9/11/2005 : March of Solidarity

MISSION STATEMENT:

Embracing the oneness of humankind and the common beginnings and beliefs of Islam and Christianity, the Muslim American Society and Falcon Heights United Church of Christ have worked together to organize and implement this march as a sign of solidarity among members of our two faiths. We walk as a sign of change in the world while demonstrating that peace and respect for one another is both possible and truly a reality in our community. We hope that others will join us in spirit and mission to bring lasting peace, understanding, and tolerance to our world.

WHEN: Sunday, September 11 th from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm

WHERE: Marchers can park their cars in the parking lot of Falcon Heights United Church of Christ on the corner of Holton Street and Garden Avenue in Falcon Heights. Everyone will be shuttled to the grassy area of Hamline University at Snelling and Englewood, across from the mosque, where we will begin with two short opening speeches and prayer given by an imam outside the mosque. From there we will march as a group along the sidewalks of Snelling Avenue to Garden Avenue and to Falcon Heights United Church of Christ. The march will end with two short closing speeches and prayer given by a pastor. Light refreshments will be served following the closing.

The march route is 2.5 miles and we will follow paved pathways the entire time, so wheelchairs can be accommodated. We will also have two places along the march route where those wishing to walk a shorter distance can join us. Options for a shorter route will be approximately one mile and one-half mile.

WHO: We invite all members of the Muslim American Society, Falcon Heights United Church of Christ, Community United Church of Christ in St. Paul Park, Cottage Grove United Church of Christ, First Congregational Church of Minnesota, and Lyndale United Church of Christ to join us, along with their friends and family whom they invite. During the march, members of different faiths will have the opportunity to converse with one another about issues facing us: cultural similarities and differences, religious similarities and differences, terrorism, politics, or any other topic.

In case of rain, be prepared to get wet! We will only cancel the march if weather conditions are such that it is unsafe to be outside (i.e. lightning).

Please do not bring signs or placards to display during the march. We plan to have a single banner at the front of the march announcing the title of our march. No behavior or displays that are inconsistent with the peaceful and respectful nature of the march will be tolerated.

You may wish to bring a water bottle or a snack with you on the march. Please be sure that all waste is deposited into trash or recycling bins, not on the sidewalk or street.

If you have questions, you may contact Heidi Lawson at Falcon Heights United Church of Christ at 651-646-2681 or Cindy Kennedy, Program Organizer for the St. Paul Area Council of Churches, at 612-230-3203. MAS-MN Freedom Foundation (651)457-7170 or Al-taqwa Mosque in St.Paul (651)292-9675 or the Imam: Sh. Hassan Jamici (612)242-3273.