A Mosque in Palos Heights

Mayor Dean Koldenhoven didn’t have much experience as a politician when he first heard about the mosque coming to Palos Heights, Illinois. He did not know much about the Al Salam Mosque Foundation community or their religious tradition, or why the residents of Palos Heights seemed to be so angry and afraid. He did know that his own tradition taught him to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Koldenhoven, a down- to-earth former bricklayer, knew that he needed more information—and the help of local pastors. At the time, Palos Heights had eleven houses of worship: all of them Christian churches. With a petition making the rounds, it became clear that most in his small Illinois town opposed the sale of the church to a Muslim organization. 

What resources might be helpful to him as he navigates this controversy? How might he address the fear and anger? Is it appropriate for him to engage the town’s pastors? What is at stake for Mayor Koldenhoven, and for the citizens of Palos Heights—including its Muslim citizens?

The complete, updated case is included in the volume Pluralism in Practice.