Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf To Be Guest at St. Bart's Forum, 7/22

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, the so-called "Ground Zero Imam," will be The Rev. F. M. "Buddy" Stallings's forum guest speaking on behalf of disenfranchised Muslims around the US who are spiritual, moderate, and patriotic. A book signing will follow.

Moving the Mountain

"Muslims in America who reject extremist or fundamentalist expressions of Islam at home and abroad feel the urgent need for a voice that can represent them in the escalating irrationality of the current debate about Islam, America, and the West. Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf-the so-called "Ground Zero Imam" has become that voice.

Drawing from his personal experiences, Imam Feisal now speaks up on behalf of disenfranchised Muslims around the United States who are spiritual, moderate, and patriotic. Born to Egyptian parents in Kuwait, Imam Rauf was educated in England and Malaysia, became a U.S. citizen in 1979, and received a degree in physics from Columbia University. Here, he explores the beliefs, aspirations, and ambitions, both spiritual and political, of American Muslims in a post-9/11 world. For example, the Imam sees the 2011 Arab uprising and the death of Osama bin Laden as turning points for Muslims, strengthening moderate voices that are closer to the true nature of Islam. He argues that orthodox Islam supports equal rights for women and embraces religious tolerance and dialogue, and insists on the relevance of Shariah law for democracy in America and for the revolutions in the Middle East.

Touching on all the major issues that have been subject to misperceptions and misrepresentations, such as the role of women, fundamentalism in America and abroad, the intersection of Islam and democracy, even the "Ground Zero Mosque". Imam Feisal presents a fresh perspective that American Muslims can identify with and a book that non-Muslims can use as a go-to guide, completely changing the discourse about Islam and America today."

ST. BART'S is a reknown Episcopal Church and New York City Landmark. Known for its beautiful art and architecture, it is a cultural and spiritual oasis conveniently located in the heart of Midtown Manhattan on Park Avenue at 51st Street. Host to the Mid-Manhattan Performing Arts Foundation (MMPAF) it also offers some of the finest choral music in the city (The Summer Festival of Sacred Music). St. Bart's has a top-rated preschool, theatrical troupe "The Players," a full athletic facility (including a pool), a summer camp and an excellent restaurant, Inside Park.

Central to St. Bart's mission is their Community Ministry Program run entirely by volunteers with a pantry providing fresh vegetables and food preparation advice to over 600 people a month, an over-night shelter for women, and a Soup Kitchen. St. Bart's has a large international following and active local congregation, one that encourages questions and attempts to lead with a philosophy of radical welcome.

Visit St. Bart's website for more information: http://www.stbarts.org/