Faith Leaders Unite Across Traditions To Call Out Hinduphobia And Demand Fair Media Coverage

(MENAFN- PR Newswire)

"Bias and bigotry have no place in a society striving for inclusivity and mutual respect."

HONOLULU, Jan. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a rare demonstration of unity, religious leaders representing diverse faiths and substantial communities from Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, and Sikh traditions have issued an interfaith coalition letter urging the media to reject anti-Hindu prejudice and embrace balanced, respectful reporting.

Click here to view and download the letter.

The coalition's letter condemns the "recent biased portrayal of Hindus in the media," citing concerns about the promotion of anti-Hindu bigotry, which misrepresents spiritual organizations and individuals.

"Media has recently published content that not only promotes Hinduphobia but also biases against individuals and organizations from multiple faith backgrounds," the letter says.

The letter addresses how the Science of Identity Foundation, a spiritual organization rooted in the Hindu Gaudiya Vaishnava tradition, has been unfairly portrayed in narratives that promote "fear and animosity towards Hindu practices."

Signatories of the letter include Sukhi Chahal of The Khalsa Today, a prominent Sikh organization; Hakim Ouansafi of the Muslim Association; Bishop Mesrop Parsamyan of the Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, representing Eastern Orthodox Christians; Archbishop Timothy Broglio of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, a leading voice in the Catholic community; Dr. Jeffery D. Long of Elizabethtown College, a respected Hindu scholar; and Dr. Richard Benkin of Interfaith Strength, representing the Jewish faith. These leaders emphasize that "the vitality of our democracy depends on embracing our diversity, not exploiting it for discord."

"The increasing number of voices standing against anti-Hindu prejudice is deeply encouraging," said Jeannie Bishop, president of the Science of Identity Foundation.

"This interfaith coalition's strong stance highlights the power of unity across diverse religious and cultural traditions. If attacks like this can occur against one spiritual path, it can happen against any. Religious bias and religious bigotry have no place in our society striving for inclusivity and mutual respect."

This significant statement comes on the heels of an open letter that has now been signed by more than 70 Hindu organizations that also denounced Hinduphobia in the media, reflecting a growing chorus of voices from diverse faith traditions committed to combating religious bigotry.

The coalition also calls for heightened journalistic responsibility.

"For journalism to serve its purpose, it must maintain the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, and integrity, thereby fostering trust and unity among varied communities," the letter says.

By promoting fact-based and respectful reporting, the signatories aim to combat divisive narratives and reinforce principles of equality and inclusion.

The Science of Identity Foundation, founded in 1977, is dedicated to sharing the teachings of Vaishnava Hinduism, offering practices like yoga and meditation to promote personal well-being and community harmony. The Foundation welcomes the coalition's support in calling for fairness, inclusivity, and mutual respect in public discourse.

The letter has been signed by: