Georgia Mayor Converts to Islam

In 1999 Jack Ellis became the first African American mayor of Macon, Georgia, and now he has become its first Muslim mayor. Although raised as a Christian, Ellis has been studying the Qur’an for several years, and he says that Islam is a part of his family history, since his ancestors practiced Islam before coming to America as slaves. During a visit in December to Senegal in west Africa, Ellis went through the conversion ceremony to become a Sunni Muslim. Now he is trying to change his name to Hakim Mansour Ellis. Changing one's name is favorable for new converts, but it is not a requirement.

The mayor never anticipated that his conversion would attract national media attention. His story was even covered by CNN.

Ellis is unsure how his conversion will affect his political career, considering he lives in a state dominated by Baptist churches. His term expires this year, but he does not yet have a long term plan, nor is he concerned right now about how people will react to his conversion. While Ellis is not the first Muslim to hold a political office, he may be the first one to convert to Islam while in office.

Freedom of Religion Means the Freedom to Learn

By Rori Picker, Associate for Interfaith Relations, RFP-USA

Yesterday, Georgia's State Board of Education adopted standards for two new academic courses allowing high school students to study the history and literature of the Old and New Testaments. (see article)

Public high schools will not be required to offer the course and those who do cannot mandate their students to take the course, which will count as an English language arts elective. However, those schools who do offer the course will receive state money to pay for them.

A vote still needs to take place (likely in the spring) to add the courses to the official state course list before schools can receive funding for them.

This is a brave and bold step, but only a first step. Hopefully, this vote will pass, and hopefully, other states will follow. Freedom of religion does not mean freedom from religion and, as anyone is this country should know, to truly have freedom one should have the tools of a proper education. One can only hope that these classes will soon be joined with courses on the Quran, the Vedas, and the sacred texts of all the religions that create the pluralistic society of Americans. Perhaps then we can break down the fear and apprehension of those stereotypes created by our lack of knowledge of those around us.