Chicago, USA - Calling today's organized religion a failure, the Nation of Islam's Minister Louis Farrakhan on Sunday urged a "new beginning" during the rededication ceremony for a renovated mosque on Chicago's South Side, striking a tone of inclusion toward Jews, Christians and other Muslims.
He also embraced members of all races as each being their brother's keeper.
"Religion as it is being preached and practiced is a failure," said a lively and passionate Farrakhan, 75, during remarks that lasted an hour and 45 minutes at the Mosque Maryam, the national headquarters of the Nation of Islam.
That failure is evidenced by the bloodshed that stains city streets across America and marks conflicts around the globe, Farrakhan said.
His comments were made to about 2,500 Nation of Islam members and guests in the mosque on South Stony Island Avenue, which has undergone massive renovations, and another 5,000 people in huge tents on the grounds outside, who watched on television screens.
"Are Muhammad and Jesus enemies?" Farrakhan said. "Why, then, are we?"
For the thousands lined up outside the mosque and others who watched the ceremony streamed live on the Internet, it was a rare glimpse at the inner workings of the Nation of Islam. Last month, Farrakhan made brief comments at the funeral of Imam W. Deen Mohammed, the son of the late Nation of Islam leader Elijah Muhammad.
In the past, Farrakhan has caused outrage for controversial comments that included anti-Semitic statements.
But in recent years he has tried to strike a more conciliatory tone. His popularity among young black Americans grew significantly after the Million Man March in 1995. In the last two years, the message of religious and racial unity has become a recurring theme for Farrakhan and his followers.
In February, however, he became a lightning rod during the Democratic presidential primary by praising Sen. Barack Obama as the only hope for healing the nation's racial divisions. Obama distanced himself from Farrakhan, saying he did not seek the Nation of Islam leader's support.
On Sunday, Farrakhan did not mention Obama by name, noting the presidential election only once during his remarks by saying that it, too, is about change.
Besides religious leaders of many faiths, hundreds of other visitors were invited by Nation of Islam members to attend Sunday's ceremony.
They passed through tight security before entering the mosque but were greeted with friendly smiles by Nation of Islam members, who genially answered questions.
"The mosque has always been a positive thing for the community, culturally," said Shelton Oliver, 38, as he waited in line. "It's been good for the neighborhood in trying to stop violence and gangs. It's all positive."
Shelton said he is Christian but appreciates the new era of openness toward outsiders that Sunday's ceremony represented. "That's what this is about—humanity," he said.
During his remarks, Farrakhan recited the basic tenets of more than a dozen religions, noting how they all boil down to treating the people you meet with the same respect and compassion as you would want to be treated.
Looking around the beautifully refurbished mosque, with its gold inlays and marble accents, Farrakhan said, "If we don't make beautiful people to come out of the building, all of this means nothing."
Amy Rod, who is Muslim, grew up in the Middle East and has lived in Chicago for seven years, said she was frightened at first to attend the Nation of Islam event because of the friction that has existed between it and traditional Islam.
"I was a little surprised to see how much he knows about our religion," she said. "He brought us a mixed recipe of different nations, together in one bowl. It brought us close. I felt I belonged. I am so glad I came."