Ahmadiyya Times: Faheem Younus (OEN-OpEdNews).
Faith leaders must unite to combat a virus which follows a strict non-discrimination policy. Thus, I will continue to reach out to soup kitchens, churches, and synagogues only as a part of my civic duty.
Let me guess – a flu-like illness inflicted you or someone you know in the past two weeks.
What else would you expect? CDC is now reporting widespread Influenza (flu) activity in over 41 states. Since the virus infects blacks and whites, gays and straight, Christians and Muslims – indiscriminately – it kills thousands of Americans every year. Sadly, we, the people of faith, continue to discriminate.
Two years ago, I called a Christian friend and asked: would the members of your church like to receive free flu shots? Thrilled with the offer – as I am an infectious disease expert – she confirmed with her pastor and invited me to the church that weekend.
But something happened when the pastor saw me. He did not announce the free service. As the service ended, I witnessed a mass exodus from the congregation as if I was there to spread the virus, not the vaccine.
Categories: Americas, CHRISTIANITY, Interfaith tolerance, Religion