Source: The American Muslim Council

http://www.amconline.org/cgi-bin/release/viewnews.cgi?newsid1001025928,13364,

On September 20, 2001, Rev. Dr. C. Welton Gaddy of the Interfaith Alliance wrote an open letter to Representative Cooksey. The letter read, in part: "Already we have seen an outbreak of violent attacks on people whose only guilt was that of wearing a turban or a beard. We know all too well what explosive rhetoric does in a tense situation...

Source: Episcopal News Service

http://www.episcopalchurch.org/ens/2001-264.html

On September 20, 2001, The Episcopal News Service detailed some of the grassroots efforts and practical help being offered by Episcopalians in the wake of the backlash. "Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold issued a request...to promote contacts with Muslim neighbors. 'As interfaith services are planned, please make every effort to include Muslim as well as Jewish (and other) voices...[and] reach...

Source: The Sacramento Bee

http://www.sacbee.com/news/news/local04_20010920.html

On September 20, 2001, The Sacramento Bee published the article "Tolerance sorely tested by terrorists." It reported on the rise of hate crimes against Americans of South Asian descent, and the mobilization of the local community.

Source: The San Gabriel Valley Tribune

http://www.sgvtribune.com/index.asp?puid=1498&spuid=1498&indx=1098143&article=on

On September 20, 2001, The San Gabriel Valley Tribune reported "Market owner mourned by family, friends: Man's death a suspected hate crime."

Source: The San Antonio Express-News

Source: The Fort Worth Star-Telegram

On September 20, 2001, The Fort Worth Star-Telegram published an editorial by Bud Kennedy regarding statements made during a town prayer service called "Community United." The editorial noted, "On the national day of prayer intended to unite us as one America against evil and international terrorism, a Baptist pastor said he's sure glad he doesn't have to pray with any Muslims...The Burleson Star newspaper quoted Pastor Milburn: 'Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, not multiple deities or Allah.'" Others who...

Source: PBS

http://www.pbs.org/americaresponds/moyers919.html

On September 19, 2001, Dr. Diana Eck, director of the Pluralism Project and Professor of Religion at Harvard University, spoke with Bill Moyers on his PBS television show about the events of September 11.

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On September 19, 2001, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution reported on the common roots of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity and aimed to dispel some misunderstandings about Islam. "'People tend to think of what's happening now --- the Taliban and bin Laden --- in terms that are purely religious,' said John Iskander, assistant professor in religious studies at Georgia State University. 'They de-politicize what's happening and focus entirely on Islam. They ask, Is Islam a violent religion?...The answer is yes and...

Source: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

On September 19, 2001, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reported that "Christian, Muslim and Jewish clergy will lead a prayer service tomorrow at noon in Market Square to mourn those killed in the terrorist acts of Sept. 11 and to pray for survivors, rescuers and world peace." The article noted that, "The clergy of Pittsburgh want to give the entire community an opportunity to gather, mourn and move toward healing and reconciliation."

Source: Reuters

http://www.reuters.com/news_article.jhtml?type=topnews&StoryID=232398

On September 19, 2001, Reuters reported "Tight Security at Suspected LA Hate Crime Funeral."

Source: Los Angeles Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-091901karas.story

On September 19, 2001, The Los Angeles Times reported on the murder of Adel Karas in San Gabriel, California. The shooting death is being investigated by the FBI as a hate crime. The article noted, "If Karas were targeted for his perceived religion or ethnicity, a cruel absurdity lies in the ignorance of the act: He was a Coptic Christian who had fled Egypt more...

Source: ISNA and NCCCUSA

On September 18, 2001, the National Council of Churches of Christ USA (NCCCUSA) and the Islamic Society of North America reported on the Interfaith statement: "Deny them their victory: A religious response to terrorism." The statement noted, "We assert the vision of community, tolerance, compassion, justice, and the sacredness of human life, which lies at the heart of all our religious traditions. America must be a safe place for all our citizens in all their diversity." Statement, with signatures, on...

Source: St. Petersburg Times

On September 18, 2001, The St. Petersburg Times reported on the local Muslim community's proactive approach after the terror attacks. "Local Muslim leaders were quick to react against a backlash by expressing public support of the victims and condemnation of the terrorism. They took out full-page newspaper ads, 'A Message from Your Muslim Neighbors,' wrote editorials and showed up in full force to give blood. Sunday night, Muslim leaders invited local Christian churches to a prayer session at the Islamic school in Temple Terrace...

Source: The San Gabriel Valley Tribune

Source: The San Francisco Chronicle

On September 17, 2001, The San Francisco Chronicle reported that "Throngs of people turned up at houses of worship in the Bay Area and across the nation yesterday for services that focused on last week's terror attacks in New York, Washington, D.C., and western Pennsylvania. Churches were jammed with the kind of attendance that is usually only seen on Easter or Christmas. ...At Glide United Methodist Church in San Francisco's Tenderloin, the rafters shook during two full-house services. Scores of people were turned away...