In this day and age of increased Islamophobia, where the mere mention of "mosque" sends shudders down the spine of some people, I am fortunate to live in a community that is not only "inclusive" but also tolerant and caring.
When Pastor Steve Stone of Memphis put up a "Welcome" sign for the Memphis Islamic Center in the neighborhood, and talked about how any "Christian" who incites "hate" is going against the teachings of Jesus, it made me wonder why this pastor with his 550-member congregation isn't getting as much media coverage as Pastor Terry Jones with his 50-member church did when he threatened to burn the Quran.
Pastor Stone also allowed the Muslims to use church premises during the Holy Month of Ramadan since their facility wasn't ready yet. This did not strike me as odd at all, simply because for years several churches in Rochester have allowed us to observe our religious functions on their premises during Ramadan since we do not have a place of our own. Without their cooperation, the Muslim community of Rochester would have to break fast and pray as individual families, rather than as a
community.
Hence, I, as a member of the Muslim community of Rochester, would like to sincerely thank our Christian friends for including the Muslim community in the greater Rochester family.
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Zarina Babur
Rochester
