IN THEORY:On what should leaders swear?

Rep. Virgil Goode, R-Va., recently criticized Democratic Rep. Keith Ellison's decision to use a Koran when taking his oath of office during the Minnesotan's private swearing-in ceremony. Goode said that unless there's a crackdown on immigration "many more Muslims" will be elected and follow Ellison's lead. Conservative radio talk show host Dennis Prager ignited the furor over Ellison's decision, calling it "an act of hubris … that undermines American civilization." Now, Faithful America, an ecumenical group that's part of the National Council of Churches USA, is calling on Goode to apologize. Should an elected official be restricted to taking an oath on just the Bible?

We are constantly echoing the declaration that this nation is based on separation of church and state, but in practice, it is everywhere. We put our "trust in God" in every dollar we spend. We pledge that America is "one nation under God." We take oaths in our courts to "tell the truth, so help me God."

It is important to note that elected officials do not swear on any doctrine or book when sworn in. In private ceremonies, officials have been known to swear on their book of religion. Jewish officials have been known to personally swear on the Old Testament while Christian officials personally swear on the New Testament. Why would a Muslim official be criticized for taking an oath in a personal ceremony on the Koran?

With that said, if we are to continue to build and strengthen this nation — as intended by the forefathers (since they were seeking freedom of religion or freedom from religion) — then absolutely not, because the Bible should not be imposed on any citizen, public or private.

SAYED MOUSTAFA AL-QAZWINI

Imam

Islamic Educational Center

of Orange County

The idea of requiring a Muslim to take an oath of office by placing his hand on a Christian Bible is ridiculous. But there should be a way to emphasize that no imported — or even homegrown — religious dogmas can take precedence over our secular laws and rights, as spelled out in our Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Some Muslims in Europe have apparently insisted that their religious rules take precedence over the secular laws of their adopted lands, which has caused significant problems — including murder — in otherwise intelligent, cooperative and easygoing populations.