Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for ALL people — without exception. We reject protests against houses of worship.
Regarding the planned Staten Island/Midland Island mosque, the Archdiocese of New York has withdrawn support for the sale of a former convent building for a new mosque. The mosque was vehemently protested by local individuals and leaders of the Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) group, involved with other mosque protests, and some of whose supporters have recently called for the criminalization of Islam, and have promoted a “Burn a Koran Day.”
Protesters of the Staten Island planned mosque packed a public hearing on June 9, 2010 where they shouted at the planners of the mosque. Some of the protesters had to be led away by police.
Staten Island Mosque Stopped - Images of Protests (Photo 1: NYT, Photo 2 WCBS)
Stop Islamization of America (SIOA) Executive Director Pamela Geller stated in response to the Archdiocese of New York’s decision: “SIOA Executive Director Pamela Geller said in a statement: ‘Congratulations to all the free citizens of Staten Island who stood against this extremist mosque project despite official indifference and harsh criticism from the mainstream media. This is now a textbook case on how to fight extremists.'” “SIOA has published a practical guide for activists who wish to fight against terror-linked and extremist mosques in their localities, and is in the process of expanding this guide. The church’s decision today demonstrates that such activism can be successful.”
In response to SIOA Executive Director Pamela Geller’s SIOA Facebook posting applauding the decision by the Archdiocese to stop the property sale for the Staten Island mosque, one SIOA supporter replied on the SIOA Facebook:
— “SIOA is mighty and growing stronger every minute. The evil comes out of the mosques, now and in Mohammed’s time. Close and dismantle ALL mosques, mosques have no place in America the Free.”
— Another replies: “One down and so many more to go”
— See SIOA posting screen shot
On Sunday, July 18, 2010, SIOA Executive Director Pamela Geller made yet another appeal for support for the violent extremist group “English Defence League” (EDL) which has been involved in multiple riots, and whose members were recently arrested after throwing bricks at riot police officers during their protest of a potential mosque in Dudley (that had already been canceled.) One of the SIOA supporters has darkly claimed that a group like the violent “English Defence League” is being created in America today.
The recent mosque protests are part of a coast-to-coast campaign against Mosques and Islam throughout America. See Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.)’s recent post: Coast-to-Coast Anti-Islam Movement Results in Protests, Attacks Against Mosques
Responsible for Equality And Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights of freedom of religion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of worship for ALL people — without exception.
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Archdiocese of New York Press Release: Statement on Saint Margaret Mary Parish
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 22, 2010
STATEMENT ON SAINT MARGARET MARY PARISH
Father Keith Fennessy, pastor of Saint Margaret Mary parish on Staten Island, announced in June that after careful consideration he was withdrawing his support for the planned sale of the parish convent to the Muslim American Society.
The trustees of the parish have met, as legally required under New York State law, and voted to ratify the pastor’s decision.
The Muslim American Society has been informed that the sale of the convent will not take place.
The Archdiocese of New York has enjoyed a good relationship with the Islamic community in the past, and looks forward to continued dialogue, friendship, and understanding in the future.
It is also our prayer that unity will now return to the parish and to the Midland Beach community.
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In response to SIOA Executive Director Pamela Geller’s SIOA Facebook posting applauding the decision by the Archdiocese to stop the property sale for the Staten Island mosque, one SIOA supporter replied on the SIOA Facebook:
— “SIOA is mighty and growing stronger every minute. The evil comes out of the mosques, now and in Mohammed’s time. Close and dismantle ALL mosques, mosques have no place in America the Free.”
— Another replies: “One down and so many more to go”
— See SIOA posting screen shot
Screenshot of SIOA Facebook Leader and Supporters Comments on Decision to Stop Building Sale for Staten Island Mosque
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Responsible for Equality and Liberty (R.E.A.L.) supports our universal human rights to freedom of religion, freedom of worship, and freedom of conscience for all people of all faiths. Article 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights states that “Everyone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance.”
