WASHINGTON — President Bush has attempted to distance himself from some prominent Christian leaders’ descriptions of Islam as a violent and evil religion.
Some statements about Islam “do not reflect the sentiments of my government or the sentiments of most Americans,” Bush told reporters at the White House Nov. 13.
“Islam, as practiced by the vast majority of people, is a peaceful religion, a religion that respects others. Ours is a country based upon tolerance … and we welcome people of all faiths in America. And we’re not going to let the war on terror or terrorists cause us to change our values.”
Among conservative Christian leaders who have attacked Islam’s teachings or practices since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks by Muslim terrorists are Pat Robertson, Jerry Falwell and Franklin Graham.
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