WASHINGTON D.C. (ANS) -- Following a briefing from the Department of Homeland Security related to the attacks on the embassies in Egypt and Libya, the U.S. based Christian Emergency Network and U.S. Muslim Public Affairs appeared on the steps of the U.S. State Department to demonstrate solidarity in condemning the two attacks.

CEN President Mary Marr and Muslim Public Affairs President Salam Al-Mayarti serve on the Department of Homeland Security Faith-based Security and Communications Committee.

CEN's Public Information Officer Misti McHatton said in a news release. “We uphold the sovereignty of each nation's embassy. As the U.S. protects all embassies and consulates in the U.S. we expect each embassy and consulate in other countries to be protected. We stand in solidarity, as leaders of faith, condemning the attacks on our embassies in Cairo and Libya and call for peace and a calm resolve, as violence is never an appropriate answer for words.”

McHatton continued, “We uphold the freedom of all religions in the U.S., and the expression, which comes from the Constitution, including freedom of speech we may find reprehensible, with the exception of speech that calls for violence or the removal of the rights of others. We call for prayer for the survivors of these attacks in Cairo and Benghazi and for the President of the U.S. and all those in civil authority to have wisdom in the days ahead.”

Speaking in the news release Muslim Public Affairs President Salam Al-Mayarti said, “We condemn the attack on the US embassies and the death of the US Ambassador. This is an attack against our country. The film issued yesterday was intended to incite anger against the US. It's deplorable and unfortunately succeeding in its objectives.”

Al-Mayarti added, “We as Muslims living in America are living freely to worship Islam. We have political challenges like any other community, but America is our home and is home to Islam like so many other religions. Anyone who attempts to promote the misconception that Muslims are not integrated into America is fomenting more fear and destructive behavior.”

Christian Emergency Network unites Christian volunteers, community leaders and emergency professionals in equipping the Church to be aware and ready to respond in emergencies large and small.

For more information go to www.christianemergencynetwork.org

Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "Homeless in the City." Additional details on "Homeless in the City" are available at http://www.homelessinthecity.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@comcast.net.