Hi everyone,
Consider this scene: Heated debate and staunch criticism of a house of worship planned in New York City.
Now add “some of the most (revolting) exhibitions of religious bigotry known in the United States.”
Sound familiar?
You bet, only it’s not the proposed Islamic center and mosque near ground zero in lower Manhattan.
It’s St. Patrick’s Cathedral circa 1840.
In his 1908 book, “History of St. Patrick’s Cathedral,” the Most Rev. John M. Farley, former Archbishop of New York, recounts “the 150 years of persecution Catholic New Yorkers endured under the Dutch, the English, and initially, even from the newly independent United States.”
Today, St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the most recognizable — and most important — Roman Catholic institution outside of the Vatican. But for decades in New York City, opponents of the church did all they could to prevent its construction.
According to Foley’s book, “From 1835 to 1855, so intense was the opposition to Catholics in this city that frequently the Cathedral and other churches had to be guarded at night by armed parishioners.”
While the latest fight for religious freedom in New York City hasn’t resorted to arms, the temperature of this discussion is no less heated and no less zealous than it was 170 years ago.
The difference now, of course, is the Sept. 11 terrorist attack on the World Trade Center.
More than 2,700 lives were lost that day in New York City, a number that will forever weigh heavy on America’s heart.
At the same time, it is imperative to remember that a handful of religious extremists does not constitute the membership of an entire faith.
It is much too easy — and much too unfair — to cast an indiscriminate net over all Muslims when it comes to this issue. The vast majority of Muslims, after all, are peaceful, loving people.
Just like the members of St. Patrick’s Cathedral all those years ago.
To read more about freedom of religion in the 21st century, check out my “Take on Life” column Friday.
Exclusively in the print edition of The News-Times.
Excellent job in pointing out the St. Patrick’s analogy Brian.
Comment by charley — August 27th, 2010 @ 8:48 am
You compared the outrage some have about the Ground Zero mosque by using the St.Patrick’s Cathedrial history. Please look up the history of the Cordoba Spain “project” and you might understand why some believe this mosque will be considered by some a victory trophy. Using the name Cordoba reminds Islamic extremists of their goal which is to show no tolerance for any other religion but theirs.
Comment by Ted Clark — August 30th, 2010 @ 9:42 am