DVC Series on Islam in America, June 19, 2007

On June 19, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy See hosted a digital video conference (DVC) with Congressman Keith Ellison that addressed politics, public policy and Islam in America. 

Keith Ellison made history on November 7, 2006, when he become the first Muslim elected to Congress.  He said his faith played a role in his run for the U.S. House of Representatives:  “I had to face religious bigotry and attacks, but that never slowed me down.  I tried to reshape our political approach and pull people in – Christians, Jews and Muslims.”

Though the Congressman shies away from speaking on behalf of all Muslims in America, he said that “one person in Congress can encourage an entire community.  [The Muslim community is] excited about my election and has a high interest in civic affairs.  They are active and engaged and want to be more so.”

Congressman Ellison says his election was a triumph of his message of “generosity and inclusiveness,” grounded in a commitment to peace, shared prosperity, and human and civil rights.  He underlined that the Muslim community in America is diverse and broad, but stands united in its opposition to violence [by Islamic radicals]. 

As for the role of faith in the public square, the Congressman said, “the U.S. is getting this right.  There is no established state church in America.  There is no religious test to hold [public] office.  This is the very bedrock of our Constitutional justice.  Every individual is free to express his or her religious faith, but government is neutral ground.”

This DVC was the third in a series addressing aspects of Islam in America.  On March 8, Embassy Vatican hosted a DVC entitled “Relations Between the Catholic Church and Islam in the United States,” featuring Fr. Francis Tiso, Associate Director of the Secretariat for Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops and Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat, President of the Islamic Affairs Council of Maryland.  On April 19, a DVC addressing “Woman and Islam in America” was hosted, featuring noted author and lecturer Ms. Asma Gull Hasan.

Congressman Keith Ellison interacts with the audience via Digital Video link

Congressman Keith Ellison interacts with the audience via Digital Video link