September 11th Memorial Events
and
events/news about anti-Muslim concerns

September 11^th Memorial Service
and Dedication of "Peace Garden" in memory of the innocent victims
LOCATION:  Islamic Center of Long Island
DATE:  Saturday, September 11, 2010
TIME:  1:00 PM
Click here for flyer with further details
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PARK 51 DIALOGUE AND FILM SCREENING
Date: Sunday, September 12, 2010, 6:30pm-9:00pm
Location: Park 51, 51 Park Place, New York, NY

You are cordially invited to a special bridge-building dialogue and film screening at Park 51 this Sunday September 12th from 6:30 - 9:00 pm. The goal of this event is to offer a constructive way for New Yorkers of diverse faiths and backgrounds to come together for an enriching educational experience, to learn about their Muslim neighbors, and to reflect on the bigger picture. We will hear from members of Park 51, Unity Productions Foundation, and Monem Salam, the main subject of the film, On a Wing and a Prayer: An American Muslim Learns to Fly. The New York Times had this to say about the film: "If there’s any justice in the world, On a Wing and a Prayer will not only increase understanding of Muslim values, it will also drum up some business for Bellingham Aero...” Following the screening, we will break into discussion groups to give all participants an opportunity to discuss a broad range of topics such as stereotyping, faith, identity, and following your dreams in America. Come to commit to acting in ways that affirm our American creed: E Plurbis Unum (Out of Many, One). Please RSVP here. To learn about leading a discussion group or volunteering, please contact Daniel Tutt at outreach@upf.tv or via phone at (202) 298-8088.
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In response to heated opposition to (A) the building of mosques across the nation, including near Ground Zero in Manhattan, and (B) a Florida pastor's planned Koran burning on September 11^th, numerous religious leaders have met in Washington DC with Attorney General Holder and have spoken out on various television news programs.

When Welton appeared on MSNMC's Rachel Maddow Show, he proclaimed that Koran burning is "neither a patriotic act nor a religious act."

Welton appeared on CNN American Morning with Farhana Khera of Muslim Advocates where he reported that Attorney General Holder said that today's crisis of religious diversity "may be the civil rights issue for our generation."

Welton was also one of many religious leaders speaking at a Sept. 7^th press conference at the National Press Club.  Ingrid Mattson, President of the Islamic Center of North America, began the conference by thanking the various faith leaders for their support. The purpose of the press conference was to report on the leaders' discussion of the alarming rise of anti-Muslim bigotry in America.  She expressed hope that America would once again live up to the promise of religious tolerance so clearly spelled out in our Constitution.

Welton, who spoke at 38:30 of the video,noted that we need to teach our children that: (1) hate is neither a religious nor a democratic value; (2) diversity is a value we can benefit from; and (3) the First Amendment to our Constitution is the "best friend of religion" since it lets religions thrive without establishing one religion over another.

Click here to view videos of these interviews:
(1) Rachel Maddow; (2) CNN American Morning; (3) Press Conference
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Religious Freedom /Muslims

DATE: Wednesday, September 15th
TIME: 12:30: Business Meeting – Reports from various issue-oriented committees.
TIME:  2:00:  Lecture: RELIGIOUS FREEDOM: IT'S ORIGINS AND HOW IT APPLIES TO MUSLIMS IN AMERICA
LOCATION:  Unitarian Universalist Congregation
     48 Shelter Rock Road, Manhasset, NY 11030
     (Between L.I. Expressway and Route 25A
     For directions, go to http://www.uucsr.org/find.asp
SPEAKER: Bob Nuxoll, member of TIA-LI & UUCSR
SPONSORED BY: Reach Out America
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End of Life Issues: Ethical and Religious Perspectives