A group called Menorah Ministries, a Messianic religious organization, was passing out controversial fliers last Tuesday, Oct. 11, in the Driscoll Bridge.
The fliers depicted statements such as, “Muslims want to kill Jews, Christians and Peace,” “Islam’s god hates Jews” and “Ever lied? Looked with Lust? Had sex outside marriage? Gotten drunk? Then you are a liar, a thief, an adulterer, a fornicator and a drunkard … You are on your way to Hell.”
Menorah, which is headed by Reuben Drebenstedt, sued DU, claiming exclusion in 1995.
Usually DU allows religious organizations on campus so long as they have student members or a general constituency. Menorah has none. They are only allowed on campus because DU’s attorney’s office came to a legal settlement with Menorah Ministries.
“Settlement terms allow Menorah access to designated portions of the private university’s campus,” said a joint press release by DU and Menorah. “There, Drebenstedt will be allowed to distribute literature explaining the mission of Menorah and to talk with interested students.”
Menorah’s special access to the university allows the group to fall outside the banner of religious life. It must only follow basic university guidelines of anti-discrimination.
Lammi Adem, the president of the Muslim Student Association, received the pamphlet that read, “Muslims want to kill Jews, Christians and Peace,” while walking to class through the Driscoll Bridge.
“Their stuff is just not true. They take a lot of things out of context. It’s both hateful and ignorant,” Adem said. “We plan on sending a letter to various university administrators that if DU preaches inclusive excellence, this is not the way to do it.”
Adem wouldn’t be the only one sending complaints. According to Rev. Gary Brower, the university chaplain, and Michael Katz, the assistant director of student conduct, there have been numerous complaints to multicultural excellence, student conduct and religious life regarding Menorah over the years.
“If what Menorah is doing violates university policy, then they should be held accountable – be it harassment, defamation, whatever it be – I disagree with it,” said Brower. “This stuff is distasteful.”
Donna Drebenstedt, a Menorah representative who attended the booth on Driscoll Bridge, declined to comment. Reuben Drebenstedt also refused to comment.
“We are investigating the matter,” said Carl Johnson, director of campus activities and student life. “We are working with all parties.”
Another pamphlet distributed by Menorah Ministries is titled, “19 Reasons Why Many Honorable People Don’t Want To Be Muslim.” In it, the group claims that “Allah deceives” and “Mohammed spread Islam by the sword.” Throughout the pamphlet, Menorah Ministries argues that Islam devalues women and links to a website that argues that Islam is “a corruption and counterfeit of truth.”
“It feels as if they are specifically targeting Muslims,” said Adem. “Islam does not want to kill Jews, Christians or peace. We are taught to respect other religions, especially Abrahamic ones.”
Other pamphlets spread by Menorah Ministries take aim at the charity COEXIST, which seeks to “promote better understanding between” the major religions. Menorah claims, through their pamphlets, that COEXIST is not realistic and that the only way to God and to heaven is through Jesus.
