MEDIA ADVISORY
For Release 8:00 AM EDT
Monday, September 9, 2019
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan — Monday, September 9, 2019 — The Muslim Unity Center of Bloomfield Hills issues the following official statement in response to the planned anti-Muslim event on 9/11.
We are disappointed by the news that our neighbors from the Baptist Church would be willing to host an event that clearly misrepresents the facts about Islam and Muslims. We hope the congregation reconsiders participating in this event and we seek future opportunities to learn about one another’s faith traditions through positive engagement and dialogue.
The Muslim Unity Center is thankful to the many political leaders who have expressed their support for the Muslim community and reminded us of our shared American values, such as freedom of religion, in light of this event. Specifically, we would like to thank Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, Congressman Andy Levin, Congresswoman Haley Stevens, State Reps Abdullah Hammoud and Mari Manoogian for their statements condemning hate.
Our mosque in Bloomfield Hills has always valued its relationships with neighboring congregations from all faith traditions. Over the years we have benefited from overwhelming support from the interfaith community, including the Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit, Interfaith Religious Freedom Council, United Methodist Church, Christ Church Cranbrook, Temple Beth El, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, St. Hugo of the Hills, Basilica of St. Mary, Kirk in the Hills, Temple Israel, Spirit of Grace, and Pine Hill Congregational Church, and among many others.
We are reminded of a passage in the Qur’an, in the chapter Fussilat, 41:33-35:
“Who speaks better than someone who calls people to God, does what is right, and says, ‘I am one of those devoted to God’? Good and evil cannot be equal. [Prophet], repel evil with what is better and your enemy will become as close as an old and valued friend, but only those who are steadfast in patience, only those who are blessed with great righteousness, will attain to such goodness.”
In keeping with our values as Muslims, we invite our neighbors from all backgrounds to join us on Wednesday, September 11, 2019 from 7:00-8:00 PM at the Muslim Unity Center of Bloomfield Hills (1830 W. Square Lake Rd., Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302). We will be hosting a “Care & Share Food Drive” to collect non-perishable and canned food donations to benefit the HOPE Warming Center in Pontiac. Please join us as we respond to hate with love.
For more information, press only:
Patrick Cates
(248) 270-7275
unitycenterpatrick@gmail.com
For more information on the Care & Share program: www.muslimunitycenter.org
