A proposed Mosque in New York has been making the news lately. Actually it’s more the controversy around it, who’s for it and who’s against it, that is the news.
I have two thoughts on the matter.
First. How do you answer the question how close is too close? Or even how far away is far enough? Nobody will be able to answer that question satisfactorily for everyone.
My next thought is my main thought. And to illustrate it I have this selection of news articles from the past year (except the first one, which is from May 2008):
- LDS Church to build new temple in Phoenix – 24 May 2008
- Phoenix neighbors voice opposition to LDS temple – 17 Sep 2009
- LDS temple causes controversy in Phoenix neighborhood – 18 Sep 2009
- Loud protest against proposed Phoenix Mormon temple – 23 Nov 2009
- City council OKs addition to Phoenix LDS temple – 31 Dec 2009
- Residents oppose LDS temple, challenge city council’s ruling – 31 Dec 2009
- Phoenix Mormon temple foes claim enough signatures to overturn council action – 31 Dec 2009
- LDS Church agrees to lower temple height, raise spire – 18 Aug 2010
And this isn’t an isolated incident. It just happens to be the one occurring near where I live right now. This is a regular occurrence whenever the LDS church decides to build a temple. The Boston temple was dedicated in October of 2000 but did not get its steeple until September 2001 because of controversy.
It’s at least a different perspective to think about things.
I am an educator and PhD. I quilt, belly dance, run, read, and try to grow things. I am a Mormon. I am infertile. I am a daughter, sister, aunt, grand-daughter, friend, wife, and mom.
Brett L. Dennis
Mama g
Giggles
AmandaStretch
Here’s an article that explains what the “at” in the “Mosque at Ground Zero” means. Just how far is the “Ground Zero Mosque” from Ground Zero? It means a few blocks away and not in view of Ground Zero.
When I read the article I thought of all the hoops different cities make the church jump through when they want to build a temple too.
I’m getting really tired of this debate, for exactly some of the same reasons you’ve pointed out. I even had to get on my grandparents’ case for something they forwarded about it. It makes me really sad when people, especially those who are part of a religion that was once persecuted and driven away time after time, and are still not always respected, turn around and do the same things to people of other faiths.
I don’t often get involved in political debates, but this one is hitting too close to home.