New York: Pax Christi supports Islamic community centre plan
Pax Christi Metro New York, a regional chapter of the international Catholic peace movement, has express its full support for the proposed Islamic community centre in Park 51, in lower Manhattan, saying: 'As an organization with members who lost loved ones at the World Trade Center site on September 11th, 2001, we recognize the excruciating suffering endured by so many.
'As a Catholic organization, we profess the Gospel of love and embrace Catholic Social Teaching on the sanctity of life, the dignity of the human person, and solidarity with the whole human family without exceptions.
'Since 9/11/01, we have engaged in numerous interfaith events and activities to mourn the losses experienced by people of all faiths, as well as those who profess no religious faith, and to build bridges of understanding and reconciliation among us all.
'The proposed Islamic Center is a much-needed facility to further the goal of mutual learning, respect, and appreciation across human boundaries. Rather than being a desecration of sacred ground, it is a sanctification of desecrated ground. It is a testament to what is great about the United States of America, the Constitution, and all civil laws. Let it stand as a symbol of our religious and patriotic commitments to freedom, diversity, and peaceful co-existence'.
For more information see: www.nypaxchristi.org/