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.
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