c. 2006 Religion News Service

(UNDATED) Though at times he tries to forget it, Keith Ellison is much more than just the new congressman from Minnesota’s 5th District.

On Tuesday (Nov. 7), Ellison became the first Muslim elected to Congress. News of the 43-year-old Democrat’s election was hailed by Muslim groups and media throughout the world, from the United Arab Emirates to Pakistan and Australia.

Though he prays five times a day and abstains from pork and alcohol, the plainspoken Ellison doesn’t talk much about his faith, or his conversion from Catholicism to Islam in college. But he knows that his victory is significant to millions of Muslims in the U.S.

On the day after his election, Ellison talked about taking the oath of office on a Quran, what his election means and what he hopes to accomplish in Washington.

What do you think the significance is of being the first Muslim elected to Congress?

I can’t tell you that because I really don’t know yet. But I do think it’s a good sign for inclusivity and the fact that America is willing to call on the talents of all its citizens, whether they’re Muslims, Christians, Jews, Buddhists or Hindus or anything else.

Did it take too long for Americans to elect a Muslim to Congress?

I don’t know. It’s certainly something that could have happened before but things tend to happen when they’re supposed to happen.

Will you take the oath of office on the Quran?

You know, I’ve been asked that question three times and I’ve come to the conclusion that I am.

Was that something you were questioning?

No, there was never a question in my mind. But the last thing I was thinking about was what I was going to take the oath of office on. I was too busy.

Do you feel any special burden to being the first Muslim in Congress?

No, I don’t. I feel that first of all my first obligation is to the people in the 5th Congressional District. I’m representing everybody in the district: Christians, Muslims, Jews, Buddhists, equally.

In this country we read and watch reports of how violent sectarian divisions between Sunni and Shiite Muslims have erupted in Iraq. How important is the Sunni/Shiite division to you?

Well, each country has its own unique history and historical divisions. I think what we need to do is promote dialogue and nonviolent resolutions in Iraq. There has certainly been a history of tolerance in Iraq between the two groups.

What are your priorities when you get to Washington?

Repairing Medicare Part D _ especially parts that prohibit the government from negotiating lower drug prices _ increasing the minimum wage, getting our troops out of Iraq and changing the course in Iraq as soon as possible.

Will you do anything related to bridging divisions between American Muslims and Jews over the U.S. government’s foreign policies?

Well, by my own example I intend to embrace the Muslim, Christian and Jewish communities, and hopefully in the course of the work we’re doing we’ll be able to have people engaged in dialogue with each other. But I’m not going to take on any special role other than representing the people of the 5th Congressional District.

Do you think there will be pressure on you to become a spokesman for all U.S. Muslims?

No doubt there will be those pressures, but I will stay focused on the 5th Congressional District.

Your election has been closely watched by Muslims throughout the world. What would you say to Muslims outside the U.S.?

I would simply say that America is a tolerant country and that all people are invited to engage in the political process.

I’ve read that you converted from Catholicism to Islam in college. Can I ask what led you on that particular faith journey?

No, that’s a private decision. I haven’t really talked about that. It’s not something I’m going to be discussing _ today, anyway.

You received widespread support, both financial and otherwise, from many Muslims in the U.S. Why do you think they were so supportive?

We received a lot of Muslim support because I think it’s natural for people to want to see themselves reflected in the government of our society. It offers them the ability to be much more involved in the government of our society and I think that’s a good thing.

KRE/PH END BURKE

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