Rally for Freedom and Respect for All Religions

Saturday, September 11, 2010, 4:00 PM, John Dam Plaza

Organized by World Citizens for Peace and the Tri-Cities Islamic Center.

Some 200 people turned out for a special Gathering for Freedom and Respect for All Religions in Richland's John Dam Plaza on Saturday, September 11, 2010 -- the ninth anniversary of 9/11. Following a moment of silence for the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, prayers were offered by representatives from 10 different faith traditions in our community -- Baha'i, Buddhist, Christian, Jewish, Mormon, Muslim, Religious Science,Sikh, Unitarian and those Unaffiliated with any organized religion.

In addition to songs -- "America the Beautiful" and "We Shall Overcome" -- and brief readings that spoke to the theme of the occasion, a remarkable address was given by Zahra Khan, a young Muslim woman who teaches in the Pasco alternative school.

Her videotaped talk can be viewed at: http://vimeo.com/14908946

This event was stimulated by   the action of a fundamentalist minister in Gainesville, Florida, who planned to burn some 200 copies of  the Islamic holy book, the Qur’an (Koran) in a bonfire to commemorate 9/11. Mr. Terry Jones, who founded the innocently named Dove World Outreach Center in Florida, leads a small group that believes “Islam is of the devil.” He invited those who believe the same to gather at his church for what he called “International Burn a Koran Day.”

The reason Mr. Jones had given for his belief is that Islam does not consider Jesus to be the son of God. Neither does Judaism. So, to be consistent, Mr. Jones also would have to burn copies of the Torah, as the Nazis did 72 years earlier.

We gathered to preach a contrary message, one that respects as brothers and sisters members of all faith traditions, including those who are not affiliated with any organized faith.

For further information, see: http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2010/August/Christian-Jewish-Group-Condemn-Koran-Burning-Day/