Contact: Rev. Patrick Mahoney, 540-538-4741

WASHINGTON, Nov. 29, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Ministers ask that Mr. Trump clarify his position on a Muslim Database and ensure that no one is targeted or forced to register because of their religious beliefs.

Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of the American experience and everyone should have the right to worship according to the dictates of their conscience without government intimidation or harassment.

Establishing a Muslim Database or targeting Muslims is a clear violation of these hallowed and sacred principles and a crushing of the values shared in the First Amendment.

Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition and pastor of Church on the Hill both based in Washington, D.C., states;

"President-elect Trump's past comments about a Muslim Database along with statements on tracking Muslims are extremely troubling. We would prayerfully ask that Mr. Trump clarify his positions on these issues and ensure that no one is targeted or forced to register in a database because of their religious beliefs or convictions.

"Freedom of religion is a cornerstone of the American experience and everyone should have the right to worship according to the dictates of their conscience without government intimidation or harassment.

"Establishing a Muslim Database or targeting Muslims is a clear violation of these hallowed and sacred principles and a crushing of the values shared in the First Amendment."

Rev. Kris Keating, International Director of Hillside Missions Organization based in Richmond, Virginia, adds;

"Christianity in the United States has thrived because of the protection of religious freedom and civil liberties. Christians around the world pray and work to attain similar liberties.  Our nation is a model of prosperity achieved as a result of the safeguarding of every person's rights.

"Any move on the part of our government to hinder the religious liberties of people residing in our nation would be counter to the example Christ gives us in scripture.  I believe that it would also be destructive to the well-being of all faith communities in this country.

"Creating a system for registering Muslim people in the United States because of their religion would be an affront to religious freedom. A registry of that nature would be counter to the gospel and to the important freedoms enshrined in our system of laws.  In our nation, Liberty must be the first guiding principle. In the church, love must be the first guiding principle.

"Today, there is a fervor against Islam and Muslim people among a subset of American people. One day, there may very well be a similar fervor against Christian people. The systems we establish in government should protect religious freedom for everyone.

"Because of the example and instruction of Christ, I love my neighbors. Because of Christ, I love my Muslim neighbors."

Rev. Mahoney and Keating have traveled extensively in Muslim nations and worked with the Muslim community here in America.  Rev. Mahoney also flew down to Gainesville, Florida and talked Rev. Terry Jones out of burning over 200 Qurans.

For more information or interviews call:
Rev. Patrick Mahoney at 540.538.4741