Atlanta Interfaith Group Supports NY Islamic Center

By Shomial Ahmad

Atlanta, GA – The New York Times released a poll showing that two-thirds of New York City residents want the planned Islamic Center near ground zero to be relocated. But one of Atlanta's largest interfaith groups decided this week to support the building of the Islamic Center as planned. WABE's Shomial Ahmad reports.

The Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta is a coalition of around 200 congregations. Jews, Muslims, Christians, Hindus and Buddhists are part of the alliance. Reverend Jill Ulrici is the group's president. She says the board unanimously decided to support the planned Islamic Center near ground zero, at its current location.

"Everybody on the board is committed to building bridges between the faiths. We're also committed to religious expression of every faith. And that's really what, politically, our country was founded on that-- on people wanting to have religious freedom."

Ulrici says the group wanted to address the issue for two reasons: because of the controversy and the current backlash against Muslims, such as an arson fire at the site of a future mosque in Murfreesboro, TN. She says the alliance was founded in the aftermath of 9/11 to promote religious understanding.

"The faith community needs to be a voice of tolerance and just compassion and courage about this. And I think we should speak up, so we are going to encourage our faith groups to do that."

Ulrici says the group plans to submit an op-ed, detailing its stance.