President Bush Rededicates the Islamic Center in Washington, D.C. on its 50th Anniversary

Today, on June 27, 2007, the President rededicated the Islamic Center of Washington on its 50th anniversary, where he last spoke the week after September 11, 2001.  The President underscored the message of respect and inclusion, a message that President Dwight D. Eisenhower also expressed when he dedicated the Center 50 years ago.  President Bush also reaffirmed support for the wonderful diversity of faith that enriches our nation, and reaffirmed our determination to stand together in pursuit of freedom and peace.

To reinforce the importance of our relationship with the Islamic states of the world, the President announced he will appoint a special envoy to the Organization of Islamic Conference, as a demonstration of respect for OIC member states and the importance of a high-level dialogue.  This is the first time that a US President has made an appointment to the OIC.  The special envoy will be named in the coming weeks.

The OIC is a leading voice for the diverse Muslim states of the world, and the OIC Secretary General Ihsanoglu (Ih-saan-oh-loo) is a strong voice of reason and tolerance.

President Bush said: “Today we gather, with friendship and respect, to reaffirm that pledge – and to renew our determination to stand together in pursuit of freedom and peace.  We come to express our appreciation for a faith that has enriched civilization for centuries.  We come in celebration of America’s diversity of faith and our unity as free people.  And we hold in our hearts the ancient wisdom of the great Muslim poet, Rumi:  ‘The lamps are different, but the light is the same.’”

• President’s speech
• Fact Sheet
• President Eisenhower’s Dedication of the Islamic Center in 1957