A Diverse Coalition of Christian and Allied Organizations Speak Out in Solidiarity with the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
2025-11-25
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
The Ninth Commandment | Deuteronomy 5:20
As a diverse coalition of Christian and allied organizations spanning multiple denominational, geographic, and social backgrounds, we find ourselves compelled to speak out in support of our friends, colleagues, and neighbors at the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).
In a brazen act of bearing false witness, Texas governor Greg Abbott designated CAIR a “terrorist organization,” accusing it of supporting “terrorism across the globe and subvert(ing) our laws through violence, intimidation, and harassment” (source | source). In reality, this is politically motivated scapegoating and bigoted harassment by the governor.
We therefore demand that the governor’s office rescind its denunciation of CAIR, an organization whose mission is “to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims” (source). CAIR has responded to Governor Abbott’s accusations with a letter rejecting the governor’s claims and by filing a lawsuit against Abbott on November 20. Contrary to Governor Abbott’s claim, CAIR works diligently and courageously through the US legal system against violence, intimidation, and harassment of American citizens.
CAIR has made explicit statements against terrorism, especially against the terrorism being committed against Palestinians, both in the US and in the Middle East. Additionally, CAIR regularly issues statements condemning attacks and bigotry against people of other faiths, including Jews and Christians. A large number of Americans who oppose genocide and the terrorism being committed against Palestinians are Muslim, and government agencies continue to persecute American Muslim communities, including the harrassment and attempted deportation of students Mahmoud Khalil and Rümeysa Öztürk. We support our Muslim neighbors who are detained without legal charges; we support CAIR in their work for holding violators of US laws, and our core values of truth, justice, and liberty, to account.
● As Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox Christians, we proclaim the foundational theological truths that all have been created in the image of God with inherent dignity and worth (Genesis 1:26-27); that whatever we wish for ourselves, we must do for others (Matthew 7:12); and, that how we treat the vulnerable and marginalized is exactly the way we treat Jesus Christ himself (Matthew 25:40).
● As Quakers, we recognize the inner light of the divine within everyone and thus proclaim the equality and inherent dignity of all persons.
● As Unitarian Universalists, we uphold the fundamental value of love, and bear witness to the imperative of justice in society.
● Finally, as Americans, we hold it to be a self-evident truth that all are created equal, endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights.
So, we speak out at this critical moment for the values of equality, freedom, and human rights and thereby stand in solidarity with our Muslim neighbors, to demand that the governor’s office rescind its baseless and inflammatory denunciation of CAIR.
Endorsed By
Christians for a Free Palestine (CFP)
CFP is an ecumenical, grassroots, nonviolent movement dedicated to mobilizing Christians across the U.S. to take action in solidarity with Palestinians. Collectively, CFP seeks to end the genocide in Gaza and ensure a long-lasting, just, and sustainable peace for Palestinians and
Israelis.
Episcopal Peace Fellowship—Palestine Justice Network (EPF PJN)
EPF PJN is committed to the principle of just peace in Palestine and Israel that includes full human rights, self-determination, and dignity for every Palestinian. EPF PJN is grounded in the Episcopal faith tradition and exists organizationally as a network within the Episcopal Peace Fellowship.
Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA)
As a Christian Voice for Palestine, FOSNA is an interdenominational Christian organization seeking justice and peace in the Holy Land through education, advocacy, and nonviolent action. FOSNA promotes the vision of Sabeel Jerusalem, an ecumenical liberation theology movement founded by Palestinian Christians in the Holy Land.
Indiana Center for Middle East Peace (ICMEP)
ICMEP is a voice of conscience for peace, justice, human rights, and intercultural understanding. To achieve its mission ICMEP works to: break down stereotypes, provide critical analysis, promote nonviolence, and support Palestinians.
Kairos USA
Kairos USA is a movement of U.S. Christians who believe the time is right for decisive action to end the crisis in Israel and Palestine. They work to unify and mobilize American Christians – lay, academic and clergy – to take a prophetic stance for a just peace, heeding the call of Palestinian Christian sisters and brothers to stand with them in their struggle for freedom.
Nonviolence International (NVI)
NVI seeks a world of justice, peace, and environmental sanity where the worth and dignity of all people is fully realized and conflicts are resolved without resorting to violence. NVI advocates for active nonviolence and supports creative constructive nonviolent campaigns worldwide.
Palestinian Christian Alliance for Peace (PCAP)
PCAP is a non-sectarian, ecumenical alliance of Palestinian American Christians seeking to provide a clear voice and presence in faith-based communities in the United States. Its
inspiration stems from the Kairos Palestine document and from all faith-based communities working for peace through justice in Palestine and Israel.
Palestine Justice Network (PJN) of the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., Bay Area
PJN PCUSA covenants to engage, consolidate, nourish, and channel the energy in the Presbyterian Church (USA) toward the goal of a just peace by facilitating education, promoting
partnerships, and coordinating advocacy.
Peace & Justice Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago
The Peace and Justice Committee works on the root causes of oppression and violence
seeking systemic change. We are involved in advocacy and education with a special focus on refugee work, gun violence, economic justice, the Middle East, immigration reform, anti-racism work, support for the Standing Rock reservation, and LGBTQ issues.
Quaker Palestine Israel Network (QPIN)
QPIN consists of members and attenders of Quaker meetings throughout the US and across the world who share best practices and resources, learn from each other, and build solidarity for human rights, equality and freedom in Israel-Palestine.
Unitarian Universalists for Justice in the Middle East (UUJME)
UUJME works to educate and mobilize individuals, congregations and denominational leaders to greater understanding and action for a just peace in Palestine/Israel, to recognize and counter inequality and injustice in Palestine/Israel, and to support allies in the global justice and anti-oppression movements.
United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR)
UMKR seeks, through nonviolent means and in partnership with Palestinian Christians, freedom, justice and equality for all Palestinians and Israelis. UMKR's advocacy has several areas of focus: divestment and boycott, political action, responsible tourism, and education about the history and current conditions.
United Church of Christ Movement for Palestinian Solidarity (UCC MPS)
UCC MPS is a grassroots movement within the United Church of Christ, dedicated to advocating for a just peace in Palestine and Israel. It educates churches, supports Palestinian partners, and takes action guided by the UCC's General Synod resolutions and the Kairos Palestine Document.