WASHINGTON (AP) -- Evangelical megachurch pastor Rick Warren says
the country's largest Islamic organization showed courage when it
invited him to speak at its annual convention.
Warren is the founder of Saddleback Community Church in Orange
County, California, and one of the most prominent religious leaders
in the U.S. He addressed the annual convention of the Islamic
Society of North America on Saturday night.
He says the two largest faiths on the planet -- Muslims and
Christians -- must work together to combat stereotypes, promote
peace and freedom and solve global problems.
Warren's willingness to show support for U.S. Muslims is a huge
gain for the community, which has endured intense scrutiny since
9/11. The pastor's appearance at the convention was criticized
ahead of time by some fellow conservative Christians.