I sent the following letter to some Muslim friends, whom I have gotten to know in recent months, after learning some details of the mass slaughter in Orlando:
Dear Ahmed, Mustafa, and Imam Omar,
I believe most residents of the United States are deeply grieved today over the mass murder of the young people in Orlando, and I know each of you is deeply grieved that Omar Mateen committed the murders in the name of Islam. I know, too, that it is as unfair to blame all Muslims for Mateen’s actions as it is to blame all professing Christians for acts of violence by irresponsible people who claim the name of Jesus.
As a longtime happily married heterosexual, I cannot fully understand homosexuality or alternative sexual orientations, but I have no right under the U. S. Constitution or — more significantly — under God to take the life of any person, for whatever perceived wrongdoing he or she may have committed. I try not to judge any man, woman, or child. I try to leave judgment to God the Merciful. But I can find no justification for the horrific deeds done by Mr. Mateen. His actions should sadden all thinking people, especially all of us who claim a religious motivation in life.
In your Ramadan reflection, you no doubt will find occasion to think further and sorrow deeply about this tragedy that transcends religion, race, gender, ethnic background, political persuasion, or sexual orientation. I join you in sorrowing over the profanation of your holy month by this action in the name of Islam.
Our U. S. President John F. Kennedy, when he visited the Berlin Wall in 1963, said, “Ich bin ein Berliner (I am a citizen of Berlin).” As a Christian, I hope I am not trespassing on your faith if I paraphrase President Kennedy and say, “Today I am a Muslim.”
I must acknowledge, I have no ongoing association or friendship with any Muslims, but, in the wake of this tragedy, I would welcome the opportunity to sit down in fellowship with any or all of you, to know you better and perhaps build small bridges between our respective faiths and various nationalities.
In the love of God,
Lawrence Webb
