On 17 May, the North Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-NTX) joined a group of multiracial and interdenominational pastors who protested the inclusion of anti-Muslim hate groups speaking at a Dallas rally. Reverend Diane Baker, minister of outreach for the First Community United Church of Christ, said in a statement: “I believe with my heart and faith that hatred cannot win. Only love, peace and justice. If people respond to problems with hatred they become like them, like those who hate.”
Reverend Wes Magruder, senior pastor at Kessler Park United Methodist Church in Dallas, said: “The best way to protect the rights of a persecuted religious group is to protect the religious rights of all. Christians around the world will be safe when Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and others are also protected. I fear that this Dallas rally is a smokescreen for perpetuating a fear and hatred of Islam.”