To the editor:
As part of their “Cordoba Initiative,” a group of Muslims in New York City plan to build Park51. The community center will house a prayer space, a 500-seat performing arts center, a swimming pool, a restaurant and meeting rooms. Sounds a lot like a neighborhood YMCA.
The problem for some people is that Park51 is two blocks from the site of Ground Zero. The structure is to be built on privately owned property, in accordance with local zoning laws. It will not be built on land dedicated by the U.S. government or the city of New York as a 9/11 memorial. Hence, there is nothing illegal about this.
We must not turn an act of hate against us by extremists into an act of intolerance for people of religious faith. If we restrict moderate Muslims from building a religious center on their property, will churches of any faith be prohibited from building on their property?
New York City Mayor Bloomberg supports the project. “It tells the world that America and New York City really believe in what we preach.”
Religious freedom, one of the cornerstones of our nation, is not just for Christians, it’s for all faith groups. Everyone has the right to practice their faith. Faith-based community centers are built without government interference, as long as laws, policies and procedures are followed.
Some believe that Muslims should be sensitive to the feelings of families of Sept. 11 victims. Many Muslims were among those who died at ground zero. Muslims around the world were horrified at the violence of the extremist attack on the World Trade Center. Park51 is an attempt to heal some of that pain, and to help build bridges of understanding among Muslims and between Muslims and other religious groups.
The name of the Cordoba Initiative recalls the time during the 8th to 11th centuries in Europe when Muslims, Jews and Christians lived and learned together with mutual respect and harmony. The three faiths share common values, common teachings and common scriptures.
On Thursday, Sept. 23, the “Interfaith Amigos” will be part of the seventh annual Whidbey Interfaith Vigil of Peace and Hope. The three clergymen, Sheik Jamal Rahman, Rabbi Ted Falcon and Pastor Don Mackenzie, representing three different faiths, have built a deep friendship over many years. They have given many presentations and workshops throughout the nation. The event will begin at 7 p.m., at St. Augustine’s in-the-Woods Episcopal Church in Freeland.
To survive these complex, conflicted and confusing times, creativity is needed. A Newsweek article recently talked of the need for divergent thinking (generating unique ideas) and convergent thinking (combining those ideas to get the best results). The sheer energy of diverse faith, diverse practices, multiple cultures and unique histories will provide the spark for new ideas of community.
Park51 is one of many initiatives we need to bring people together. President Obama said, “This is the right thing to do. Let’s move on.” We agree.
Greg and Susan Gilles, Paul and Jennifer Morris, Corrine Bayley, David and Mary Vergin, Gene White, Larry Fox, Clancy and Marcia Dunigan
Church & Society Committee
Langley United Methodist Church
