Desecration of the Quran
To Whom It Concerns:
There can no longer be any serious denial that representatives of the US military forces have desecrated the holy book of Islam, the Quran. Reports from the International Committee of the Red Cross, FBI reports, even Pentagon reports, and many interviews with former detainees have conclusively established that repeated acts of desecration of different kinds have occurred. It is utterly disingenuous to minimize these actions as being incidents of “mishandling” the Quran. The noun ‘desecration’ means: blasphemous behavior; the act of depriving something of its sacred character. Synonyms are: profanation, blasphemy, sacrilege. These words underscore that a tactic has been employed by representatives of the United States in warfare that deeply impinges on the religious convictions of detainees at Guantanamo Bay, as well as many other Muslims around the world. These actions were unconscionable and reprehensible in the highest degree.
The InterReligious Council of Central New York deplores these practices by US military personnel that demonstrate either profound ignorance of the regard and devotion in which the Qurran is held by Muslims or, even worse, malicious, abusive and perverse techniques in handling prisoners in American custody. They further belie the repeated claims by the US administration that this is not a religious war. One can only imagine what the reaction of many Americans would be if copies of the Torah or the Holy Bible were treated in such ways by anyone. Desecration of the sacred writings or any other objects or symbols of any religious community is despicable and must never be condoned or permitted by the United States.
The InterReligious Council of Central New York joins the many others who have expressed dismay, disappointment, and terrible sadness about such things happening under the sponsorship and authority of our country. Every effort must be made to make amends with Muslims around the world for permitting them to occur at all.
Reverend William Redfield
President
InterReligious Council Board of Directors
Dr. James B. Wiggins
Executive Director
InterReligious Council
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