Alabama Governor Off to 'Rocky Start' With Jews, Muslims

January 19, 2011

Author: Greg Garrison

Source: The Pew Forum on Religion & Public Life/The Birmingham News

Wire Service: RNS

http://pewforum.org/Religion-News/RNS-Ala-governor-off-to-rocky-start-with-Jews-Muslims.aspx

Jewish and Muslim groups want to know if they have a place in Alabama after Gov. Robert Bentley, just hours into office, said people who have not accepted Jesus as their savior are not his "brothers and sisters." 

"Gov. Bentley certainly has a right to believe whatever he wants to believe religiously, and should be admired for his deep faith and convictions," said Richard Friedman, executive director of the Birmingham Jewish Federation.

"However, when elected officials make such religious remarks in their public roles, their comments tend to disenfranchise citizens who don't share those beliefs."