(Los Angeles - 8/29/08) -- In a letter sent this week to Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA), a broad coalition of Southern California faith and civic leaders expressed their interest in healing the recent rift between the Congressman and the Muslim Public Affairs Council. The coalition requested a meeting with the Congressman in the common-held interest of "helping craft effective policy that protects safety, preserves common values and promotes justice".

The letter expressed dismay over Congressman Sherman's refusal to provide balanced testimony at a hearing last month on foreign aid and terrorism, disappointment over his refusal to meet with MPAC leaders and constituents from his district, and dismay over the Congressman's personal attack on MPAC officials.

The interfaith leaders also called on Congressman Sherman to stand against bigotry, stating, "We live in the most diverse city in America, and perhaps the world. You have an opportunity to lead our community, to foster understanding, to stand firm against the tide of hatred, and protect us all from injustice and violence."

Signatories to the letter include (in alphabetical order): Rabbi Leonard Beerman (Emeritus Leo Beck Temple), Rabbi Chaim Beliak (Jews on First), Rabbi Steven B. Jacobs (Emeritus, Congregation Kol Tikvah), Nauman Khan (President, Muslim American Society, San Fernando Valley), Dr. Nazir Khaja (Chairman, Islamic Information Service), Dr. Xandra Kayden, Douglas Mirell (President , Progressive Jewish Alliance), Mohammad Nasser (Executive Director of Public Relations, Muslim American Society- Southern California), Reverend George Regas (Rector Emeritus, All Saints Church, Pasadena), and Jihad Turk (Director of Religious Affairs for the Islamic Center of Southern California).

Last month, Congressman Sherman chaired a hearing on foreign aid which included what the organization felt to be an unbalanced set of perspectives from experts called to testify. After MPAC called on Sherman to add a witness for balance or postpone the hearing until an additional witness could be added, the Congressman lashed out at the organization with a set of false accusations.

Founded in 1988, the Muslim Public Affairs Council is an American institution which informs and shapes public opinion and policy by serving as a trusted resource to decision makers in government, media and policy institutions. MPAC is also committed to developing leaders with the purpose of enhancing the political and civic participation of Muslim Americans. MPAC offices are located in Washington, DC, New York City and Los Angeles, CA.

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