Faith Leaders Urge ‘Silent Majority’ To Stand With Tennessee Muslims Against ‘Radical Rhetoric’

Nashville’s faith leaders gathered at the city courthouse Tuesday to show solidarity with Muslims and denounce discriminatory rhetoric.

Organizers said Muslims right now face some of the highest threats of violence and discrimination in years.

Aisha Lbhalla is a member of the Metro Human Relations Commission and a Muslim.

“Join us because this is the American thing to do. The moral thing to do. The constitutional thing to do. The human rights thing to do. Let us stand resolute against radical violence as well as resolute against radical rhetoric.”

Lbhalla said she’s not trying to stifle disagreement, but rather asking that when people disagree, they do so in a civil, healthy manner.

She and other speakers condemned politicians and media personalities who they say are creating a climate of fear, especially after the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino.

Mel Fowler-Green, the commission’s director, said this kind of event can embolden ordinary Tennesseans.

“You know, I feel like we want to speak to the middle,” she said. “We believe there is a silent majority of Americans of conscience who may be looking for inspiration.”

Fowler-Green said tolerance is a “core American value” and people can exercise it by getting to know Muslims in their communities.