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Since you asked, here is the letter I wrote to the higher-ups at the National Cathedral about their invitation to Mr. Khatami. I had it checked by several Iranian expatriots of various religious persuasions. They were glad that this American had chosen to speak out on behalf of those whose voices are being forcibly silenced. Feel free to send it on to interested friends who might also call or write. This Cathedral does not represent the people of the United States, nor is it really a church since it no longer exalts the Name of Almighty God.

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K*R*S*
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Redmond, WA

22 August, 2006

Jean F. Duff, M.A., M.Ph., Managing Director
Reverend Canon John L. Peterson, Director
Center for Global Justice and Reconciliation
Washington National Cathedral
Massachusetts and Wisconsin Avenues, NW
Washington, D.C. 20016-5098

RE: Proposed Visit of Former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami

Madam and Sir,

I am outraged that you would even consider inviting Mr. Khatami to set foot on U.S soil, let alone visit our National Cathedral as a foreign dignitary. Why, in God’s Name, are you entertaining an emissary of Evil in what I consider to be our nation’s most holy site? How can you talk of peace with a man of war?

Our National Cathedral was originally conceived and built as a Church to the Honor and Glory of Almighty God – a Church for service to the People of the United States of America. Many Presidents, government employees and their families in times of deep national grief have come together there to worship Almighty God, to give thanks for “all His benefits” and to remember the dead whose lives of sacrifice have made a positive difference in our nation’s history. I am also aware that our National Cathedral is also being used for profane purposes. This awareness is a source of great grief and consternation to me.

I respectfully ask you to reconsider your invitation of Mr. Khatami as his presence here would dishonor the memory of those whose lives were counted as worthless under the Islamic régime that set its foundation on the violent overthrow of the legitimate ruler of the nation of Iran. The blood of innocent Persian people spilled in the streets of Tehran, Shiraz, Isfahan, and many other Iranian cities, towns and villages calls out to God. Christian martyrs whose words of hope for freedom are written in their own blood on the walls of Evin and other prisons are calling to God. The blood of women raped and stoned to death in holes in public squares cries out to God. And the voices of the orphans and the bereaved are still raised in the eternal question: WHY?

You have a duty before Almighty God to give an answer to these voices. I pray you will listen to the still small voice of God and repent.

Yours faithfully in Christ Jesus,

K*R*S*
American by the Grace of God
Redeemed by the Blood of Jesus Christ.