(Overland Park, KS, 12/16/2014) -- The Crescent Peace Society (CPS), a Kansas City area interfaith organization, today condemned the shocking and senseless attack on a school in Peshawar by the Pakistani Taliban, known as the TTP.

"Today we join with Muslims around the world in denouncing the killing of innocent children in the brutal attack a school,” saidCPS President Ahsan Latif.  “I, like many Kansas City Muslims, have relatives in Peshawar and this tragedy takes on a very personal dimension. These abhorrent, cowardly actions do not reflect the teachings of Prophet Muhammad or the revealed text of the Quran. “

Among the explicit teachings of the Prophet is that, even in times of war, innocent life remains sacrosanct.  "Do not kill any old person, any child or any woman," instructed the Prophet according to the hadith of Abu Dawud.

“We echo the words of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani Nobel Peace Prize winner who is herself a survivor of an attack by the Taliban "Innocent children in their school have no place in horror such as this,” she said today. “I and millions of others mourn these children, my brothers and sisters — but we will never be defeated."

The Crescent Peace Society is a Kansas City area interfaith organization seeking to enhance the understanding of Muslim cultures through educational and cultural activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences among people of diverse cultures.  Its mission is to build bridges among faith communities, encourage dialogue, and promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: Crescent Peace Society President Ahsan Latif, 913-485-9218, latif.ahsan@gmail.com; Board Member Mahnaz Shabbir, 816-213-2536

(Overland Park, KS., 11/17/2014) -- The Crescent Peace Society (CPS), a Kansas City area interfaith organization, today condemned the "barbaric murder" of U.S. aid worker Peter Kassig by the Syria-based Daesh terrorist group, commonly known as ISIS or ISIL.

"Today Kansas City Area Muslims join with Muslims around the world in again denouncing the killing of innocent civilians by Daesh,” said CPS President Ahsan Latif. “We condemn the barbaric murder of Peter Kassig and once again repudiate the anti-Islamic ideology that produces such brutality. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Mr. Kassig’s family and loved ones."

Peter Kassig was a former Army Ranger who had dedicated his life to humanitarian work. He was inspired to humanitarian work by his late grandfather, a Methodist minister who used the pulpit to call attention to the suffering of Muslims half a world away.

CPS has previously joined with U.S. and World Muslim leaders by endorsing an open letter to the leaders of Daesh, refuting the ideology of the terrorist group ISIS and urging its supporters to repent and "return to the religion of mercy." The letter can be found at http://lettertobaghdadi.com.

The Crescent Peace Society is a Kansas City area interfaith organization seeking to enhance the understanding of Muslim cultures through educational and cultural activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences among people of diverse cultures.  Its mission is to build bridges among faith communities, encourage dialogue, and promote justice and mutual understanding.

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CONTACT: Crescent Peace Society President Ahsan Latif, 913-485-9218, latif.ahsan@gmail.com; Board Member Mahnaz Shabbir, 816-213-253

(Overland Park, KS. 8/5/14) -- The Crescent Peace Society (CPS) today called on Congressman Kevin Yoder and also requests that the Republican Party of Kansas repudiate remarks by one of its officials inciting violence towards Muslims. 

Gavin Ellzey, the Kansas Republican Party 3rd District Vice-Chair recently tweeted: “Offending Muslims is the duty of any civilized person. Especially with a .45.”

CPS called on Congressman Yoder and the party to denounce the incendiary anti-Muslim comments and asked for an apology. "Anti-Muslim bigotry should have no place in the Republican Party and those expressing such intolerant views should be held accountable," said Ahsan Latif, President of CPS.

“Especially in light of the recent shootings in this very community at the Overland Park Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom, targeting our Jewish brothers and sisters, it is outrageous and harmful for a leader within the Republican party to make comments condoning and encouraging the use of violence against a religious minority,” Latif said. 

There are several mosques operating in Johnson County with large, peaceful congregations.  A week ago, on July 28, 2014, thousands of Muslims attended Eid prayers at the Overland Park Convention Center celebrating the end of Ramadan. 

“There are many opportunities for Mr. Ellzey to meet with members of the Muslim community in Johnson County and see for himself that the citizenry of this area includes a vibrant Muslim community who are happy, productive and respected Americans,” said Latif.  “On August 16, 2014, CPS will be holding its 18th Annual Eid Celebration and Awards Banquet at the Overland Park Marriott at 6 PM.  We would be happy to have Mr. Ellzey, but we would request he leave his .45 at home.”

The Crescent Peace Society is a Kansas City area interfaith organization seeking to enhance the understanding of Muslim cultures through educational and cultural activities involving the exchange of ideas and experiences among the people of diverse cultures.  Its mission is to build bridges among faith communities, encourage dialogue, and promote justice and mutual understanding. More information about the Crescent Peace Society can be found at www.crescentpeace.org.

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CONTACT: Crescent Peace Society President Ahsan Latif, 913-485-9218, latif.ahsan@gmail.com; Board Member Mahnaz Shabbir, 816-213-2536. 

Saturday, August 16, 2014
from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (PDT)
Overland Park Marriott
Overland Park, KS
Learn more about our sponsorship opportunities and purchase tickets:
HERE

This event is a regional conference with a workshop in the afternoon on leadership and negotiations and the banquet dinner in the evening. Our steering committee has been working diligently  on an inspirational program with Muslim-American, Faran Tahir, a Hollywood Actor from renowned movies such as Iron Man, Star Trek,  Elysium, and many other famous movies and TV shows. His topic will be “An American Muslim in Hollywood:  Bridging Faith and Work.”  In addition, the 2014 Crescent Peace Society Award winners will  be honored at this year’s banquet. CPS is committed to providing programming that will allow individuals from our growing greater Kansas/Missouri communities to come together to learn from  one another.  By becoming a sponsor of the Crescent Peace Society Annual Dinner, you will assist us in ensuring the future continuation of these programs.

The Extra Edge: 7 skills for successful leadership and negotiation
Haroon Ullah, PhD.
with the U.S. State Department 
August 16, 2014 
Noon - 3:30 p.m.
Purchase Tickets: HERE

Silent Auction
Silent Auction featuring beautiful calligraphy art from the Middle East, culinary delights from local restaurants and one night at the Overland Park Marriott including breakfast to name a few auction items. Special rates have been negotiated with the Overland Park Marriott for Saturday, August 16, 2014 night at $99.00 includes breakfast for two.
  Call Marriott reservations at 800.810.2759
or 913.451.8000 Cutoff date for hotel reservations is 6 p.m. on Saturday, August 9, 2014.

 Press Release: April 13, 2014
The Crescent Peace Society Conveys Sympathy to the Family and Friends of the
Victims of Today`s Shooting at the Jewish Community Center and Village Shalom
Contact: Ahsan Latif, President(913) 485.9218 
 
The Crescent Peace Society extends their sympathies for the families and
friends who were killed and injured today at the Jewish Community Center and
Village Shalom. “Whosoever kills a human being...it shall be as if he has
killed all mankind..." (Quran 5:32).
 
Tonight our hearts are saddened that this violent act was done in our
neighborhood. We are here to help and stand in solidarity against acts of hate
towards our fellow mankind. We pray for a peace and love for one another.

 About Crescent Peace Society
The Crescent Peace Society is a non-profit organization that serves as a
focal point of action in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area for raising awareness
of different Muslim cultures. It establishes and maintains liaisons with
educational institutions, religious groups, and local media.

 In order to better represent the peaceful nature of Muslim cultures existing
in the United States of America and around the world, the Society aims to
analyze, evaluate, and respond to any local media publications or programs that
misrepresent Muslim issues and cultures.

 The Board and the Executive Committee of Crescent Peace Society invite you to
join the Society's cause for propagating a better understanding and awareness of
different Muslim cultures and for peace and harmony all over the world.
Membership is open to all US residents or citizens of any religious affiliation
or culture.