DETROIT (AP) - Former President Jimmy Carter has told a group of Muslim Americans in Detroit they should take a role in supporting peace and justice efforts.
Carter delivered the keynote at Saturday's Islamic Society of North America convention at Cobo Center.
The society is among America's leading Muslim groups. The Detroit area has one of the nation's largest Muslim populations.
The Detroit News reports that Carter said he hopes Muslim Americans "will use the principals of Allah to bring peace and justice to all."
He also spoke about his Carter Center foundation that is working toward peace in the Middle East and said a goal has always been for Israel to withdraw from all occupied territories.
He said the foundation also works to promote human rights and monitors elections for fairness.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder has told attendees of the Islamic Society of North America's annual convention in Detroit that he supports the peaceful coexistence of Jews and Muslims in the Middle East.
The Republican governor spoke Friday during the opening session of the four-day conference at Cobo Center. The society is among America's leading Muslim groups.
The Detroit News reports that Snyder added he believes in Israel's right to exist.
Former President Jimmy Carter is scheduled to address the convention Saturday afternoon about the need for religious communities to tackle discrimination and violence against women and girls worldwide.
Other scheduled speakers include Democratic U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota, the first Muslim elected to Congress.
The Detroit area has one of the nation's largest Muslim populations.
