July 18, 2012

Earlier this week, MPAC signed a letter with other prominent religious, academic groups and individuals voicing their disbelief that a Murfreesboro, TN, judge has issued a ruling forbidding the congregation of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro from entering its newly completed building. This ruling is an assualt to all Muslims, especially on the eve of the beginning of Ramadan, the holiest month of the year for Muslims. 

SEE: Letter Condemning Judge's Ruling Against Islamic Center of Murfreesboro

In 2010, the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro sought to build a new mosque, where they could worship in peace on their own property. Although it made efforts to reach out to its neighbors, the Muslim congregation was subjected to a campaign of protest and violence, including vandalism, a bomb threat and arson. This was accompanied by a legal campaign in which the congregation’s opponents claimed that Islam was not a religion, but a political movement seeking to impose sharia on the United States.

Now, after many years of hardship, the Muslims of Murfreesboro are seeking permission to use their new building.  

The letter reads, in part: 

"No congregation should have its right of religious liberty curtailed solely because some of its neighbors disapprove of its religious beliefs.

We, the undersigned, represent a diverse array of religious beliefs and have disagreements on a wide variety of theological, political, and social matters. But we are united in supporting the right of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro to gather in peace on their own property for their celebration of Ramadan.  

Finally, we call on all Americans of good will to join us in supporting the religious liberty of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. When the liberty of one faith is abridged, the liberty of all faiths—and all citizens—is threatened. "