Support for Jill Carroll

Jill Carroll's dedication to the search and reporting of truth is truly extra-ordinary and especially remarkable - considering how little truth we get from "mainstream" journalism. Jill's story reconfirms the essential goodness of human nature, even though, such examples are so rare. Her dedication to her cause is in the true spirit of jihad, which means a "just struggle," in Islam. We all pray for her safe return.

Zulfiqar Eqbal, Fremont, Calif., USA

As a freelancer myself, I hope and pray for Jill's release so she may resume doing what she loves...writing about issues that impact people's lives. Here's to the day that I can tell Jill in person how much I admire her skill and courage.

Monty Johnson, Tulsa, Okla., USA

I taught school with Jill's mother and watched Jill and her sister grow up. The Carroll family epitomizes kindness, honesty, and love. It is obvious to me that the world sees that also. I pray that the kiddnappers do. Let her return to her family.

Deb Cocoros, Ann Arbor, Mich., USA

I am so inspired by Jill Carroll 's bravery.

I admire her dedication to journalism - that she would go so far and take the risks she has taken to share with the world what this war is really doing to Iraq and its people. I pray for her prompt release, for her peace of mind, and for that of her family and loved ones.

Carrie Terrell, Madrid, Spain

The power of intention will prevail. Power is greater than force. Jill, the greater number of human beings on this planet powerfully INTEND for you to come home safely. Together we are infinite. You are not alone.

Laura Spicer & family, Boulder, Colo., USA

The events of the past weeks have caused me to rededicate myself to praying for peace in the world, and especially in Iraq. Jill Carroll represents journalism at its best in keeping with the purpose of The Christian Science Monitor, "To injure no man, but to bless all mankind." Jill is a courageous young woman who genuinely is guided by a higher order of justice and freedom for all.

Larry G. Toft, Saginaw, Mich., USA

Our support for journalists like Ms. Carroll who consistently and professionally seek to uncover truths is unassailable. In the wake of so much criticism of the press, we should be reminded that there are journalists like Ms. Carroll who risk their lives to pursue truth and in the process develop deep understandings of the cultures they cover.

Jeanne Kuriyan, Corrales, N.M., USA

What a strong and beautiful chorus of Muslim voices condemning Jill's kidnapping and affirming their support for compassion and justice. This seems like one of the most positive and powerful outcomes of this whole affair - an irreversible blessing for all mankind.

Bob Clark, Clearwater, Fla., USA

Jill's integrity and her commitment to reporting the facts as accurately and truthfully as possible should serve as an inspiration to journalists and readers alike. Like Jill, we must all strive to respect and understand the different cultures with which we interact. Ignorance has placed us in the difficult position we are in, and ignorance led these men to kidnap someone who seeks to give voice to the suffering of the Iraqi people.

Maureen McCarty, Aptos, Calif., USA

What a wonderful voice for love and truth we have in this dear young journalist, Jill Carroll. Her beauty and light will only get brighter and, as her father requested, we are all appealing to her captors to let her help them with reporting the truth They have this precious jewel within their midst - which in reality they already had.

Linda Bee, Las Vegas, Nev., USA

From a recent Al Jazeera article reporting the pleas of Arab leaders worldwide for Jill's release to the profound messages below, it is clear that the desire for justice and peace is paramount and far-reaching. I am knowing that Jill feels the power of this outpouring of worldwide support - and love - that is flowing forth for her and her family.

Lynne Buckley-Quirk, St. Louis, Mo., USA

Jill Carroll's abduction has shown the world the choices we make between anger and revenge versus compassion and reconciliation. I pray that she will be freed as a symbol of hope for all who are suffering in Iraq and of the possibility of peace in the world.

Susan Whiteman, La Crosse, Wis., USA

Along with praying for Jill, I pray for her captors that they may recognize that Jill represents what is best about both America and humankind, and that they will release her to her large and loving family of friends and relatives.

Jill's mother makes me proud to be a fellow alumna of Regina Dominican High School. Her poise, composure, and complete support of her daughter's dream to be in Iraq are an inspiration. I hope I can someday be the sort of mother that she is.

Kate Kinsella, Chicago, Ill., USA

Jill's captors should not only release her, they should make certain she has safe access to all areas of Iraq, to assist her in enlightening the West (the US in particular) as to the facts there.

God bless Jill, her family, and, yes, her captors, that they may be guided by real wisdom.

Christopher McLoon, Yarmouth, Maine, USA

I can't help but feel that Jill is in a safe and peaceful place within herself. Her captors will see that they cannot possibly harm her. I am hoping and praying for the safe release of all innocent people so that we can move toward global harmony, which is inevitable.

Linda Kennedy, Avon, Conn., USA