Facts and Resources on Park51

The controversy surrounding the proposed Muslim community center to be built in Lower Manhattan has taken on national proportions. As concerned individuals, Intersections encourages everyone to hear the facts about the center and its planners, and to have their opinions heard. Listen to Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf directly, as he talks about the need for the Cordoba House project and his hope to promote interfaith understanding. Write to your elected officials at ChangeTheStory.net to express your opinion on this issue. Below are a handful of initiatives that have recently launched by various partners and friends of Intersections that work to promote understanding about the Park51 project and the Islamic faith. Don't let harmful media stereotypes dictate the terms of this debate. Explore these resources and decide for yourself.

Ground Zero Dialogue

"The controversy continues around the planned Community Center at Park 51 in Lower Manhattan, or what is often incorrectly referred to as the “Ground Zero Mosque. ”  Here at Unity Productions Foundation we would like to elevate the conversation and promote civil, informed discourse around some of the broader questions – What did the 9/11 tragedy feel like to American Muslims? What is the story behind the interfaith group in New Jersey that helped build a mosque?  What do Muslims worldwide really believe about terrorism?  What are the aspirations of American Muslims?" watch the films >>

New York Neighbors for American Values

"As Americans and as New Yorkers we are stronger when we work together. New York Neighbors for American Values embraces the American constitutional values of religious freedom, diversity, and equality. We stand together and rebuff the crude stereotypes meant to frighten and divide us.

New York Neighbors for American Values is proud to include Muslim-American community members and institutions in our community, as we do all communities working to strengthen the fabric of our vibrant city. We reject the idea that any neighborhood in our great City is off-limits to any particular community. We welcome the effort of Muslim New Yorkers to build institutions that serve their communities and our diverse City." sign the petition >>

Religious Freedom USA

"America is still grieving from the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. As a nation, we have found many healthy outlets for our profound sense of loss. Yet on more than one occasion, the grief that Americans have experienced has been channeled into anger against individual religious communities. From the desecration of mosques to physical violence against Sikhs and Hindus, to anti-Semitic language and finger-pointing at Christians, religious and secular communities alike have borne the brunt of this profound hurt." take action >>

War on Prayer

"We the undersigned call on believers of all faiths to join us in denouncing the dangerous 'War on Prayer' being waged in America.<

The War on Prayer is a war against me, against my house of worship, and against my community of faith.

The faithful are no strangers to religious persecution. We recognize the request to build a place of worship “here” but not “there” as a breach of a fundamental American principle: in America, we don't tell anyone where they can and cannot pray." sign on today >>