When the controversy first arose over the "Ground Zero" mosque, had the basic view that should have the legal right to be built, and that the groups protesting by him were worsening the situation; However, I thought that it would be probably better for them to move to a different location. However, as the situation as it progressed, my opinion on the subject has changed for a number of different reasons: the importance not to let that misinformation and mistruths influence decisions, position and ideas of the magnet wants to built the community downtown, not giving to hatred and rage, and eventually which would mean for Islamic and Christian relations around the world.
First of all, we have seen how this whole situation has been performed with a lot of half truths or lies. The full name "Ground zero mosque" is misleading because it really is more than one Community Center and is not visible even from scratch. There has also been a lot of lies about how this is going to be used by radical Islam and how the people building the Center supports terrorism, which is simply false. We have seen how the media lies can cause harmful decisions (the most recent situation with Sharron Sherrod and Fox News is a good example), and this sets a dangerous precedent. If we allow that you outlets like Fox News to make significant social changes pushing lies and truths, we will be encouraging them to do more of the same.
Secondly, the Imam who wants to build the Community Center has been a supporter of the peace franco and an opponent of terrorism and extremism. It is part of the Sufi sect of Islam, which is the branch of Islam more meditative. In fact, his sect (which traditionally has always been the most peaceful) it has actually been attacked, and people were killed by members of radical Islam. It is really building downtown to have a place for people to go, especially young people, in New York. If the building was being built by a radical fundamentalist would be much more skeptical, but when is it is being built by a Sufi who is trying to lead the followers of their religion away from extremism is a different story.
Another important reason I changed my opinion on this issue is because the danger to fear, anger and hatred even. If this Community Center is not allowed to be built, people will think if they can be angry and hateful enough can stop any other legal (political or religious) project who are opposed to. We cannot leave our democracy and freedoms refused because there are enough uniformed and angry people shouting. This is not a democracy; It is anarchy. Sets a horrible precedent that could have long-term effects.
Finally, this mosque move due to misinformation and the anger would be terrible for Christian and Islamic relations in the world. He has already reported that Al - Qaida is using this event in their recruitment. It would be a signal to the rest of the world that there are still some kind of "Holy war" between Islam and Christianity. Even though there are serious differences and objectives among religions, this type of conflict does no good for anyone and gives people the impression of hatred, intolerance and injustice.
On the other hand, this could be an opportunity for forgiveness and mutual understanding between Islamic and Christian groups in the nation and the world. People that are building the Community Center had nothing to do with 9/11, and should have every right and support to build its own Center of religion. As a Christian who firmly believes in the freedom of religion and expression, which is based on the United States, there can be no alternative to supporting the rights of these people.
This article was written by William McCorkle. He writes a blog about progressive social action and the quest to find the true essence of faith Christian in http://www.essencerestored.com. If you are interested in contact with the author, you can contact him at wdmccorkle@gmail.com.