Clerics need to change teachings

The editorial on 12 March addressing how Muslims are treated was educational on the level of discrimination. Most of this discrimination is based on what Muslim clerics advocated followers must follow. I firmly agree they should have the same constitutional and moral respect as other faiths.

However, the Koran contains many passages which leaders demand the faithful follow which are opposed by our laws as well as other faiths. The Old Testament in the Bible included laws that were similar in severity level of punishment. The New Testament advocated by Jesus supplanted these laws with compassion whereas the Koran has not.

None of the leaders in the United States has ever publicly disavowed the acts committed by Muslims in other countries in the name of Islam. We even have leaders here advocating replacement of our laws with Sharia law. There have been parents arrested because they killed daughters for violating the Koran, yet it seems no leader has spoken out against their act. Has any leader disavowed the Koran's calling for a Holy War to either convert the infidel or kill them?

I believe the Muslim leaders should publicly acknowledge what elements in the Koran should be ignored. So far I have never heard religious leaders state this and the followers tend to equivocate rather than be concise in their views on these issues.

The distrust and yes, even fear prevents many from freely and openly accepting as equal the Muslim faith. Thus, until the Muslim clerics advocate and teach that those passages should not be followed, there will remain distrust and fear.

William R. Hadley

Yuma