Islam

NEW YORK – In a direct response to the dispute surrounding the inclusion of religious leaders in the 9/11 anniversary ceremony, prominent evangelical leaders gathered near ground zero Friday to promote a joint message that religion should be used to heal and not divide.

Protests made by extremists regarding a proposed mosque to be built near ground zero tainted last year’s September 11 commemorations. After the official ceremony, nearly 2,000 activists assembled in support of the mosque, about five blocks from the site of the 9/11 terror attacks. At the same time around 1,500 mosque opponents gathered close by chanting, “USA, USA,” and “No mosque here.”

Speakers at the press conference Friday called upon Christians to pave the way for unity and peace by being good neighbors to the Muslim community instead of using faith to fuel the controversies. The event was co-sponsored by the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA), the largest network of evangelicals worldwide, and Sojourners, an evangelical publication by the Christian social justice organization of the same name. more >>

In the 10 years since the 9/11 tragedy, Americans and churches across the United States are more prone to consider partnering with faiths and denominations other than their own for social outreach events, said a Hartford Seminary professor, who is leading a religious study program on interfaith cooperation.

David A. Roozen, director of the Cooperative Congregational Studies Partnership and professor of religion and society, remarked, “Americans' awareness of our country's religious diversity has increased dramatically in the last decade.”

Although the study he helped conduct does not show a dramatic increase in congregations partnering together in the context of a worship service, it does show an increase in interfaith activities such as public ceremonies and panel discussions, Roozen told The Christian Post. more >>

The Tennessee pastor who welcomed an Islamic center to his block a year ago is now urging Christians everywhere to let go of fear and ignorance this Sept. 11 and love their Muslim neighbors.

On the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Christians and Muslims will come together to hold a community blood drive in Cordova, Tenn.

Steve Stone, pastor of Heartsong Church in Cordova, said he was hesitant when he first learned in 2010 that the Memphis Islamic Center (MIC) would be moving across the street from the church. But after praying about it, Stone felt led to purchase and post a red lawn sign proclaiming, "Heartsong Church welcomes Memphis Islamic Center to the Neighborhood." more >>

WASHINGTON – While religious leaders are urging Christians to love their Muslim neighbors as the 10-year anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks draw near, Florida Congressman Allen West (R) and the Christian Action Network reminded the public that there is still continued opposition to the New York City Islamic center being built near ground zero.

Surrounded by the families of seven 9/11 victims, West spoke against the mosque and Islamic center being erected near the site of the fallen twin towers in a Wednesday press conference.

Comparing the attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon to the Pearl Harbor bombing, West said no one who attacked the United States should be allowed to put a victory monument to their people at an attack site. more >>

With the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks of 9/11 and the growing hostilities against Muslims in America in mind, megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., told his 17,000-member congregation this week to consider how Jesus would treat Muslims today.

Hamilton, who preached the sermon on Muslims from the pulpit at the megachurch, one of United Methodism's largest, suggested that Christians should show every Muslim in America love, not fear or hatred.

He said much of the fear over Islam in America stems from ignorance about what the average Muslim believes. more >>

As America nears the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, a new survey details how the public feels about Muslims, freedoms and pluralism.

"Ten years after 9/11, Americans continue to grapple with issues of security, tolerance, and pluralism – matters that lie at the heart of what it means to be American," said Dr. Robert P. Jones, CEO of Public Religion Research Institute, in a statement.

"Americans strongly affirm broad First Amendment principles and respect for difference, but they don't always apply these principles evenly or consistently, particularly with regard to American Muslims and immigrants." more >>