Quote:
Originally Posted by zeitgeist
Im okay with a mosque being built there, but a better alternative would be to build a center where multiple faiths can do their own services and praying but at the same time can host events where all the faiths come together and communicate with one another showing some kind of unification.
Makes sense to me
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That is exactly what it is. It is no different then a Jewish Community Center, or any community center which allows churches to hold services within them. The only reason this made any news is because "brown" people with money are scary
"According to an outside consultant working directly with Park 51, who agreed to speak about the project on the condition of anonymity, if built, Park 51 (a non-profit facility) would cover 150,000 square feet and stand approximately 13 to 15 stories high. The space would be divided into a prayer space for Muslims and include meeting spaces, meditation rooms, a memorial dedicated to 9/11, a spa, basketball court, swimming pool, auditorium, and classrooms offering everything from digital photography to language classes, all open to the public. The entire facility would also be green and include a garden.
“This project is being planned very professionally and seriously,” the source said. “Everything is legit and transparent. We've sought senior staff at the 92nd St. Y and the JCC to get advice on how to delegate various tasks.”
According to the source, discussion groups were held with New Yorkers of different backgrounds, faiths, cultures and races. They were asked what they wanted and what the city needed, and the answer was the same –- a community center that could service Lower Manhattan.
“This space is going to be available to the public for lease,” the source said. “If a Jewish group wants to have an event, they can come in and borrow the space. We're looking to fill the needs of the community."