Stand Up

Muslims are increasingly the subject of hateful speech and actions in schools, workplaces and public spaces. Hostile situations typically involve three roles: the perpetrator, the target, and the bystander.
Being the target of hostility is traumatic. "The bystander effect" names the additional trauma that happens when hostility is ignored, minimized or denied by others who know or should know. Many say the silence of bystanders is more disheartening than the hostility itself. We are committed to deepening our capacity to see and respond when hatred and intolerance are visited on anyone in our community.

Interrupt bias
When hateful conversation proceeds unchecked, it begins to seem normal While it can be uncomfortable to speak up, even a small action can make a difference. Click here for strategies for standing up in the face of harassment.

Encourage Others to Learn More
  • If you are a parent of school-age children, ask your school administration to provide training on Islam and Islamophobia for teachers. Bullying in schools is an increasing problem, and teachers are hampered in effective intervention if they are uninformed or misinformed about Islam.  Click here for a sample letter to a school administrator. Scheduling a parent information session at the same time will greatly enhance the effectiveness of teacher training.
  • Request an information session on Islam and Muslims at your workplace. This is clearly a diversity issue and deserving of the same attention afforded other groups. It's probably not enough just to get a speaker or video on board.  General Mills invited a speaker to their enormous corporate headquarters - and eight people showed up to listen. Not to be deterred, they organized another session, actively recruited attendees and had over one hundred gather. Getting the word out and inviting colleagues personally will substantially increase your chances of success.
  • Hand out brochures or cards of individuals or organizations that speak on Islam. Encourage others to do the same. In Minnesota, the Islamic Resource Group is a terrific resource.
  • Host a group study about Islam using our Who Is My Neighbor? If your parish isn't open to hosting, consider inviting people to your home.  Or many public libraries have meeting rooms available free of charge, as well.

Endorse a Statement of Solidarity
In the face of increasingly negative public conversation, Christians need to make our support for Muslims clear and explicit. A public statement of solidarity on the part of congregations, schools  or even workplaces can help tip the balance toward reconciliation. The process of deciding to declare solidarity is also likely to generate opportunities for education and new relationships - if it is handled positively and proactively. Click for more information and a sample statement of solidarity here

Bear Witness
  • Sometimes all we can offer is silent witness - to be a compassionate presence, willing to stand with our brothers and sisters and acknowledge hatred for what it is. This stance requires actual presence - it can't be done by watching a news video. We all know the relief of being in a tense situation and knowing that someone else in the room "gets it" and cares, even if they don't do anything. We can bear silent witness when we move closer to rather than farther away from someone being harassed on public transportation, or offer a warm smile to a colleague at work.
  • We bear witness when we listen to another's story and allow ourselves to feel the discomfort of being present and the pain they have experienced.
  • We bear witness when we speak up and name events and systems that perpetuate the marginalization of others.

Advocate
Sometimes we are called on to take more public action to bring about change.
  • Attend or organize a peaceful demonstration in support of a neighborhood mosque or Islamic center.
  • Attend caucuses and take other political action to promote leaders and political strategies that heal rather than divide.
  • Write a letter to to your local newspaper, or to Catholic news media
  • Advocate for prayer accommodations for Muslims in your workplace
  • Contact your legislators on issues pertinent to religious freedom, immigration reform and racial issues.