As Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience, we value the importance of different faith traditions and empower our City Council members to model proper engagement, compassion, and respect for the spiritual traditions of all citizens of our city.
It has come to our attention that Councilwoman Yaeger and the Spokane Valley City Council would benefit from education about Islam and possibly other faiths that are different from those held by Council Members. The language used by Councilwoman Yaeger is offensive and must be addressed. It shows a great lack in understanding of the Muslim faith and is dangerous for our Muslim neighbors.
We respectfully require a statement from the Spokane Valley City Council be made at the start of your next meeting that affirms the value of our Muslim neighbors and the Spokane Islamic Center. This statement must include an apology for the harm done and a strong affirmation of your commitment as public officials to represent all members of the City of Spokane Valley regardless of faith.
Further, once a month for the next six months, we suggest that you invite a person of the Muslim faith to give the opening invocation for the City Council meetings. This gives the City Council a chance to put the words of apology into action and offers an opportunity to re-establish a relationship of trust and respect between the Council and the Muslim community.
Lastly, we ask the Council to take this egregious display of bigotry from a public leader and make it an opportunity for our entire city to learn that there are many faiths in our region. We call you to work with local faith leaders and faith communities to create opportunities to learn about Spokane Valley’s Baha’i, Buddhist, Hindu, Sikh, Sufi, Wiccan, as well as Christian, Jewish, and Muslim neighbors. Make this the start of drawing our community together in respect and building understanding.
Sincerely,
Faith Leaders and Leaders of Conscience (FLLC) of Eastern Washington and North Idaho
The Rev. Gen Heywood, Convener of FLLC
Karen Stromgren, Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS)
Naghmana Ahmed-Sherazi, Muslims for Community Action and Support (MCAS)
Jean Walters, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Parish
Pam Silverstein, MD, Member of the Spokane Jewish community
Petra Hoy, Community Member
The Rev. George Taylor, pastor, All Saints Lutheran Church
The Rev. Dr. Rose Mary Volbrecht, St. Clare Ecumenical Catholic Communion
Barbara Miller, Director of the Silver Valley Community Resource Center
Kristine Hoover, PhD, Member of the community
Judy Silverstein, Member of the Spokane Jewish community
Teresa Van Haalen, EdD, Community Member
Rabbi Tamar Malino, Member of the Spokane Jewish community
Molly Ertel, Community Member
Thubten Rinchen, Sravasti Abbey
The Rev. Alissa Amestoy, Pastor at Spokane Valley United Methodist Church
Sr. Pat Millen, Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia
The Rev. Rick Matters, Episcopal Church
Brianna Dilts, Faith Action Network
The Rev. Linda Kobe-Smith, St Clare ECC
Thubten Semkye, Sravasti Abbey
The Rev. W. J. Kendricks, Pastor, Morning Star Baptist Church
Gloria Penaflor- Community Member
The Very Rev. Heather VanDeventer, Episcopal Church
The Rev. Jim CastroLang, UCC pastor and Faith Action Network board member
The Rev. Andrea CastroLang, UCC pastor
The Rev. Kaye Hult, member, Shalom Church Spokane (UCC and Mennonite)
Bob West, Community Member
Senator Maralyn Chase, Rtr. Chair, Separation of Church & State Caucus
Mary Kay Fairbanks, Ecumenical Catholic Communion
Lauren McCroskey, member of the Episcopal Church
Quan Yin Lynne Williams, MD; Baraka Sufi interfaith community, Spokane
Jan Young, Live Deacon Veradale UCC
Don Young, Life Deacon Chair Veradale UCC
Bob Lutz, MD MPH
The views expressed in this opinion column are those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of FāVS News. FāVS News values diverse perspectives and thoughtful analysis on matters of faith and spirituality.
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