Some Christian and Jewish leaders are objecting to a State Department Web site that extols the "extraordinary range and richness" of the American Islamic community.
"Muslim Life in America" http://www.state.gov/r/us/6035.htm appears to violate the constitutional principle of the separation of religion and government, according to David A. Harris, executive director of the American Jewish Committee; Richard D. Land, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention; and Nina Shea, director of Freedom House's Center for Religious Freedom.
In a letter last week to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell, they said they understand the Web site is an attempt portray the positive side of Islam and Muslim contributions to the United States.
"It is important to emphasize that we are not at war with the Muslim world," they said.
However, they said the site creates the impression that the State Department is favoring one religion over another.
"Insofar as we are aware, no similar Web site has been established by the department with respect to any other religious group," they said.
They also complained about a list of American Muslim groups included on the site because it "creates the impression of endorsing particular interpretations of Islam."
The State Department, they said, "places our government in the position of appearing to endorse a particular faith group as making uniquely noteworthy contributions to American life."
A State Department spokesman yesterday said there was no attempt to promote one religion over another.
The Web site discusses the American tradition of religious tolerance and notes that Muslims "make up only one segment in the complex mosaic of American religious life today."
