The attack in Libya was a sad and tragic turn of events propelled by a poorly-executed and deeply offensive anti-Muslim video that was posted on YouTube by amateur video producers. On Tuesday, September 12th, an enraged mob attacked the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, killing three United States governmental employees and Ambassador Christopher Stevens. The attack took place only hours after an angry, anti-American demonstration was held in Cairo in retaliation and denouncement of the United States. During the demonstration, protesters climbed the wall of the U.S. Embassy and tore down the American flag in response to the slanderous and negative YouTube video of Muhammad, the founder and prophet of Islam.
The video that was distributed world wide through YouTube showcases Mohammad as a womanizer, child molester and a spiritual fraud. During the violent response that has ensued, thirty people in seven countries have lost their lives. It is believed that some terrorist groups are using the opportunity to incite even more violence.
Our global world is intimately connected through technology, and individuals are able to make a large impact on people around the world through Internet portals, such as YouTube. The debate over freedom of speech is dwarfed in comparison to the profound and tragic impact of the violence that has ensued over an irresponsible, disrespectful and slanderous YouTube video of Muhammad. As an interfaith church, the Universal Life Church clearly denounces such behavior.
On a constitution note, the debate over the limits of freedom of speech versus religious sensitivity is one of the fundamental issues of a free society. However, the United States Constitution does not protect hate speech. Many people would regard the video “Innocence of Muslims” as hate speech intended to insult and inflict injury psychologically and perhaps even physically, thus placing it in a “grey area”, though we want to be clear that there is absolutely no excuse or justification for the violence committed.
Neither the “Innocence of Muslims” video or the violent protests over the video were sponsored, supported or endorsed by the governments of the United States or Libya, and thus people on both sides need to recognize this as the acts of individuals and treat it as such. As essential as the debate over freedom of speech is to a free society, it does seem to pale in comparison to the violence we have seen over the last few weeks. The Universal Life Church denounces such violence and honors all religious backgrounds and beliefs.
We also want to point out that this video does not reflect the teachings of Islam. The prophet Muhammad dispensed patience and generosity, even while being insulted, mocked, and stoned, so we should not lump all Muslims in with our perception of these extremists, no more than we would want anyone to think the awful film reflects Americans generally. Our focus should be mourning the losses, securing those in harms way, and moving forward.
The ULC is open to everyone. Individuals who are called to serve as ministers may be ordained through the church’s online ordination program. To be ordained online through the Universal Life Church is a simple and easy process. In order to move on from the violence of recent weeks, the most positive and healing course of action during this tumultuous time is to focus on understanding accurately the gentle and noble nature of Muhammad as he is portrayed in the Quran, mourn the losses we have suffered and move ahead with a deep awareness of the profound effect we can all have on each other.