BECAUSE Unitarian Universalist Principles affirm the goal of a just community, representing unity in our multiracial world;

WHEREAS the hearings of Rep. Peter King, the Chair of the House Homeland Security Committee, which profess to present the “radicalization” of the Muslim community, have begun as of March 10, 2011, and he intends on pursuing these hearings;

WHEREAS these hearings fail to acknowledge or represent the complexity of the American Muslim community;

WHEREAS the vast majorities of the Arab and Muslim American communities are law abiding and committed citizens and residents of the United States;

WHEREAS such hearings lead to demonization of Arab and Muslim Americans and incite more hatred, racism, and division along racial and religious lines;

WHEREAS the first amendment to the Constitution states that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof”;

WHEREAS, on March 6, thousands of interfaith protestors demonstrated in Times Square against the “Muslim radicalization” hearings; and

WHEREAS, on May 21, a coalition of Unitarian Universalist congregations, 25 civil rights and interfaith groups, including chapters of the NY Civil Liberties Union, local mosques, and peace activists demonstrated in front of Rep. Peter King’s office in Massapequa Park, Long Island, NY;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2011 General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association affirms multiracial unity and interfaith solidarity in the interest of world peace and calls upon member congregations to:

• urge our local congressional representatives to halt Rep. Peter King’s hearings; and
• join coalitions working against the divisive idea of “Muslim radicalization” and advocating for interfaith unity.