Staten Island SI Advance Articles on Mosque and Community Center in Midland Beach and July Prayer Vigil

Clergy Response to the animosity surrounding sale of a long unused convent to Muslim American Society on Staten Island:
http://www.silive.com/eastshore/index.ssf/2010/06/feds_stonewall_mcmahon_on_mas.html


Clergy Response to Violence on Staten Island and support of I Am Staten Island campaign:
http://www.silive.com/northshore/index.ssf/2010/07/islanders_take_a_stand_against.html

Prayer Vigil, July 29, 2010

We are Staten Island clergy, religious leaders and members joining as one body this evening to offer our prayers for healing, strength, and a spirit of community renewal.
We all are Staten Island and we say that this violent spring and summer must end. The ten Latino men beaten since last April are Staten Island and each of their attackers is also Staten Island. The Russian woman beaten in Grasmere. The African American youth beaten in South Beach. The gay couple, Luis and Richard Vieira, attacked on this site several weeks ago are Staten Island and so are the people that attacked them. Though we have different beliefs, cultures and customs in our respective religions, we stand united that targeted violence against anyone is unacceptable and we are committed to make Staten Island a place where all people are safe and welcome.
Each of our diverse faith communities are Staten Island . Each religion teaches that we are all members of one human family that should strive to understand one another and treat one another with dignity and respect.
As Staten Islanders, we affirm that violence against anyone because of the color of their skin is unacceptable. Beating someone because they come from another country to work and care for their families cannot be tolerated. Violence based on someone practicing a different religion is a breach of the holy books and teachings of each religion. As faith leaders, we do not condone religious violence. Targeting people for violence because of their sexual orientation or identity is contrary to the teachings of our religions and cannot be tolerated. Antagonizing those living in poverty or the homeless has no place on Staten Island.
We all are Staten Island and we have a responsibility to build bridges of unity, tolerance and respect, “BE” the example to our children who are the future of Staten Island that these values can be lived in peace, harmony & unity. On this sacred ground where violence once occurred, we bring a united spirit of hope and courage, we bring compassion, steadfast love, we bring our prayers and our commitment to foster greater understanding of one another and to foster peace.