Saturday, May 17, 2008

PRESBYTERIANS AID VICTIMS OF MOSQUE BURNING IN TENNESSEE

Presbyterian News Service offers this report revealing real interfaith understanding and cooperation:

COLUMBIA, TN — When an Islamic mosque was burned to the ground in what was classified as a hate crime, First Presbyterian Church — part of Middle Tennessee Presbytery [ www.presbyterymidtn.org ] — reached out.

Within 24 hours, Pastor Bill Williamson called a session meeting at which a $500 donation was given to the mosque (later swelled to $2,000 by concerned church members) along with an invitation to gather for worship at First Church while the mosque was rebuilt. So for several weeks now, the Islamic congregation has gathered for Friday prayers at First Church.

“This terrible event does certainly not reflect the spirit of tolerance in our community,” Williamson said. “We have felt that it is important to extend hospitality in the name of Christ to these who have been through such a terrible experience.”

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