Mississippi Muslims say their faith is rooted in serving others, push back on candidate’s anti-Islam rhetoric

Mississippi faith leaders denounce Ag Commissioner Andy Gipson’s comments about Muslims, Sharia

Rev. Andy Andrews, of St. Christopher's Church, speaks during a press conference concerning Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson’s comments about Islam and Sharia law at the International Museum of Muslim Culture in Jackson on Friday, Aug. 14, 2026.

The most important allies we have in the fight against Muslim extremism are Muslims themselves

We must not alienate followers of Islam, devout and secular, who are battling anti-Western ideas in their communities

Mississippi Muslims say their faith is rooted in serving others, push back on candidate’s anti-Islam rhetoric

MADISON COUNTY, Miss. — Members of the Mississippi Muslim Association are disputing claims that their faith poses a threat to the state, following social media posts by gubernatorial candidate Andy Gipson promising to ban Sharia law and the influence of Islam in Mississippi on his first day in office. The group welcomed 3 On Your Side into a mosque in Madison County to argue that a law of that nature would be unconstitutional under both the U.S.…