2 of 3

Prior to a September 16 march and vigil organized by New York City Muslims, Abdul Mubarez, president of the New York-based Yemeni American Association, siad, "There are a lot of thugs in every society."

The vigil was held in the borough of Brooklyn, ending at a promenade overlooking lower Manhattan. Smoke from the World Trade Center fire was still visible during an otherwise clear September day.

"Eight million Muslims are part of this country, and our neighbours know that we are part of the U.S., citizens of this country, and we are immigrants looking for freedom just like the previous immigrants who came from Europe or elsewhere in the world," Mubarez said.

The Brooklyn vigil was explicitly multi-faith, a theme adopted throughout the past week at a number of churches, synagogues, and mosques.

James Forbes, senior pastor at Upper Manhatten's Riverside Church, told worshippers at the regular Sunday service on September 16 that they had to gird themselves for a period of uncertainty and fear, declaring: "We are in a new place."

But he also warned against bigotry, saying: "We [need to] resist the temptation to breathe something more deadly in the air than asbestos [from the burning buildings]: the virus of hate in the air."

Official services were not the only ways Americans mourned losses: informal candlelight vigils were held throughout the country. New York's Union Square, a public park, became a popular place to post photos and descriptions of loved ones still missing.

It also became a locale for people to write public displays of grief and anger. They ranged from expressions of support to outright condemnation. "Arabs Are Not the Enemy," said one. "America: Hit the Arabs," said another.

Copyright © 2001 ENI.

A transcript and video of Billy Graham's message is available on his official site.

President Bush's remarks at the service explained why he felt support from God was necessary after the attacks.

Yesterday, Christianity Today'sWeblog compiled articles on America's turn to the church for support.

Beyond American shores, citizens of the world also bowed their heads. From London and Scotland to Kenya, Pakistan to Wales, moments of silence were held for those lost on Tuesday.

Christianity Today's other articles on the attacks include:

Churches Meet Needs at Ground Zero | Brooklyn pastors and parishioners thank God for survival, but help victims and families cope. (Sept. 17, 2001)

Books & Culture Corner: The Imagination of Disaster | "We thought we were invulnerable." Really? (Sept. 17, 2001)

Church Mourns 'Father Frank' | Fond memories comfort those who knew retired priest killed in World Trade Center attack. ? (Sept. 17, 2001)

Taking It Personally | What do we do with all this anger? (Sept. 14, 2001)

'Is That Thunder?' | With metal cracking at the World Trade Center, New York pastors cry out to God. (Sept. 14, 2001)

Shaken Christians Turn to Prayer | Impromptu services usher in the bereaved by word of mouth, road signs, and e-mail. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Christians Provide Comfort in the Shadow of Calamity | Still "stunned and reeling," New Yorkers seek support at prayer service. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Illinois Pastor on Fatal Flight | Jeffrey Mladenik, 43, was involved in workplace ministry, international adoption. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Communication Troubles Challenge U.S. Church Relief Agencies | Aid work continues amid atmosphere of shock, fear, and sporatic harrassment. (Sept. 13, 2001)

Reflections on Suffering | Classic and contemporary quotations for dark times. (Sept. 13, 2001)

When Sin Reigns | An event like this shows us what humans are capable of becoming—both as children of darkness and of light. (Sept. 13, 2001)

In the Belly of the Beast | Christians, calling terrorist attack "satanically brilliant," minister at epicenter of World Trade disaster. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Churches, Agencies Respond to Attacks | Leaders call for prayer, justice, and mercy. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Muslims Fear a Backlash | No matter who is responsible, observers feel a reaction will still be present. (Sept. 12, 2001)

A Wake-Up Call to Become Global Christians | The deadly attacks on America will provoke many responses, but Christians are commanded to love our neighbors. (Sept. 12, 2001)

Nation's Religious Leaders Urge Calm, Pray for Peace | Churches will maintain prayer vigils for victims and leaders. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Church Leaders Around World Deplore 'Unspeakable Horror' of Attack | Christians urged to unite in prayer as they unite in shock and denunciation. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Experts Say Spiritual Roots Will Aid in Coping With Catastrophe | Pray and connect with others, advise nation's chaplains. (Sept. 11, 2001)

Fear and Hate | In times like this, as in all other times, Christians have a responsibility to love above all else. (Sept. 11, 2001)

God's Message in the Language of Events | In the face of evil, we must focus on keeping our hearts right. (Sept. 11, 2001)

next page... |  2 of 3

share this page

September (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45