Mosque's open house is a start

Editorial by John Penny, November 18, 2010

They came together Sunday afternoon — Muslims, Jews, Catholics, Lutherans, Presbyterians, Hindus and people of other faiths — ready to confront an enormous challenge, but one this country can, and must, overcome.

They sought a better understanding about their respective religions, yes, but also to speak out about the pervasive anti-Muslim sentiment that has swept the country.

And they did that, and much more, at the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association's open house, at a mosque in the Town of Wappinger.

For those who have never been in a mosque, it had to be educational. For anyone hoping to see the level of civility and public discourse raised in this country, it had to be uplifting.

There they were, this panel of mostly religious leaders and a crowd of approximately 200, searching for ways to go forward. Members of the Islamic Association were clearly appreciative: They had to unfold dozens more chairs at the last minute, overwhelmed by the large turnout.

Those in attendance heard from representatives of the Dutchess Interfaith Council and religious leaders of various faiths. Their messages carried universal themes of tolerance — and of the undeniable belief that people of different faiths must learn to coexist.

They debunked myths and misconceptions. Yes, tensions have risen over the question of whether a mosque should be built near Ground Zero, and all sides should be heard. But, surely, stereotypes shouldn't be perpetuated in the process.

In the war on terrorism, the battle isn't between Muslims and non-Muslims. It's between radical forces of Islam that have corrupted aspects of their religion, as other religions have witnessed their religions corrupted from time to time over the centuries.

The media, too, took their share of criticism for giving too much exposure to extremists, such as the Rev. Terry Jones, who was threatening to burn copies of the Muslim holy book, the Quran, on the anniversary of 9/11.

Yet it also is true that, in a free society, all groups have a right to be heard, and moderate Muslims must speak up as well.

It's imperative they find a receptive audience when they do. It has been said that if radical Islam is the problem, moderate Islam is the solution.

Reprehensibly, though, segments of our society don't recognize the difference, don't see the distinction and, thus, are making it harder for Muslims to say anything that would call attention to themselves. Many are new, legal immigrants from a variety of countries still trying to establish roots here, amid the backdrop of the war on terrorism and in the aftermath of 9/11. Yet, ironically, Muslims have been in the United States for more than 200 years — millions live here today, thousands serve loyally in the U.S. armed forces.

Members of the Mid-Hudson Islamic Association include people we know and see every day: health-care practitioners and administrators, educators, financial planners, laborers, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters.

On Sunday, at their mosque, they welcomed and embraced a community wishing to show their support — and to learn more about the Muslim faith.

It was a poignant way forward, for certain.

Interfaith gatherings allow us to see our similarities

By Dugan Radwin • November 20, 2010

It's rare that an imam, a rabbi and Christian priests of various denominations are in the same room together. But last Sunday, they and other religious leaders gathered at Masjid Al-Noor mosque in Wappingers Falls for an open house and interfaith meeting. Attending the event made me realize that however these groups differ, they also have a lot in common — and how critical the dialogue between them is.

I had never been to a mosque before and wasn't sure what to expect. I knew I would have to take off my shoes before entering — so it was no surprise to see they had shelves for the shoes outside the main entrance. Though it felt a little strange walking around in stocking feet, it seemed to bring the diverse group together in some way.

After a question-and-answer session for the nearly 200 visitors with the imam in the mosque's main prayer room, the women left the men and went upstairs for a prayer — inviting female visitors to come with them. I followed them to an area situated like a balcony above the main prayer room where the men remained below. Standing with the other visitors, I watched as the women stood side-by-side and knelt in response to words called out by the imam.

Then the panel of speakers and visitors gathered in the mosque's basement. Crayon-colored pictures of religious lessons taped on some of the walls made it clear it was an area used to educate children. In that respect, it reminded me of the basement in the church where I had attended Sunday school.

The speakers included a young Muslim woman who described growing up in the Midwest, where there were very few people of her background, but she had nevertheless felt accepted by the community — as she also had at the Catholic high school and college she attended. Yet since Sept. 11, she said the shift in sentiments made her concerned about the future of Muslim integration in America.

Speakers from the Christian and Jewish religions said they could relate to the difficulties faced by the Muslim community because their people had faced similar opposition at various points, whether it was prejudice against Catholic immigrants or anti-Semitism.

Eventually, the visitors were invited to partake of an impressive spread of Middle Eastern snacks. One thing that quickly bridges the gap between diverse groups is sharing good food, and it was inspiring to watch everyone mingling.

Aside from open-house events like this one, which will be repeated at other houses of worship in the months ahead, the Dutchess County Interfaith Council also holds story circles to bring people together. Hopefully, more activities like these will continue helping to overcome prejudice and misunderstanding in our nation and community.

Thursday evening my wife, MaryLou and I were privileged to attend the 17^th Annual Evening by the Hudson to benefit Hudson River Housing. This event is always an enjoyable way to spend an evening with good food, drink, friends and fellowship.  And this year was no exception.  During the evening we were treated to several beautiful music selections performed by the Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha Youth Choir, directed by Mrs Nina Ricci. The featured speaker was Francis Adams, a young man who came to America from his home in Africa when he was a boy. Francis lived with his adopted father in Hyde Park and attended Roosevelt High School until his father tragically passed away. Francis was left homeless with no one to turn to until he found River Haven shelter. They provided him with a new home and encouraged him to further his education. He attended Dutchess Community College and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in biology.  At present, Francis is preparing to enter premed school. He is truly a testimony to the fine work of everyone at Hudson River Housing

Friday evening, Vassar College was the setting for a wonderful night of music sponsored by the Vassar Haiti Project and presented by Les Petits Chanteurs, a 30 voice boy’s choir from the Holy Trinity Music School in Port au Prince, Haiti. The school, which provides music training to over 1000 Haitian children, was totally destroyed by the earthquake. We were uplifted by the outstanding music performed by these young men and inspired by the courage and human spirit to rise above the tragedy in their homeland. Thank you to Andrew and Lila Meade the co founders of the VHP for arranging this beautiful event.

Saturday morning, up bright and early and on my way to the World Peace Sanctuary in Wassaic, NY for the   annual Peace Prayer Day dedicated to offering prayers for peace among all peoples.  The event begins with prayers for the tribes of Native Americans, followed by the 50 states and ending with all the other nations of the world.  Our own Board President, Theresa Giovanniello carried the flag of Pakistan during the Flag ceremony. In addition we were treated to music from many countries as well as traditional Japanese, Nepalese and Hawaiian dancers. The finale of the afternoon, which truly touched everyone, was the release of hundreds of Monarch butterflies; American Indians believe if you make a wish and then release a butterfly it will take your wish to God. Many thanks to Theresa for joining me at the DCIC table from 11 AM until 4 PM.

In reflecting back over these days, I give thanks to God for the many blessings he has provided and for allowing me the opportunities to be at this place in my life. It is only through His goodness that I am able to enjoy these wonderful experiences.