2/1/2015
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| “I love Fort Worth. It really hurt me to see this reaction,” says Imam Moujahed Bakhach of the Islamic Association of Tarrant County. |
FORT WORTH — For some faithful rodeo fans, the inclusion of a Muslim imam in the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo has become a burr under the saddle.
The Stock Show has become more diverse this year as officials have let more groups offer prayers before the start of events. But the Facebook page for the 23-day event lit up this week after Moujahed Bakhach of the Islamic Association of Tarrant County led the public prayer Sunday night.
While many of the comments on the Stock Show’s Facebook page were supportive of the more inclusive prayer policy, most were not.
Opposition seemed directed not personally at Bakhach or his words but at the inclusion of a member of the Islamic clergy during a time of violence involving Muslim terrorists.
A sampling of the sentiments expressed: “I for one won’t attend an event that allows a darkness to be spoke over me,” “Muslim/Islam has no place in this country” and “I just will choose NOT to go somewhere that embraces a religion that wants me, my family and my people DEAD.”
On Wednesday, the Stock Show posted: “We would like to take this opportunity to separate fact from fiction: There was never a Muslim prayer — or a prayer of any specific religion at the Stock Show.”
The Fort Worth Stock Show has long had a Christian tone, from the evangelical-like comments of announcer Bob Tallman to the growing popularity of Cowboy Church, held Sunday mornings in Will Rogers Auditorium.
Tallman said Bakhach “did a wonderful job.”
Bakhach, who speaks regularly at events across Tarrant County, said there was “a beautiful spirit” Sunday night in Will Rogers Coliseum.
“I didn’t hear any negative reaction to what I said,” he said.
Brad Barnes, president and general manager of the Stock Show, said Bakhach’s blessing was “spot-on” and “very appropriate.”
Prayers have always opened the rodeo performances. This year a new community committee took on the responsibility of choosing who offers the moment of thanks.
“Creating the faith-based advisory council is something we’ve been considering for a number of years to honor the diverse community in which we live,” Barnes said.
Still, as the social media storm began, Bakhach — who was scheduled to pray again Monday — said he talked with Barnes about the negative feedback.
“I felt he was in a spot, so I canceled for Feb. 2,” Bakhach said. “I love Fort Worth. It really hurt me to see this reaction.”
Shirley Jenkins,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
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