“Mosque Resistance in Temecula Challenges Everyone’s Freedom and Rights” - Michael Toretti

Letter to The Editor July 23,2010

“Mosque Resistance in Temecula Challenges Everyone’s Freedom and Rights”

I believe that the people opposing the building of a Mosque in Temecula or also opposing the freedom and rights of all Americans. There is already and has been an organized Muslim community in Temecula/Murrieta and have been worshiping here for many years in a rented space. The issue seems to be that the people that oppose this do not want the Muslims to build a permanent place of worship in Temecula. Many religious groups want to build here, will we start to oppose other faiths too? The same religious freedoms that protect the evangelical community and its dreams protect The Islamic Center of Temecula in this Valley. The mosque is far from a threat to our community, but rather an opportunity to live our ideals of liberty, freedom and equality. The mosque is a symbol of American strength, freedom and courage. We cannot allow fear, international conflict, or the actions of a few violent fundamentalists to undermine our core values, basic rights, and sense of decency in this country.

Some of the people in opposition to the mosque have stated “How do we know we can trust this community of Muslims?” I trust the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley based on my relationship with their leader and I challenge my evangelical brothers before they make a judgment “to not cast the first stone” and get to know the Muslim community. I think they will find no terrorists, but warm caring people that follow the some moral principles of their own community.

The Islamic Center of Temecula Valley has the full support of the Interfaith Council – comprised of Jews, Mormons, Catholics, Protestants, Bah’ai and many others – in the construction of their new house of prayer. The mission of this organization “is to promote enduring, daily interfaith cooperation, to end religiously motivated prejudice and violence and to create a society of peace, justice and healing”, hate and intolerance has no place in a town that values justice, freedom and the Constitution.

People all around the nation are watching us, and this is an opportunity to publicly live into our most deeply held civic and moral beliefs – to love thy neighbor, stand for justice, and celebrate freedom. I sincerely hope the majority of the people in our valley feel the same way!

Mr. Michael Torretti MPM
Pastoral Associate – Co-Director Interfaith Council
St Martha Catholic Church

Friends of the Mosque - Susan Billings

Though I am the Co-Chairman of the Interfaith Council of Temecula and Murrieta Valley, I am writing today regarding the proposed Mosque, as an individual and not on behalf of the Council.

I was raised in a very patriotic family. Three generations have served in the US Army. I have a love for this country. My core beliefs center on God and upholding the Constitution of the United States. Each of the Founding Fathers were different in many ways, however they had one major thing in common... freedom. Their sole desire and passion rested on the principle of Freedom. They knew what it was like to not have freedom, along with not having the freedom to worship as they please.

There are no stipulations in the 1st amendment that say… “If you are Muslim, Protestant, or Mormon, this does not apply to you.” However, it does say, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” This was pertinent then, and it is pertinent now.

We have, thanks to the Bill of Rights, the Freedom of religion and the Freedom to assemble. It is our responsibility to protect these “Rights” that are given to all US Citizens.

I believe God’s central plan revolves around Free Agency. He wants us to choose to follow Him not to be forced to follow Him. Those seeking truth will find Him. Those that force their beliefs on others are rejecting freedom. As I have served on the Interfaith Council, I have learned much. The more I learn of different faiths, cultures and beliefs, the more I see the love God has for all of his children. I have noticed that they all are trying to grow closer to God by serving others. My fear is not in the ways that people worship God, but if they stop recognizing Him all together. That should be our nations concern. Religion may differ, but ignoring God’s hand in all things, will bring a nation to ruins.

I recently attended a funeral where I saw Christians and Muslims gathered together to mourn the loss of a dear friend in this community. We mourned the same, shed tears the same, and we praised the life she lived in the same way. These Muslim families want a place to worship. They want a place to pray and assemble as families. The same way you and I do each week.

I believe that this community needs law abiding religious individuals. It needs to stand for freedom. The more this community relies on the principles of freedom and reliance on God, the more it will thrive. If not… your freedom and my freedom may be taken one day. Respect others as they pray to their God. They are praying to God! This Country needs all the prayers we can get.



A concerned citizen,

Susan Billings

Member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints

Interfaith Co-Chairman

We as a council have started hosting classes at Cal State San Marcos satellite campus in Temecula. It is through the Osher program. It is our goal to teach a panel of 4 different religions each semester. This gives the students and the teachers an ability to learn the similarities and differences of the featured religions. If you don’t know of another’s faith, go right to the source to learn about the truths of it. It will amaze you.

Friends of the Mosque - Larry Slusser

Dear Friends,

You may have seen in the newspaper or even heard on radio that the Islamic Center of Temecula Valley has proposed a new Mosque to be built on Nicholas Rd in Temecula.  Unfortunately there are many who do not agreed that the Mosque should be built there and are doing what they can to object to it.

At our last IF Council Meeting on July 8th we brought up this subject for discussion.  All present voted in favor of supporting the Muslims in the construction of their new Mosque.

It has come to our attention that those who oppose the Mosque will be holding a demonstration in front of the current Islamic Center located at 42188 Rio Nedo, Temecula on this Friday, July 30th.  This demonstration will be held during the Friday prayer time.  Demonstrators will bring dogs and dress immodestly as a insult to the Muslims.

We invite all members of the Interfaith Council to come to the Center on Friday to show support for freedom of religion and our Muslim friends. It is suggested that we wear white shirts to show unity.  Please arrive at 12:00-12:15 pm.  We expect to be there until 1:45 pm.

We do not want to do anything controversial or provocative or engage in arguments with the demonstrators.  

Please let me know if you can attend.  

Thanks,

Larry Slusser