Congress marks religious firsts

Published January 21, 2006
Faith in the Public Square
Lompoc Record

When Congress reconvened Jan. 4, it witnessed several American religious firsts, including the seating of two Buddhists and a Muslim as congressional representatives. In 1972, 51 senators and 43 percent of the House hailed from three Protestant denominations, but that's changing, especially with the most religiously diverse Congress in history. What this means is that we're witnessing the realization of America's promise as a land of freedom for people of every religious background.

Not everyone, unfortunately, is happy about this change. The election of a Muslim from Minnesota, Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), to Congress made news, which might not be unexpected considering that America is at war in two Muslim countries. Some Americans feel this event in our history bodes ill for the nation. When Ellison announced that he would use the Koran to take his oath of office, the reaction was swift and negative. Now, sacred books aren't used in the official ceremony, but only in a later private and unofficial one. Still, this reaction is an expression of xenophobic tendencies that often emerge in difficult times. It is also rooted in a growing suspicion of Muslims who are seen as somehow not truly American. (to read the rest of the column, click here).

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