Civic

Palos Heights, Chicago: Controversy over Sale of Church to Muslims

July 20, 2000

Source: The Associated Press

On July 20, 2000, the Associated Press released an article about how the plan to convert a church into a mosque has divided the mostly Christian Chicago suburb of Palos Heights. Yet even with all the "political sniping and accusations of bigotry, residents seemed a little stunned when a federal mediator stood up at a recent city council meeting with an offer to step in." The council did not immediately accept the offer, but the mayor seemed open to the idea. Some in the small town wish the spotlight had never hit their quiet...

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Palos Heights, Chicago: Controversy over Sale of Church to Muslims

July 19, 2000

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

On July 19, 2000, the Chicago Sun-Times published an article about a group of Muslims in Palos Heights who wish to buy a church and turn it into the city's first mosque, following a promised mayoral veto of a $200,000 offer for the Muslims to walk away from the project. The Al Salam Mosque Foundation plans to buy the "Reformed Church of Palos Heights building for $2.1 Million, even though many residents and some city council members had hoped to acquire the church for a new recreation center." Mayor Dean Koldenhoven vowed to veto...

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Palos Heights, Chicago: Controversy over Sale of Church to Muslims

July 19, 2000

Source: National Public Radio

On July 19, 2000, National Public Radio aired a story entitled "Chicago Suburb Wrestles with Racist Overtones of City Council." The mayor of Palos Heights vetoed the $200,000 offer by the city council, calling it "an insult to Muslims and fiscally irresponsible for the city." Yet the Al Salam Mosque Foundation unexpectedly accepted the city's buyout. Speaking at a press conference, the foundation's attorney, Rouhy Shalabi, said "deciding to accept the money and walk away was a tough decision, but his clients did not want to be in a...

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Farrakhan Plans Million Family March

July 15, 2000

Source: The Washington Post

n July 15, 2000, The Washington Post published an article about Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan's plans for a Million Family March on October 16. Farrakhan "sounded an upbeat message of inclusion...encouraging all ethnic and religious groups, including Jews, to 'come under their own banner.'" To focus attention on what he sees as a breakdown of family values, Farrakhan plans to remarry a million men to their wives at the event and marry 10,000 new couples. "We are all members of the human family, though we are not yet...

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Farrakhan Plans Million Family March

July 15, 2000

Source: The Atlanta Journal and Constitution

On July 15, 2000, The Atlanta Journal and Constitution published an article about Louis Farrakhan's Million Family March. Farrakhan called on families of all races and religions to congregate at the nation's capital on the fifth anniversary of the Million Man March. He "envisions a massive, peaceful parade where people seek common goals while walking under their separate symbols: 'Muslims under the crescent. Christians under the cross. Jews with the Star of David. ... gangs in the cities to come in their...

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Special Prayer for Inmates Worldwide

July 10, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

On July 10, 2000, the Los Angeles Times published an article about Pope John Paul II's July 9th mass as part of "Jubilee in the Prisons of the World." The day was intended to draw attention to the world's prisoners and to call for a "worldwide reduction of jail sentences as a sign of goodwill during the millennial Holy Year." Spiritual messages of healing and forgiveness were delivered by Roman Catholic bishops across the continents as they celebrated Sunday Mass for the incarcerated. The central theme throughout the services...

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Muslim Voter Drive Launched

July 7, 2000

Source: The New Jersey Star-Ledger

On July 7, 2000, The New Jersey Star-Ledger published an article entitled "Muslim group launches voter drive to increase political clout," reporting on the Council on American-Islamic Relations' recent announcement of plans for a national "voter registration drive aimed at bringing thousands of Muslim voters into the electorate and forcing the presidential candidates to heed their concerns."

Colorado to Put "God" Back in Schools

July 7, 2000

Source: The Denver Post

On July 7, 2000, the Denver Post published an article about the recent Colorado State Board of Education decision to encourage schools to display the national motto "In God We Trust," angering many who see the vote as an effort to bring religion into the classroom. The resolution, passed 5-1 by the Board of Education, is non binding, yet it "immediately drew threats of lawsuits from at least one group that says it will sue if any schools actually post the motto." Supporters say that the motto is a part of America's national...

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Free Clinic in California Organized by Buddhist Group

July 3, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

On July 3, 2000, the Los Angeles Times published an article on a new free clinic in Panorama City, California. The Buddhist Tzu-Chi Free Clinic, located on Blythe Street, provides free medical services to members of the community who previously were unable to afford basic medical care such as check-ups and dental visits. Maritza de Artan, director of the Immaculate Heart Community Blythe Street, a community organization, had been aware that many members of her community were unable to receive medical care, and after a "few...

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Dalai Lama Visits Cal State Fullerton

June 29, 2000

Source: Los Angeles Times

On June 29, 2000, the Los Angeles Times published an article about the Dalai Lama's recent visit to Cal State Fullerton. On Wednesday, June 28th, His Holiness the Dalai Lama spoke to more than 1100 people about the values of love and compassion. During the speech entitled "Cherishing Harmony With Diversity: Education in the New Millennium," the spiritual leader emphasized "embracing dialogue, shunning violence and nurturing the concept of community in cities and villages around the globe." His message was a powerful one for...

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Interfaith AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service

June 13, 2000

Source: The Buffalo News

On June 13, 2000, The Buffalo News reported that the 15th annual Interfaith AIDS Candlelight Memorial Service was held at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Buffalo, New York on Monday, June 12th. The centerpiece of the service was the Litany of the Names, which was the reading by five different clergy of more than 150 names of those people who had died of AIDS. The service was attended by more than 200 people, most of whom were friends and relatives of those who had died.

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