Religious leaders join to condemn anti-Islamic actions

Interfaith leaders met in Washington DC today to condemn attacks against Muslims across the country and the growing anti-Muslim sentiment emerging from the proposed Islamic center in Manhattan. Christian, Jewish, Muslim and other faith leaders met this morning to develop a response to the religious intolerance. Cardinal Theodore Mccarrick said this is a moment that calls for a powerful response.

"Religious leaders cannot stand by in silence...so many good, wonderful people around our country...who are playing a role in our society, which is constructive and which is excellent...we're happy you're here, we love you...and this is why we are here."

Tuesday afternoon, interfaith leaders also met with Attorney General Eric Holder to discuss the spate of violence and intimidation against Muslims, including attacks on mosques and the stabbing of a Muslim cab driver in New York.

This comes just days before Dove World Outreach Center, an evangelical church in Gainseville, Florida says it will burn Korans on September 11.

That planned action has drawn international condemnation and US leaders have also begun to speak out. In a statement today, General David Petraeus said it could endanger US troops and the overall mission in Afghanistan. This is Pentagon spokesperson Geoff Morrell speaking on MSNBC today:

"This Koran burning has not even taken place yet...so it's not helpful...the trust and confidence of the Arab world."

In Afghanistan on Monday about 500 residents protested the planned Koran burning, according to ABC news, themselves burning American flags and an effigy of the church’s pastor, Terry Jones.