September 15, 2008

National Muslim-Christian Initiative sends condolences to the family and community of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed

To Mrs. Laila W. Deen Mohammed, the W. Deen Mohammed Family and colleagues at Mosque Cares,

God’s peace and mercy be with you. On behalf of the National Muslim-Christian Initiative, comprised of national Muslim organizations and various Christian denominations of the National Council of Churches, we wish to extend our deepest sympathy to you as you mourn the passing of Imam W. Deen Mohammed.

This initiative enjoyed the participation of Mosque Cares in its previous meetings and its contribution toward the advancement of its goal, and looks forward to your continued engagement. As communities of faith, we acknowledge Imam W. Deen Mohammed’s courage, leadership and personal conviction to enhance interreligious understanding. Since assuming leadership in 1975, his vision to bring the Nation of Islam into closer relationship with people of other faiths, especially Jews and Christians, has been inspiring to many of his followers in particular and to the interreligious community in general. His vision of developing a bond of trust and goodwill is precisely the kind of engagement our initiative seeks to spread and achieve. Imam W. Deen Mohammed touched the lives of thousands of people by his expressions of goodwill that crossed many boundaries.

Many of our initiative members had opportunities to engage directly with Imam W. Deen Mohammed, including by participation in the Mosque Cares convention, most recently held in Detroit. He was gracious to bless this initiative publicly.

During this holy month of Ramadan, we recommit ourselves to carry on interreligious dialogue, a vision exemplified by Imam W. Deen Mohammed’s tireless work in the past several decades.

We pray that God showers Imam W. Deen Mohammed with His mercy and may light perpetual shine upon him.

Members of the initiative uphold you, your family and the Mosque Cares community in our prayers for the days and months ahead.

Participants in the National Muslim-Christian Initiative represent:

National Council of Churches of Christ
Islamic Society of North America
Islamic Circle of North America
Muslim Public Affairs Council
Universal Muslim Association of America
The Episcopal Church
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
United Church of Christ
United Methodist Church
Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
Evangelical Lutheran Church of America
Church of the Brethren
Alliance of Baptists