Muslims, Americans urged to change attitudes about one another

Published: 2008-05-14

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- A U.S. Muslim leader who met with Pope Benedict XVI in April told an audience at a Washington conference that it takes time to change deeply imbedded attitudes among Muslims. At the same May 5 conference, another Muslim academic noted how some stereotypes of Muslims persist among Americans. "Out of 57 countries with an 80 percent Muslim majority, 54 have had an experience of colonial occupation," said Sayyid Syeed, national director of the Islamic Society of North America's Washington-based Office of Interfaith and Community Alliances, who met with the pontiff April 17 in Washington. "They're not coming out of a background of dignity and self-respect. They're on the defensive with regard to whatever comes from outside," Syeed said. He made his remarks at the Conference on Islamic Traditions of Peace and Nonviolence held at American University.

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