Do Not Be Afraid

I just read a letter written by the Right Reverend Mark Sisk, Bishop of New York, concerning the controversy over the plans to build an Islamic Center in lower Manhattan, a few blocks from ground zero. Having been deeply troubled by the ugly and hate-filled accusations that have been made, I want to quote some of Bishop Sisk's letter here. He writes thoughtfully, faithfully, and personally about this religious and cultural struggle (to read the entire letter, click here).

"The plan to build this center is, without doubt, an emotionally highly-charged issue. But as a nation with tolerance and religious freedom at its very foundation, we must not let our emotions lead us into the error of persecuting or condemning an entire religion for the sins of its most misguided adherents.

"The worldwide Islamic community is no more inclined to violence that any other. Within it, however, a struggle is going on – between the majority who seek to follow a moderate, loving religion and the few who would transform it into an intolerant theocracy intent on persecuting anyone, Muslim or otherwise, with whom they disagree. We should all, as Christians, reach out in friendship and love to the peaceful Islamic majority and do all in our power to build and strengthen bridges between our faiths."

He states well what I believe is our responsibility as both Americans and Christians. We live in a country that consciously and intentionally support religious freedom, meaning people have the freedom to express their faith in God in ways far different from our own. Christians in the United States have enjoyed this freedom for centuries. Without that freedom we would not have the rich diversity of faith that strengthens and broadens our worldview. If we don't share that freedom with others, we deny a core value of our nation as well as a core belief of our faith: that God is the creator and sustainer of all creation, including of those who are not like us.

Isn't this entire controversy really an expression of a deep, existential fear, a fear that has been living within us since September 11, 2001 (if not before)? Will we let fear dictate our thoughts and actions? Will we let fear determine those we decide to include and those we decide to exclude? If we do, are we not simply giving the "victory" to the terrorists? If we deny the Islamic Center's right to exist, haven't the terrorists won?

"Do not be afraid," Jesus said (several times). Perhaps we should let Jesus' peace and love dictate our thoughts and actions. Don't you think he would reach out to the Islamic community instead of pushing it away?