Gov. Rick Perry's relationship with Muslims may set him apart<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
 
News and trends from the religious realm with Kate Shellnutt
Gov. Rick Perry's friendly relationship with some Texas Muslims was touted in a recent story on Salon.com.
While some other presidential candidates bring up concerns about American Muslims' loyalty and decry Islamic law in the U.S., here's a Christian, Republican politician who initiated a teacher-training program on Islamic history  and has been friends for years with the Aga Khan, head of an Islamic sect called Ismailis, Salon points out. Perry even laid the first brick at the groundbreaking ceremony for an Ismaili worship center in Plano in 2005.
According to Ismaili national spokesman Mahmoud Eboo, the premise of the Salon story is true, and despite criticism for his Christians-only prayer rally, Perry serves on behalf of all Texans "regardless of race, color or faith."
The governor - like other American politicians (everyone from Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to President John F. Kennedy) - has built a relationship with the Aga Khan based on respect and mutual interest, one that could be carried into the White House if Perry runs and gets elected.
Click here to read complete article:http://blog.chron.com/believeitornot/2011/08/gov-rick-perrys-relationship-with-muslims-may-set-him-apart/