The National Council of Churches of Christ (NCCC) is encouraging Christian churches to participate in an Interfaith Hospitality Project as a tangible way to observe the anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. The project calls on congregations to "extend an 'Open House' welcome to neighbouring Muslims" in early September, as a way to commemorate the tragedy.

"In the days following the tragic events of last September, the doors of many of our houses of worship were opened, as people who were looking for comfort and meaning sought out places to reflect and to gather with others to pray," the NCCC invitation said. "During those days, responsible leaders reminded us that it was a group of Islamist terrorists, and not Islam nor ordinary American Muslims, that had attacked the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Interfaith services and public programs were held. Many mosques and Islamic centers around the country held Open Houses, inviting the wider community to come to know them."

The Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ (USA) has prepared online materials to help congregations considering the project, which may be downloaded, copied and used freely, with credit to National Council of Churches, USA.

The Ecumenical & Interfaith Relations Office and the NCCC request that Episcopal congregations participating in the project e-mail Bishop Christopher Epting with news of their plans. His email address is: cepting@episcopalchurch.org.

Article from: ENS