French Muslim leaders denounce Islamic State, support Christian presence in Middle East

September 09, 2014

The most prominent Muslim leaders in France have joined in an unprecedented condemnation of the Islamic State’s persecution of Christians.

In a “Paris Appeal,” issued on September 9 at the Grand Mosque in Paris, the French Islamic leaders “unambiguously denounce these terrorist acts, which are crimes against humanity, and solemnly declare that these groups, their supporters, and their recruits cannot lay claim to Islam.”

The Paris Appeal condemns the “barbarians” for their brutality, and insists that “their rash calls for jihad and their campaigns to indoctrine young people are not faithful to the teachings and values of Islam.” The signatories commit themselves to opposing efforts by radical Islamic militants to recruit young European sympathizers. They proclaim “the inalienable right of their Christian brothers in the East…to stay and live on their land with dignity and security and to practice their faith freely.”

The Paris Appeal is signed by Dalil Boubakeur, the rector of the Grand Mosque of paris and president of the French Council of the Muslim Faith; Anouar Kbibech, the president of the Assembly of French Muslims; Abderrahmane Dahmane, the president of the Council of French Muslims; and several others.

 

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Further information:

• Les musulmans de France prennent la défense des chrétiens d'Orient (Le Figaro)