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Muslim cultural center an opportunity for sharing

The founding parents of our nation all believed that the moral character of our nation is best observed when the people exhibit universal religious liberty.

Although our history is replete with episodes that were indifferent, even hostile, to the ideal, we have always taken actions to restore the principle of religious freedom.

Since September 11, 2001, however, there has unfortunately been a new sense sweeping the country that endangers this basic inalienable right.

Specifically, but not limited to the Park 51 Project in New York City, a new target, Islam, has emerged as an unnecessary and unconstitutional centerpiece by a growing number of Americans who wish to retreat from our essential heritage of religious diversity.

This misdirected citizenry wishes to unconstitutionally deprive a moderate Islamic imam from developing a cultural center two blocks from ground zero. That he has a legal right to do so has been affirmed by city officials and the mayor. Not only does he have the right to build on the site, he should. It is in the right spot at the right time. 

Consider the possibility. Perhaps, before the episode becomes a crisis (the only real goal of some?), we accept the opportunity for many fabulous interfaith programs. Approve and rebuild a Christian church in the neighborhood, destroyed on 9/11, and have it and other spiritual institutions extend an agenda that will exhibit greater understanding, one to and of the other.

Religious diversity, particularly the Park 51 Project, does not have to be divisive. It could become an example of what our founding parents and the Constitution envisioned.



Allan Watson

Manchester