Dear John,
 

The distressing events transpiring in the Islamic Republic of Iran impress upon us the need to issue a clear and declarative statement against the institution of religious or morality police in particular, and the ideology of compulsion in general. We do so not from a political or partisan perspective but from a deeply held sense of moral and religious obligation flowing from our Islamic faith and sincere commitment to God. 

We hereby call for the complete and total abolition of religious or morality police, wheresoever they may be found. The institution of religious or morality police violates a core tenet of the Quranic message: “Let there be no compulsion in religion; truth stands out clearly from error” (Q 2:256). This verse can be understood as a universal declaration of religious freedom, which prohibits any coercion of conscience in matters of faith.

Religious policing results in hatred and animosity of the people towards the government and to the religion, and it breeds hypocrisy and false belief. Religious policing has little to do with true Islamic piety and is rather a calculated means by which authoritarian governments extend their power, control, and surveillance over their own people, especially women. This Declaration was prompted by recent events in Iran but its message is applicable to all Muslim-majority countries.

Please read our full statement here.