Waukesha County (Wisconsin) interfaith organization: Do not fear proposed mosque

The controversy surrounding the proposed Brookfield, Wisconsin mosque stems from misinformation and fear, resulting in preventable community conflict, in my opinion. Some comments uttered at the Waukesha County Anti-Islam Rally and mosque-related meetings over the past few months have been disconcerting, to say the least. So I was happy to learn that, according to Lisa Sink of Brookfield Patch, local religious leaders of various faiths united on Saturday at the site of the proposed mosque in an attempt to educate residents and quell fears.

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Pewaukee Rev. Jim Stein, pastor of Church of the Resurrection had this to say:

“(We’re here) to support our Muslim brothers and sisters in their endeavor to build a house of worship here and to express our friendship with them and to assure the community that there is nothing to fear in their plans for a mosque on this site,” Stein said.

Amy Becker, also a pastor at Church of the Resurrection, added:

“One of the things that (the confirmation students) kept saying is that we realized how alike we are,” Becker said. “So we need this mosque to be built here so we can have this dialog and this conversation, so we can continue to see how we are a part of the same family.”

Rev. Stein read a letter from Jewish leader who was unable to physically attend the gathering:

“The Jewish community looks forward to formally welcoming our Muslim brothers and sisters to the area, and knows that there will be great opportunities to learn, pray and grow together. All of God’s children deserve the chance to worship according to their faith and to live in peace. Our prayers and best wishes are with you.”