“Religious strife must be avoided at all cost, under no circumstances should it be allowed. People may hold different religious beliefs, but the bottom line is that we are all human beings. We all seek happiness and desire peace. Religion should bring people together. It should unite the potential for good in people’s hearts toward benefitting society and humanity and creating a better future.”
– Dr. Daisaku Ikeda
Recently, the Governor of Colorado proclaimed August 9th – 15th Interfaith Awareness Week. The proclamation states that “the work of building harmony and mutual respect among people of faith and conscience is vital to the flourishing of our communities.” It reflects Colorado’s commitment to cultivating a “welcoming environment where people of all beliefs, or no religious beliefs, are welcomed, valued and respected.”
This and other recent events have prompted us at the Interfaith Alliance of Colorado to speak out and affirm unequivocally that religious bigotry is unwelcome in our state as well as in Colorado politics. We must not and do not tolerate any form of bigotry. We must make it plain to those who govern us – or seek to govern us – that we will not accept any campaign or strategy that relies on separating, stigmatizing, or shaming others for their faith, race, ethnicity, disability, sexuality, gender identity, etc.. They do not align with our values as Coloradans or as people of faith and conscience.
We can disagree about policy without attacking people, including their faith and religious identity. Attacks that focus on a person’s identity or beliefs reflect weakness, not strength. They make constituents feel unsafe and unprotected. We insist that Coloradans deserve governance that values the rights, needs, and dignity of every individual and works to improve their lives and futures.
We can and must do better, for every Coloradan.
With my deep respect,
Shara Smith, CEO