Washington, DC – Rev. Dr. Welton Gaddy, President of The Interfaith Alliance issued the following statement in response to a letter sent by U.S. Representative Virgil Good (R-VA) to John Cruickshank, the chair of a local chapter of the Sierra Club in Virginia:

Representative Goode’s comments about the Quran and Muslims are further evidence of the deterioration of tolerance and religious liberty in this country.  It is beyond belief that an elected representative of the American people would so willfully demonize another religion based on nothing but xenophobic nonsense.  It would seem to me that when taking the oath of office, one should place their hand on the book that holds the most meaning for them – be that the Old Testament, the New Testament, the Quran, or the Constitution.

Interfaith Alliance celebrates religious freedom by championing individual rights, promoting policies that protect both religion and democracy, and uniting diverse voices to challenge extremism. Founded in 1994, Interfaith Alliance brings together members from 75 faith traditions as well as those without a faith tradition to protect faith and freedom. For more information visit interfaithalliance.org.