Seeking to enhance the political influence and civil rights of Islam in America, 10 Muslim groups have banded together in a new coalition called the U.S. Council of Muslim Organizations.
The formation of the new organization is said to be a major step forward for unity among Muslims, as well as further integrating Islam into the fabric of American life. The council plans to advocate for issues of concern to American Muslims and to boost their voter registration. The organizations that have joined the council include some of the most post prominent in American Islam, including the Council of American Islamic Relations (CAIR), the Islamic Circle of North America and the Muslim American Society. Council members say their first priority is to conduct a census of American Muslims to get a better understanding about what issues they care about most. They hope to complete this census in time to help shape their agenda in the 2016 elections.
(Source: Washington Times, March 12, 2014.)