highest office in the land.
This story was brought to my attention in a recent published article stating that the Pentagon chaplain’s office in Washington, D.C. had rescinded the invitation to noted Christian leader Franklin Graham, to speak at the National Day of Prayer event in Washington on May 6th. Mr. Graham, the son of well known evangelist Billy Graham, was disinvited after facing pressure from a group representing Muslim military personal who complained about his attacks on Islam as an “evil and wicked” Religion. Pentagon officials reported that The Secretary of the Army, John McHugh, and Army Chief of Staff, George Casey, decided “it would be inappropriate for him to participate in this inclusive event” in light of Grahams comments about Islam. McHugh added, “This event is open to multiple faiths.”
The only negative is that there are still those who are trying to keep us in the dark ages by continuing to spread divisiveness and bigotry through their view of Religion. This exclusionary ideology of course, is not only perpetuated by Christians. It includes those from all faiths that hold an “extreme” view. You might think that bigotry is too strong a word here but take a look at what the dictionary says. It defines bigotry as “an attitude, state of mind or behavior characteristic that is partial to one’s own group, religion, race or politics and is intolerant of those who differ.”
Speaking from my own personal feelings, I have to say that I am ecstatic that these officials took a stand against Mr. Graham and sent a message that religious bigotry will not be tolerated and that this special day of prayer will remain an inclusive event. For one, this is not a Christian event. It is called the National Day of Prayer and from my knowledge of world religions, prayer is the ultimate way that all people of faith connect with the God of their understanding. I have to say that I am embarrassed that the faith I choose to embrace, that being Christianity, has people like Graham acting as one of its major spokespeople. Is the ideology embraced by Graham anything more than bigotry and hatred with a religious mask on? I am a follower of Jesus Christ but I have to say I am often embarrassed by many statements made by “Christian spokespeople” like Franklin Graham and others that include, Pat Robertson, James Dobson and the late Jerry Falwell. Personally, I have to state that they do not speak for me and for many other Christians I know.
I am always encouraging everyone to continue to evolve toward unity and equality. I continue to see that we as a people are moving toward a higher form of thinking but we must not stop here. We must continue to speak up as these army officials did and take a stand when we see or experience bigotry, exclusion and intolerance. We’ve done it in the past with the crusades, slavery, women rights, civil rights and more and we are just now beginning to scratch the surface with religious tolerance and understanding. I feel this move by the Pentagon is more evidence that we are headed in the right direction. I say “bravo” to those who had the courage to speak up and take a stand against intolerance and bigotry no matter what mask it is wearing. Let us all join in and do the same when the opportunity presents itself. Speaking up is one of the surest ways things will change for the better. Peace out.
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Jack Bloomfield is the co-founder and executive director of One Planet United, Inc., a non
profit 501(c)3 organization.
One Planet United's mission statement is: To bring unity and understanding to all people through
experiential and educational programs, projects and resources.
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