A special event was held on Monday evening, September 20, at 6 p.m., at the Islamic Organization of North America (IONA) to celebrate the recently unanimously passed (June 22) resolution, “Re-Affirming the American Core Values of Freedom, Equality, and Justice,” by Warren’s City Council.
The celebration was attended by the City of Warren Mayor James R. Fouts, several City Council members, and religious and community leaders from the Christian and Muslim faiths. It was hosted by Imam Mustapha Elturk at IONA. It included a lamb dinner and an opportunity to get together to celebrate this very important statement from and for the City of Warren. Imam Elturk presented his bitter-sweet experience in the city of Warren and the historical background of how the covenant effort was started. He remarked, “Fear built on ignorance is man’s greatest enemy.” Imam Elturk elaborated on how the efforts to remove fear through education led to the passing of the resolution that gained support from faith and community leaders and endorsement by the mayor.
The mayor spoke about his efforts for making Warren an inclusive city, a city for all people of all faiths. He also informed the audience about the numerous e-mails and letters sent to him objecting to the Ramadandisplay in Warren’s city hall. He defended the constitution and the first amendment right of freedom of all religions.
Rev. Roger Facione from the Mt. Calvery Luthern Church, Fr. Gary Schulte of St. Sylvester Parish, and Rev. Michail Curro of the Interfaith Center for Racial Justice (ICRJ), who were among the core group behind the resolution, also spoke about their efforts supporting the common good of all people. Rev. Curro gave a brief presentation on the ICRJ’s recent inaugural Listen, Learn, & Live Youth Summer Camp for teenagers hosted by Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church, Warren, and the Mosaic quilt put together by the participating teenagers (4 African American, 4 Chaldean, 5 European American, 3 Filipino, 5 Hispanic, 2Hmong, 1 Indian, and 7 Muslim teens), many of whom will also be involved in the planning of the 3rd Annual Warren Interfaith Thanksgiving Celebration.
The lamb dinner was enjoyed by all in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. All attendees signed the resolution poster that was displayed during the event.
IONA, 28630 Ryan Rd., Warren, MI 48092 | Tel: 586-558-6900 | E-mail: center@iononline.org
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