Jacksonville Imam Enrique Rasheed sees no spiritual or political contradictions in praying for and with conservative Christians and Republicans, many of whom are openly distrustful of Muslims these days.

And it’s a good thing, since Rasheed has been invited to participate in a prayer breakfast that kicks off Gov.-elect Rick Scott’s inauguration day on Tuesday in Tallahassee.

“In a lot of ways Muslims are a very conservative group, too,” said Rasheed, spiritual leader of the Jacksonville Masjid of Al-Islam. Most Muslims, he said, oppose abortion, same-sex marriage and gambling, as do many of their evangelical Christian counterparts.

Not that political agreement led him to accept the invitation.

“Now it’s a matter of us rallying around our new leader and giving him some support and praying for him to get the guidance he needs,” Rasheed said. “We’re all created by the same creator — that’s what he wants us to do.”

In fact it was Rasheed’s penchant for finding what unites faiths rather than divides them that got the governor-elect’s attention, inauguration spokeswoman Erin Isaac said.

The imam will join Jewish, Catholic and Protestant ministers, including Jacksonville’s Bishop Vaughn McLaughlin, on the podium Tuesday, according to the inauguration website. Rasheed was tapped because of his high-profile work in interfaith issues in Northeast Florida, Isaac said.

“If you read about the work he’s done in Jacksonville, it’s quite impressive,” she said.

Rasheed is a staple at various events sponsored by OneJax Inc., and the Interfaith Coalition for Action, Reconciliation and Empowerment, or ICARE. He participated in the city’s Day of Faith, a revival-style prayer rally that drew thousands to Veterans Memorial Arena in 2006. 

“He helps bring about winnable solutions in our decision-making process,” said the Rev. Tan C. Moss, ICARE co-president.

Rasheed is a member of the social activism group’s executive committee has been key in helping its largely Christian leadership and membership gain insights into the concerns of the city’s Muslim population, 

“Muslims, Catholics, Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists are all important because they have various ideas and concerns and a love for city … and he brings that perspective,” said Moss, pastor of Greater Payne AME Church in Jacksonville.

He’s also a staple at OneJax’s annual interfaith Thanksgiving service and at various panel discussions aimed at promoting religious and social tolerance.

“He comes to a lot of events,” said Rabbi Joshua Lief, spiritual leader of Temple Ahavath Chesed in Mandarin.

“He’s very genuine and wants to build better relationships among all citizens of Jacksonville,” Lief said.

Isaac said that will be Scott’s approach as governor.

“The inclusion of this imam speaks volumes for the tone this governor-elect intends to take in his administration,” Isaac said.

That will include tapping into the Muslim community when necessary to address any issues that arise.

jeff.brumley@jacksonville.com, (904) 359-4310

http://jacksonville.com/news/florida/2011-01-02/story/jacksonville-...