The Christian Muslim Consultative Group (CMCG) expresses deep concern over First Baptist Church of Quartz Hill's Pastor Audie Yancey's recent paid advertisement in the Antelope Valley Press. As proud Americans, we all have the rights of freedom of speech and religion. Southern California is blessed with a diversity of faiths, which is considered one of our greatest strengths. With these freedoms come responsibilities, including not spreading misinformation or stigmatizing a religious community based on false information.

In his advertisement Pastor Yancey's misquotes the Quran and uses his misinterpretations to promote hate for the Muslim community in Lancaster. It is not acceptable for Pastor Yancey to quote am holy book. including the Bible and the Torah while promoting hate against a community.

Pastor Yancey also bashes the recent forum in Antelope Valley entitled, "Islam - A Legacy of Peace." The purpose of the forum was to have a dialogue to counter recent hateful and similarly misinformed statements made by Councilwoman Sherry Marquez who made comments on Facebook implying that all Muslims living in America adhere to a violent ideology.

Councilwoman Marquez's recent invitation asking people to participate in a "Draw Prophet Muhammad" contest is additionally offensive and disappointing and lacking in civil civic leadership. Such a contest will only add to the growing tension in the community. Instead of participating in a healthy dialogue with Muslim and other interfaith leaders and representing constituents of all faiths, the actions of Councilwoman Marquez and Pastor Yancey are creating a wedge among the residents of Antelope Valley.

CMCG is deeply concerned over the community tension in Antelope Valley and calls for interfaith dialogue among its religious leaders. We should not expect people to be in agreement before they sit down and talk: rather, dialogue is necessary to address each other's concerns and to promote an environment of mutual respect and understanding.