2009-07-05 03:11:02 -

WASHINGTON (AP) - Evangelical megachurch pastor Rick Warren says America's largest Islamic organization showed courage when it invited him to speak at its annual convention.
Warren is the founder of Saddleback Community Church in Orange County, California, and one of the most prominent religious leaders in the U.S. He addressed the annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America on Saturday night.
He says the two largest faiths on the planet _ Muslims and Christians _ must work together to combat stereotypes, promote peace and freedom and solve global problems.

Warren's willingness to show support for U.S. Muslims is a huge gain for the community, which has endured intense scrutiny since 9/11. The pastor's appearance at the convention was criticized ahead of time by some fellow conservative Christians.