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Day of Religious Tolerance and Healing

President Obama's recent statement about a mosque at Ground Zero highlights the deep wounds that still exist between Christians and Muslims in America after September 11, 2001.



"The 9/11 attacks were a deeply traumatic event for our country. The pain and suffering experienced by those who lost loved ones is unimaginable. So I understand the emotions that this issue engenders. Ground Zero is, indeed, hallowed ground", President Obama said.

The president virtually gave the okay for the resurrection of a Muslim mosque near the site of Ground Zero.

"But let me be clear: As a citizen and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as anyone else in this country. That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances. This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable. The principle that people of all faiths are welcome in this country and will not be treated differently by their government is essential to who we are. The writ of our founders must endure," Obama added.

Critics of the president's remark include House Minority Leader John Boehner who said: "The decision to build this mosque so close to the site of ground zero is deeply troubling, as is the president's decision to endorse it. The American people certainly don't support it."

New York Rep. Peter King said: "President Obama is wrong. It is insensitive and uncaring for the Muslim community to build a mosque in the shadow of Ground Zero. While the Muslim community has the right to build the mosque, they are abusing that right by needlessly offending so many people who have suffered so much. The right and moral thing for President Obama to have done was to urge Muslim leaders to respect the families of those who died and move their mosque away from Ground Zero. Unfortunately, the president caved into political correctness."

Strip club near site of proposed Muslim mosque.

Just blocks from the proposed site sits a bevy of not-so-family-oriented stores and businesses that include a strip club, several bars, and an off-track betting.

Amy Goodman (the best reporter, bar none) of Democracy NOW spoke with the mother of a 9/11 victim, and several Muslims on the topic.  View video below.



Also, one organization is hoping to bring Americans together on this divisive issue.

On their website, the Pray at the Pump Movement (PAPM) states, "In order to heal these wounds, the is encouraging the entire country to join in a day of Religious Tolerance and Healing scheduled for Sabbath August 28 and Sunday August 29."

Read more.

The group is staging a prayer rally in front of theWhite House on August, 20.
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