“I view with great dismay the plan to burn copies of the Quran on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks by members of the Dove World Outreach Center. Out of respect for those of the Muslim faith, members of our faith community should consider the proposed desecration reprehensible.

Now more than ever we must work toward a mutual understanding and respect between people of differing faith traditions. That means respecting those texts that are considered sacred.

The burning of another faith tradition’s sacred texts is diametrically opposed to the Catholic Church’s ongoing commitment to improving interreligious relations. Furthermore, it presents a counter-witness to the Gospel message by engendering fear and hatred rather than the commandment to love our neighbor as ourselves.

The proliferation of negative stereotypes in the media, distorted information, and caricatures of Muslims and other faith traditions must be addressed at every level of society.”