EDITORIAL: Interfaith vigil on Sept. 11 designed to get different religions interacting, sharing
Organizers of an interfaith candlelight vigil are calling on those from all local religious faiths to come to a Sept. 11 memorial to promote peace. This couldn’t be more prescient, given the highly charged fury against certain religions that has been fueling much American debate of late.
Much discord has been especially directed toward Muslims. Opposition to a proposed Islamic center and mosque near ground zero in New York City where the Twin Towers were felled seems to have released an outpouring of hatred.
So we’re especially heartened to learn the president of the Islamic Center of Waco is inviting folks to his house of worship for a moment of peace and religious sharing to properly commemorate the ninth anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, D.C.
Local civic leader Al Saddiq has invited Christians, Muslims, Baha’is and Jews to the 7 p.m. vigil at 2725 Benton Drive. He also has invited several religious leaders to speak.
Saddiq says the more folks know about one another’s religion, the more they tend to tolerate one another and show compassion for all. We sure could use some compassion and understanding. America was built upon different perspectives and different backgrounds.
“It’s always a good idea to try to understand other people in the name of humanity,” Saddiq, ex-president of the Greater Waco Interfaith Conference, told us. His center has 200 members. He says the Muslim religion stresses peace and love and has no place for radicals like those behind the horrific 2001 attacks.
Saddiq, a Pakistani immigrant, served six years in the U.S. Army and says he’s proud to be an American. And why not? Being an American is something that should transcend all religious barriers.
MORE IN EDITORIALS »
Magazine
New issue!
- Check out June's issue
- Summer swimwear, great teachers, El Conquistador & more
- Link: View the magazine as a virtual flipbook
In My Opinion
Most Read
Buddy Skeen's legal issues loom over McLennan County tax assessor election
Woman stabbed multiple times in downtown Waco
Mike Copeland: Eateries come, go in Waco
Conn's and Freebirds nearing Waco openings
Sheriff candidate Plemons had day in court over debt
Home sellers cautioned to hide medicines
Man doubts ruling, calling brother's death homicide
Buy, sell & more
Waco marketplace
- Boocoo auctions: Sell your stuff!
- WacoTribCars.com
- Jobs: Waco listings
- Real estate: Waco listings
- Buy & sell merchandise
- Classified ads for Waco
