freedom of religious expression

Dear fellow Americans and to all people of faith,

As members of the interfaith social justice organization, Brooklyn Congregations United, we are deeply concerned by fear of religious expression by Muslims at the heart of the dispute surrounding various houses of worship (Sheepshead Bay, Staten Island) and the proposed community center blocks from Ground Zero. We appreciate that these are emotionally charged issues, knowing that many people have come to equate opposing these projects with patriotism and/or with respect for those who died in the terrorist attacks of 9/11. But we are concerned that this sort of expression of patriotism comes at the expense of well-meaning, peace-loving Muslim families who also love this country and who also feel a deep sense of loss for those who died on 9/11. We are Christians, Muslims and Jews who have found that working together enriches all of our lives. If a Jewish synagogue were experiencing unfair resistance or opposition we would stand up for them. The same goes for a Christian group. It happens to be our Muslim sisters and brothers who are experiencing difficulty at this time and so we stand with them. Together we issue a call for constructive expressions of both patriotism and grief, as well as for the cultivation of religious freedom.

As members of an organization that seeks to bring about interfaith cooperation and positive social change, we see the demonization of a particular group as adding fuel to the fires of 9/11. The lessons of history show that scapegoating one particular group is morally egregious. Rather than adding to the hatred of Muslims which is growing like a virus in this country, we choose to work for a world in which people of different religious backgrounds can live and work side by side. Because this is our guiding goal and because we resonate with the principle of religious freedom which this country was founded upon, we support our Muslim sisters and brothers who are simply seeking space to worship God as they understand God.

The proposed community center in what was formerly a Burlington Coat factory blocks from Ground Zero could be a particularly important center for teaching religious tolerance and celebrating religious freedom. It could also be a place where people from all cultural and religious backgrounds could learn more about the enormous cultural contributions Muslims have made and continue to make in this country and throughout the world.

Let us call upon our higher angels and stand up for freedom. Please join us by signing this petition.

Signed by the Clergy and Board of Brooklyn Congregations United

John Kemp, BCU Board Chair

Joan Tropnas, BCU Board Vice-Chair

Rev. Tom Martinez
Pastor, All Souls Bethlehem Church

Rabbi Ellen Lippmann
Kolot Chayeinu / Voices of Our Lives

Lisa B. Segal
Hazzan, Kolot Chayeinu / Voices of Our Lives

Rev. Lisa Robinson, Doctoral Candidate
Pastor, Church of the Evangel United Church of Christ

Rev. David Rommereim
Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd

Student Rabbi Heidi Hoover

Marjorie Fine, Kolot Chayeinu / Voices of Our Lives

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