New Resource for Understanding Islamophobia Released
As the Church marks the sixtieth anniversary of Nostra aetate, the Second Vatican Council’s declaration on the relationship of the Church to other religions, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops’ Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs (BCEIA) has released a new resource, Islamophobia: A Guide for U.S. Catholics on Anti-Muslim Bigotry.
For many decades, Muslims in the United States have faced prejudice and discrimination, including bullying of children, harassment of parents for their religious dress, and scapegoating of entire communities. This reality has only intensified in recent years, especially following the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas and the tragic war in Gaza that followed. Alongside the rise of antisemitism, Islamophobia has weighed heavily on the minds of the bishops, prompting the development of this resource.
The new guide, authored by Jordan Denari Duffner, a member of the National Catholic-Muslim Dialogue, defines Islamophobia, addresses common stereotypes, and explores the harm caused by anti-Muslim prejudice. It highlights the diversity of Muslim communities in the United States, offers a brief overview of Catholic-Muslim relations in history, and draws on Nostra aetate and the teaching of recent popes, including the considerable outreach of Pope Saint John Paul II. The guide also provides reflection questions, suggestions for action, and additional resources for further study.
“As Nostra aetate reminds us, the Church ‘holds Muslims in high esteem,’ and any discrimination or harassment based on religion is foreign to the mind of Christ,” said Bishop Elias R. Lorenzo, OSB, Catholic Chair of the National Catholic-Muslim Dialogue. “It is our hope that this resource will assist Catholics in recognizing and addressing Islamophobia, and that it will help promote healing and reconciliation between Christians and Muslims in our society.”
The pamphlet Islamophobia: A Guide for U.S. Catholics on Anti-Muslim Bigotry is available for download online.