A different witness

There was more than enough media attention paid to the leader of a tiny church in Florida who threatened to observe the ninth anniversary of 9/11 by burning copies of the Qur'an. I found myself wondering why Terry Jones's bizarre plan warranted around-the-clock coverage. Where, I wondered, were the media chiefs able and willing to say, "This is not news. This is crazy and we are not going to air it."

General David Petraeus said that Jones's planned action, once caught on video, would forever be a source of outrage to many Muslims and a threat to American soldiers around the world. Long after Jones would be forgotten, Petraeus pointed out, angry crowds would be burning American flags in parts of the Muslim world.

Following the attacks of 9/11, the congregation I serve became aware that though it has a longstanding relationship with a nearby synagogue, it has had no ongoing connection with Muslims. So we reached out to the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago and the Downtown Islamic Center. Through those contacts, the church has invited Muslim scholars to teach in our adult education programs, Muslim and Christian families have enjoyed picnics together, and Muslim and Christian women have held an interfaith prayer service.