Pastor: Hate Letter to Muslims Is Not What Christianity Is About

Faith leaders in Vermont are expressing kindness towards a Muslim organization targeted with hate mail.

Imam Islam Hassan of the Islamic Society of Vermont recently received an anonymous letter saying Muslims were not welcome in America.

The group posted the letter, dated December 6th on its Facebook page.

"Based on what I have observed, I've reached the conclusion that Islam is TOTALLY INCONSISTENT with the values of America," the letter read.

"We were expecting something like this, to be honest with you," Hassan explained in an interview with NBC5. "The general atmosphere is not generally welcoming to the Muslims as a result of the election."  

In light of the letter, Hassan has been trying to encourage fellow young Muslims, but said it has not been easy. 

"This is their country. They were born here. They speak the language of the country," Hassan said. "They don't know of any other country except America. So if someone comes up to them and tells them 'go back home' it seems strange to them."

Pastor Ken White of the College Street Congregational Church said the hate letter does not represent what Christianity is all about.

"I would invite them, if they are Christian in particular, to read their Bible," White said. "I would invite them to have the same honor for the dignity of all that Jesus shows us to have. I would invite them to listen. My guess is this person has never spoken to a Muslim."

Vermont has been mostly accepting of the Muslim community and has expressed support of the Islamic Society where about 200 people worship each week.The Muslim organization opened in the late 1990s. 

"The bond in the community is very strong between its members," Hassan said. "And everyone feels very fortunate to be here in Vermont. 

Vermont Interfaith Action is planning a community gathering on Friday at 1 p.m. at the Islamic Center to show support for Muslim neighbors.