Jewish, evangelical and Catholic speakers, some with backgrounds in national security and interfaith relations, called the controversy over plans to build an Islamic community center and mosque a few blocks from ground zero in New York "contrived" and likely to help those who would recruit potential terrorists.

"The individuals and organizations who are contriving this controversy seem to will that (a war with Islam) will come into existence," said Andrew Bacevich, a retired Army officer and professor of international relations at Boston University, in a Sept. 1 teleconference organized by the group Faith in Public Life. "It is absolutely imperative that we act together to deny them this."

Meanwhile, in an interview with the Wall Street Journal the same day, New York Archbishop Timothy M. Dolan said he was working with Jewish and Muslim religious leaders to identify clerics and laypeople to invite to interreligious discussions to work out conflicts as they occur.

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1. Larry Morse wrote: Contrived? Contrived? A conspiracy of the ignorant,is it, caught and prevented by the enlightened and educated? Once again, the left wing demonstrates that it is simply not connected to the real world. But this is worse than mere supercilious arrogance, although it is all of that. L September 2, 4:09 pm | [comment link]

2. robroy wrote: There was a letter from “evangelicals” supporting the GZM. Of course, it was the usual suspects: Jim Wallis, Brian McLaren, TD Jakes, etc. September 2, 5:14 pm | [comment link]

3. Pb wrote: After endless dialogue the mosque will be built. I watched a BBC interview with a Muslim leader who had toured the USA for a year. He thought the mosque was insensitive and should not be built as planned. The reporter pressed in and asked if it Muslims felt marginalized and he said everyone in the USA felt that way. I loved it. September 2, 5:33 pm | [comment link]

4. Cennydd13 wrote: Pb, I wouldn’t bet on the mosque being built, and here’s why:  Most of the members of the construction trade unions…..about 99% of them…...either had relatives killed in the 9/11 attacks…...or are patriotic Americans who saw this as an act of war.  For proof, I’d suggest you check with the union locals in New York City and the surrounding area. September 3, 6:13 pm | [comment link]

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