Bush envoy to affirm Islam is religion of 'peace, tolerance, compassion'

Bush envoy to affirm Islam is religion of 'peace, tolerance, compassion'

Jim Brown
OneNewsNow.com

A State Department spokesman says President Bush's plan to appoint an envoy to a group of Islamic states reaffirms the U.S. government's outreach to Muslim communities "based on mutual respect and understanding" and the belief that Islam is a "peaceful, tolerant, and compassionate" faith.

President Bush has announced he will name a special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), which represents 57 Muslim countries. Bush would be the first president to make such an appointment. The president made the announcement at a ceremony honoring the 50th anniversary of the Islamic Center of Washington. It was Bush's third visit to the mosque.

State Department spokesman Gonzo Gallegos says President Bush wants Muslims to know they can live and worship as they choose without intimidation.

"The important thing is that we all know and understand that belief is central," says Gallegos. "Belief in God is central to our existence on earth, and ... the president is working to ensure that Muslims know and understand that our faith and their faith coincide and that we live together in harmony."

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