Ahmadinejad 'Honored' by Religious Coalition in NY this Week
by Sharon Hughes  
 
On September 23, 2008 speaking to the UN in New York City, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad attacked the U.S. again declaring the "American empire in the world is reaching the end of its road."  And accused "a few bullying powers" of trying to stop his country's nuclear programs.Also, as FOX News reported: "With major world leaders watching and just eight hours after President Bush's final speech before the general assembly, Ahmadinejad used the U.N. platform to decry a "zionist regime" for what he called a persecution on Arab peoples around the globe."And a  group has formed, StopAhmadinejadRally, to protest a religious group meeting honoring Ahmadinejad while he is here this week: On Thursday, September 25, at 6:00  pm in New York City at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, The American Friends Service Committee, Mennonite Central Committee, Quaker UN Office, Religions for Peace, and the World Council of Churches-UN Liaison Office will be "honoring" Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at an Iftar (dinner to break the day's Ramadan fast). Other organizations, political leaders and the media have also been invited.  Here's the text of the invitation:An invitation to   an international dialogue between religious leaders and political figures: "Has not one God created us?"The significance of religious contributions to peace It is an honor to invite you to participate with religious, cultural, and political leaders in a conversation about the role of religions in tackling global challenges and building peaceful societies at an Iftar – a dinner to break the Ramadan fast. In the presence of § His Excellency Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran With contributions from § His Excellency Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann, President of the General Assembly of the United Nations § His Excellency the Rev. Kjell Bondevik, former Prime Minister of Norway and President of the Oslo Center for Peace and Human Rights § and distinguished religious leadersThis conversation is the fourth in a series of high-level bridge-building and reconciliation efforts that have helped to build mutual understanding between our peoples, nations and religious traditions. It is our hope that as religious and political leaders, this communal meal and exchange of views will enable us to explore faith perspectives for dealing with global issues such as poverty, war and prejudice while deepening mutual understanding. The dinner will be at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, 109 East 42nd Street, New York, N.Y., on Thursday, September 25, 2008, beginning with evening prayers from several religious traditions. Please arrive by 6:00 pm to clear security. Following dinner and presentations, the moderator will open the floor for comments and discussion.Please note, entrance to this event is by limited invitation only. Some members of the media have been invited to cover the event.RSVP by e-mail to sept25@us.mcc.org no later than Monday, September 15, 2008, confirming you interest in participation and sending us your mailing address. After confirmation of your participation, we will send a card explaining procedures for entry to the event. The Sponsoring Committee welcomes your participation and appreciates the cooperation of the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations in co-hosting this event.American Friends Service CommitteeMennonite Central CommitteeQuaker United Nations OfficeReligions for PeaceWorld Council of Churches – United Nations Liaison Office 
 
The StopAhmadinejadrally's stated mission is to expose the truth of the current Iranian regime's crimes against humanity, and to deny them that false legitimacy.  
 
Here is the list  so far of organizations participating in the Stop Ahmadinejad Rally:Women United/Code Red911 FamiliesACT for AmericaAlliance of Iranian WomenAMCHAAmerican Center for Law and JusticeAmerican Coptic UnionAmerican Maronite UnionAmericans for a Safe IsraelArabs for IsraelCatholic League for Religious and Civil RightsCenter for Security PolicyChristian SolidarityCoalition for the Defense of Human RightsCommittee on the Present DangerConcerned Women for AmericaCouncil for a Democratic IranFamily Security MattersFoundation for Defense of DemocracyGlenn Richter, Founder Student Struggle for Soviet JewryGuardian AngelsInstitute for Freedom and DemocracyInternational Christian Embassy in JerusalemInternational Christian UnionAryeh Eldad, Israeli KnessetJewish Action AllianceJewish Institute for National Security AffairsLog Cabin Republicans of New York CityOpen Doors USAPhyllis Chesler, authorRabbi Zev Friedman, Rambam Mesivta high schoolRabbi Joseph PotasnikStandWithUsStop Shariah NowSudan Freedom WalkThe Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist ConventionTraditional Values CoalitionWomen's Freedom Movement of PakistanSee moreThis week while the religious left panders to Ahmadinejad, and the Hillary Clinton/Barack Obama team plays political chess causing Sarah Palin to be disinvited to speak to this group on Ahmadinejad (see full text of the speech she was going to deliver), the rest of us watch (in amazement?) at the complete loss of discernment of those who consider themselves leaders.

© Sharon Hughes 2008