By Patricia Zapor Catholic News Service
Matt Harris of Yorba Linda, Calif., argues with Matt Sky, right, and Julia Lundy, supporters of the proposed Muslim community center and mosque, in New York Aug. 19. Controversy has arisen over the proposed construction of the 13-story, $100 million Isla mic center, which is to include a mosque, because it would be built near where the twin towers of the World Trade Center stood. CNS photo/Brendan McDermid, Reuters
WASHINGTON (CNS) — The controversy over plans to build an Islamic cultural center and mosque a couple of blocks away from ground zero in New York is but the latest manifestation of a historic cycle of distrust of immigrants — and their faith.
Public outcry erupted this summer over plans to convert a former Burlington Coat Factory store, located a little more than two blocks from the World Trade Center complex, into a nine-story Islamic cultural center, with a mosque included. The area’s Muslim community already uses the vacant retail space for worshippers who overflow from the al-Farah Mosque, about a dozen blocks north of the trade center property, according to The Associated Press. (more…)
