Planned Sign Of Tolerance Bringing Division Instead

July 13, 2010

Author: Javier Hernandez

Source: The New York Times

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/14/nyregion/14center.html?_r=1&ref=religion_and_belief

The Cordoba House was supposed to be a monument to religious tolerance, an homage to the city in Spain where Muslims, Jews, and Christians lived together centuries ago in the midst of religious foment.

Its 15 stories, home to a Muslim community center and a mosque, would rise two blocks from the pit of dust and cranes where the twin towers once stood, a symbol of the resilience of the American melting pot, its supporters said.

But instead of inspiring mutual respect, the center has opened deep divisions marked by vitriolic commentary, pitting Muslims against Christians, Tea Partiers against staunch liberals, and Sept. 11 families against one another.