Even President Bush is praising Islamic Centers and Madrassas

Submitted by Islamic Voice (India), Aug 25, 2007 at 11:21

In his address to the Islamic Center of Washington, President Bush thanked the board of governors of the Islamic Center for inviting him and said he appreciated their friendship. He remembered President Dwight D. Eisenhower, who offered America's hand in friendship to Muslims around the world more than fifty years ago by dedicating the Islamic Center site to Muslims in Washington, D.C. He quoted Eisenhower of together committing "to peaceful progress of all men under one God."

He said the freedom of religion is the very first protection offered in America's Bill of Rights under which, people of faith agree not to impose their spiritual vision on others and in return practice their own beliefs as they see fit.

George Bush announced a new initiative to improve mutual understanding and cooperation between America and people in predominantly Muslim countries; by appointing a special envoy to the organization of the Islamic Conference. The special envoy will listen and learn from representatives from Muslim states and will share with them America's views and values. This would be an opportunity for America to demonstrate to Muslim communities their interest in respectful dialogue and continued friendship.

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