MUKILTEO — After months of division over religion, the Interfaith Association of Northwest Washington hopes to play a role in bringing people together.
The Everett-based group has scheduled an event Tuesday, “Just a Moment — Together,” with a goal of having people of multiple faiths share sacred writings, prayer, and meditation.
“It surprises me how many people have not heard the sacred words of faiths other than their own,” said Mary Ellen Wood, executive director of the interfaith group. “It’s always inspiration to hear the writings from other faith traditions.”
The event follows several months of controversy in Mukilteo over plans for a mosque, the Islamic Center of Mukilteo. An anti-mosque campaign led by Peter Zieve, chief executive of Electroimpact Inc., included the mailing of an anonymous postcard calling attention to plans for the mosque with the email address: mukilteostaysafe.com.
Zieve recently issued a formal apology for his actions and said he would mail a second postcard with his apology statement to local homes and businesses.
Earlier this month, fliers with the words, “Ban Islam from America” were posted on the proposed mosque site. Police investigated but no arrests have been made.
Interest, and some questions, about the project remain, as shown by an audience of more than 200 people who turned out for a meeting on May 25 on the mosque and an overview of Islam.
The idea for the interfaith gathering arose from concern “over the fear and hatred rising to the surface simply for having a house of worship built,” Wood said. “What better way to bring people … together than over sacred scripture?”
Wood said all faiths are welcome and Muslims, Jewish, Christian, Baha’i and members of the Living Interfaith Church have been invited.
“The mosque is a strong representation of our ability to have the freedom of assembly and to worship,” Wood said.
Sharon Salyer: 425-339-3486; salyer@heraldnet.com.
Interfaith event
The Interfaith Association of Northwest Washington event, “Just a Moment — Together,” is scheduled 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Mukilteo City Council Chambers, 11930 Cyrus Way. Call 425-252-6672 for information.
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