clutter

undercovernun:

MEMPHIS (AP) — When pastor Steve Stone initially heard of the mosque and Islamic center being erected on the sprawling land adjacent his church, his stomach tightened.

Then he raised a 6-foot sign reading, “Welcome to the Neighborhood.”

The issue for Stone and the 550-person Heartsong Church in Cordova, came down to one question:

“What would Jesus do if He were us? He would welcome the neighbor,” Stone said. …

While plans for Islamic centers from Manhattan to Southern California and just miles away in Murfreesboro, Tenn., have triggered vitriolic responses and divided communities, here in Memphis it’s been a peaceful process.

On a 31-acre stretch at Humphrey Road and Houston Levee, Memphis Islamic Center leaders plan to build a massive gathering place during the next several years. It will include a mosque, youth center, day care center, indoor gym, sports fields, medical clinic and retirement home.

While the 4,000-square-foot worship hall is being completed, Heartsong has opened its doors to its neighbors throughout the month-long observance of Ramadan.

Under a gigantic cross constructed of salvaged wood, nearly 200 area Muslims have been gathering each night to pray.

“I think it’s helped break down a lot of barriers in both congregations,” said Islamic center board member Danish Siddiqui. …

Undercover Nun believes that this is the proper Christian response to mosques and Islamic centers being built.  Christian congregations usually don’t mind sharing space with a Jewish congregation.  Why should we make such a fuss against our brothers and sisters in Islam, also an Abrahamic faith?

Welcome to the neighborhood.  In those words lies the gospel.

Reblogged in its entirety. Because it is so, so right.