“From Fear to Faith: Advancing Religious Pluralism in America,” a panel discussion by Maryland-based Clergy Beyond Borders, will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19, in the Tennessee Room of MTSU’s James Union Building.

Participants will include:

• Dr. Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer, ordained rabbi and director of the religious studies program and associate professor of religious studies at the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in Wyncote, Pa.;
• the Rev. Steve Martin, ordained Methodist minister and executive director of the New Evangelical Partnership for the Common Good; and
• Imam Yahaya Hendi, president of Clergy Beyond Borders and Muslim chaplain at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

A question-and-answer session will follow the forum, which is co-sponsored by the Muslim Student Association, the Wesley Foundation and the Jewish Student Union. The event is free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Dr. Saleh Sbenaty at 615-898-2966 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or visit www.clergybeyondborders.org.

– Gina K. Logue ( This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it )

MURFREESBORO, TN - Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom will hold a rally at the Rutherford County courthouse on Thursday, September 16 at 5 p.m., prior to a meeting of the newly elected Rutherford County Commission, in support of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro’s First Amendment rights.

Members of Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom (MTRF), are scheduled to speak during the commission meeting to voice their support for the expansion and relocation of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro,  their opposition to the violent and intimidating turn the discussion has taken, and their approval of the action taken by the County Commission.

Several members of MTRF and community leaders will address those gathered with words of support  before moving inside the courthouse. MTRF has attempted to address the commission at prior meetings, but the organization is guaranteed speaking time during Thursday’s general comment period.

All are welcome to attend, and reminded to bring chairs, water and snacks as needed. Attendees are also encouraged to bring respectful and relevant signs of support.

MTRF is a grassroots organization made from the great diversity of Middle Tennessee. MTRF is organized by Murfreesboro residents of all backgrounds and faiths to stand with the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro on their right to build a place of worship which is large enough to support their needs. The organization sees no difference between the plans for the Islamic Center’s expansion and the dozens of equally large Christian churches here in Murfreesboro.

For more organizational information, please visit www.facebook.com/midtnrf.

MURFREESBORO, TN - In response to the arson of construction equipment at the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro’s future site, Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom will hold a candlelight vigil in front of the Rutherford County courthouse on Monday, August 30 at 7 p.m.

The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro (ICM) was alerted by the Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office to the arson around 1:30 a.m. Saturday morning, according to reports from the Daily News Journal. The matter is currently being investigated by the Sheriff’s department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom (MTRF) hopes the vigil will remind community members to remain peaceful in the course of the debate over the ICM’s relocation, regardless of their personal opinions on the issue. MTRF encourages everyone who is in favor of treating our neighbors with respect and without violence, even those who oppose the ICM’s relocation, to come out and show their opposition to the arson and other tactics of intimidation.

“MTRF supports the constitutional rights of the ICM in seeking a worship space which suits their growing needs, but more importantly, we support the members of the ICM as our neighbors, coworkers, fellow citizens and friends,” said Claire Rogers, spokesperson for MTRF.  “These acts of vandalism were meant to scare Members of our community, and it is apparent they succeeded in that end.”

“We simply cannot allow the actions of a few destructive individuals to go overlooked by Rutherford County residents. It’s truly a shame that we have reached this point, but it is up to us to ensure the intimidation goes no further,” Rogers said.

The debate over the ICM’s relocation has become increasingly heated in recent weeks, with members of both support and opposition groups becoming victims of slander, physical threats and emotional intimidation. MTRF believes this  behavior is unacceptable and urges individuals to remember their humanity when dealing with this emotional, yet strictly political, issue.

MURFREESBORO, TN - Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom (MTRF) staged a peaceful silent protest yesterday outside of the Rutherford County Commission meeting. The following statement is issued by MTRF in response to last night's meeting, and includes comments members were unable to deliver at that meeting.

Last night Rutherford County Commissioners heard statements, facts and opinions from those against the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro. We ask our Commissioners and all citizens of the county to listen closely to these statements for their validity, relevance and accuracy. As elected officials, it is their responsibility and obligation to stand with the laws of this land and stand firm in defense of our constitutional rights.

Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom asked citizens to come to the courthouse today in order to take a decisive stand in celebration of our Constitution, but furthermore, to take a stand in defense of the civil rights of our fellow citizens. We are a grassroots organization made from the great diversity in Rutherford County, Tennessee, but we all stand together today in order to oppose the efforts of some to influence our elected officials in a way which is inconsistent with the democratic values of our cherished republic.

Because the public comments Middle Tennesseans for religious freedom attempted to make last night were not heard due to the small amount of time allotted to speakers, some intended comments are included below.

“The Commission has acted lawfully in allowing this construction to take place. Anyone who thinks otherwise should seek to change the process by which it was approved, not to hinder the basic rights of others,” read the written statement Claire Rogers, Murfreesboro resident and media contact for MTRF, had prepared to deliver before the Commission.

“Some residents would have this be a political debate about infastructure concerns (many of which have now been addressed through actions like TDOT’s traffic study), or merely about the merit of different religions. Many opponents of the Islamic Center's construction argue the validity of Islam as a religion, or look in vain for signs of an Islamic political takeover. These concerns are ludicrous and have no place before this Commission in the zoning and construction approval process,” her comments continue.

Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom is organized by Murfreesboro residents of all backgrounds and faiths to stand with the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro on their right to build a place of worship which is large enough to support their needs. Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom sees no difference between the plans for the Islamic Center’s expansion and the dozens of equally large Christian churches here in Murfreesboro.

We humbly ask the Commission to please support the rights of our fellow Rutherford County citizens. The families at the Islamic Center are simply looking for a more comfortable place to worship God freely.

"Houses of worship must build as their congregations grow. An increase in the number of spiritual people in this one nation, under the God of our own choosing, surely must be seen as positive by everyone in this community," said Rogers.

Our organization has asked for citizens to hold a rally which clearly demonstrates our commitment to the civil rights of all: even and especially those who are different from us. This event, and the event which may follow, concerned our right to worship in peace, regardless of our creed. These rights should not be taken lightly--much blood has been shed and is still shed in defense of our right to freedom of worship. We are here to remind those who do not take this cherished Constitutional right seriously of these truths about our American republic.

“Most who wish to see this mosque go away do not understand that the actions they are taking now against the freedoms of others are actions taken against the freedoms of all,” read the statement scheduled MTRF speaker Thomas Connor Moss, also a Murfreesboro resident.

“It is shocking and sad that some involved in this debate will believe anything without question so long as it reaffirms their beliefs. That alone is responsible for the vast majority of outrage,” Moss said.

Out of respect for the law, respect for your neighbors and respect to what the First Amendment promises every citizen of this great nation, we ask the Rutherford County Commission to respect their own decision to allow the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro room to grow in our community.

They are the only elected officials with the power to do what is right today, and the power to set the standard for what is right tomorrow, when another group of citizens must rely on their government to do what was promised in the Constitution.

MURFREESBORO, TN - Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom, the group which organized the demonstration in support of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro on July 14, will be staging another demonstration during the Rutherford County Commission's meeting in the central courthouse August 12 at 6 p.m.

Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom (MTRF) will gather outside the courthouse in order to peacefully demonstrate  their support of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro's right to build a more suitable worship center at Bradyville Pike and Veals Road following the Center's growth.  MTRF hopes this demonstration will allow the commission to acknowledge that Rutherford County residents stand behind the ICM's First Amendment rights.

MTRF and Islamic Center supporters should meet on the East side of the courthouse at 5:15 p.m., and are asked to wear yellow in order to present a unified face. Participants are reminded to please dress appropriately for the weather and bring water or snacks as needed.

While the Islamic Center is not on the commission's agenda for August 12, protesters will be presenting a petition to halt the mosque's construction and speakers from both sides of the controversy will attempt to make short statements before the commission.

Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom, a group composed of a broad cross section of Rutherford County residents, hopes to raise awareness regarding the constitutional issues involved in preventing or hindering the construction of the Islamic Center. MTRF is neither related nor opposed to any other political or religious organization. More information can be found online at www.facebook.com/midTNRF.

“I might not have to agree with Islam, but until these people break the law, I fully support them,” explained Eric Allen Bell about his documentary being shot in Murfreesboro.

Almost every resident of Murfreesboro and its surrounding areas is aware of the Islamic Mosque debate. The issue has been featured in the media for months, even making national news on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show. Many community members show great concern about the Mosque Center’s expansion to the point of protest and are trying to get the project shut down before building begins. Others support the group in their decision to expand their worship center and are standing up for religious freedom.

Bell, a Murfreesboro resident of two years, began shooting his documentary upon seeing the issue through the media and hearing it discussed among friends. He soon thought someone should take the opportunity to show the topic from all angles.

“This is a classic David and Goliath situation,” described Bell. “My documentary is about America. When it comes to government, there is no right to regulate religion. We are in danger of losing our liberties. If we let them shut down this [worship center], who are they going to go after next?”

Bell explained his documentary as having two parts. The first part addresses the problem of religious intolerance and the second presents a solution. The film will have one overall message about religious and political freedom and how “evil persists when people stand by and do nothing.”

Bell claims that the religious intolerance is driven by fear and a misunderstanding of culture. “I’m not saying people should turn off their critical thinking, but don’t confuse fear with facts. Just because someone has a southern accent, it doesn’t mean they are racist or ignorant. Don’t make similar assumptions about another culture.”

“The imam of the Murfreesboro Islamic Center wants to assure all citizens that he left the country he is from because he loves the United States,” said Bell of his meeting with the Islamic Center representative. “The Islamic Center of Murfreesboro is not here to change our laws or our way of life but rather to enjoy what this great country has to offer.”

Although this is Bell’s first documentary, he is no stranger to the film industry. He moved to Murfreesboro from Los Angeles, looking for a place where people are nicer and things move a little slower.

“This film is not about being liberal or conservative,” says Bell. “It’s about being an American.”

Bell has been in the motion picture industry since 1990 and has been hired to write screenplays and adapt novels for major studios. His directorial debut "The Bondage" premiered at the South By South West Film Festival

MURFREESBORO, TN - Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom, the group which organized the demonstration in support of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro on July 14, will hold an open organizational meeting in the James Union Building on the MTSU campus on Tuesday, July 27 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The meeting will address the group's future actions in regard to the Islamic center controversy and the planning commission meeting to be held in August.  Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom hopes to raise awareness regarding the constitutional issues involved in preventing or hindering the construction of the Islamic Center. More information can be found online at www.facebook.com/midTNRF.

MURFREESBORO, TN - Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom, a group formed in support of the rights of the Islamic Center of Murfreesboro, is organizing a counter demonstration for the protest march on Wednesday, July 14th at 3 p.m.

The counter demonstration will begin on the Murfreesboro Public Square at 2:45 p.m. and end shortly after protest marchers present a petition to halt construction pending further review to the county commission. A post demonstration event is being organized with a location to be determined, and details will be announced soon. Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom encourages all citizens to attend and show their support for the First Amendment rights of our neighbors.

Middle Tennesseans for Religious Freedom hopes to raise awareness regarding the constitutional issues involved in preventing or hindering the construction of the Islamic Center.

An open organizational meeting is scheduled for Sunday, July 11 at 4 p.m. in the lobby of the James Union Building on the MTSU campus for those interested in participating in the counter demonstration.  For more information, find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/midTNRF.