Community News (V12-I50)

Commission rejects mosque rezoning request

LILBURN, GA–The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the Lilburn planning commission on Monday unanimously rejected a rezoning request from a mosque. The commission’s decision is a recommendation. The Lilburn City Council is expected to make a final decision soon.

The Dar-E-Abbas congregation wants to build a 20,000-square-foot mosque on a four-acre plot.

The planning commission cited problems with buffers and parking, as well as the potential for noise and water runoff.

The congregation filed a discrimination lawsuit a year ago. Lawyer Doug Dillard says the legal wrangling will continue as long as the city denies the congregation’s application.

Imran Khan raises funds for flood relief from Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, CA– Cricket legend and Pakistani politician Imran Khan raised more than $140,000 Saturday for flood victims in Pakistan in Sacramento.

The fundraiser was billed as a lunch with Imran Khan, who captained the Pakistani cricket team to a World Cup title in 1992 and has since become involved in politics and humanitarian efforts.

About 380 people – most from the local Pakistani American community – filled a Hyatt ballroom for the event. They donated money to Khan’s foundation, which is rebuilding villages wiped out by floods this summer.

Many attributed the amount of money raised Saturday to Khan’s credibility.

Community College Cancels Islam Course Amid Questions About Instructor

PORTLAND,OR–Oregon’s Lane Community College has canceled a noncredit course on Islam, following questions about the background of the instructor scheduled to teach the class. The Register-Guard, a local newspaper, reported that Barry Sommer, the intended instructor, had given talks for the Pacifica Forum and led a local chapter of ACT! for America, groups that critics have described as anti-Semitic and Islamophobic.  No students had yet enrolled in the class at the time of its cancellation.

Imam leads interfaith thanksgiving service

CANTON, OH–Raeed Tayeh, associate imam of the Islamic Society of Akron and Kent, lead the 31st annual Interfaith Thanksgiving service at Calvary Presbyterian Church.

The Rev. Jerry Snyder, host pastor, the Rev. Barbara Bond of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Hazzan Bruce Braun of Shaaray Torah Synagogue, Rabbi Emeritus John Spitzer and Heather Wood of the Baha’i community also participated in the event.

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