The media have reported the difficulty a group of Muslims have encountered in establishing a mosque in Palos Heights.
South and southwest-area residents have been developing relationships with their Muslim neighbors for many years. Christians and Muslims are involved in thousands of daily activities at work and at play.
Recently Cardinal Francis George explained that Jews, Muslims and Christians share a belief in “one God of Abraham.”
The increasing numbers of Muslims living in the Chicago area are bringing about an understanding of this heritage and with it a Christian enthusiasm for obtaining more accurate knowledge of our Muslim brethren.
Many of those who oppose the mosque are engaged in rumor and myth-making, appealing to community fears. It is alleged the Christian way of life will be harmed.
Fortunately religious, community and political leaders have not agreed with these voices in the community, which are lacking in the true spirit of Christian love.
I hope voices of reason will prevail to obtain a solution that will serve the welfare of the residents of Palos Heights, Illinois and all of the descendants of Abraham, Christian and Jew as well as Muslim, living together in the Chicago area.
