Box 17291, Stamford CT 06907
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MEDIA ADVISORY - For August 24, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Kate Heichler, 203-415-1962 or kateheichler@gmail.com
Mark Lingle, 203-570-6226, marklingle.pastor@gmail.com
WHAT: Interfaith Prayer Vigil in support of Muslim communities in Fairfield County.
WHEN: Tuesday, August 24th, 6:30 p.m.
WHERE: Grounds of First Congregational Church
1 Walton Place at Bedford Street, Stamford
WHO: InterFaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut; Christian, Muslim and Jewish
communities
WHY: Tension and rhetoric has been increasing over the basic and peaceful religious practice of Muslims in Bridgeport, whose worship service was protested by a group of Christian fundamentalists on August 6th. (See press coverage, including the Connecticut Post http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Angry-protesters-descend-on-mosque-606515.php). At the same time, other events - the obstacles to building a mosque on Fillow Street in Norwalk; with the controversy growing over the Cordoba Initiative's efforts to build a Muslim community center near Ground Zero (Muslim Community Center near Ground Zero) are calling our attention to the fact that our Muslim brothers and sisters in Stamford feel threatened and isolated.
The InterFaith Council has a long history of tolerance and support for the diverse religious expressions found within the communities of southwestern Fairfield County, and seek to build understanding among the various traditions. Its president, the Rev. Kate Heichler says, "The recent actions by a Christian fundamentalist group against the Masjid An-Noor mosque in Bridgeport compel us take a public stand against religious intolerance and hatred here in Fairfield County, in New York City, and wherever it rears its head."
All are welcome to gather peacefully with members of our Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Sikh communities - and people of other religions who choose to join in - to lift voices in prayer for peace, respect and collaborative ministry in the Stamford area and Southwestern Connecticut. For more information contact Kate Heichler (kateheichler@gmail.com) or Mark Lingle (marklingle.pastor@gmail.com).
Peace,
Mark Lingle
Vice-President, InterFaith Council of Southwestern Connecticut
