HOUSTON (AP) - Plans for a local interfaith event marking the one-year anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks have split the religious community in a northern suburb of Houston.
Twenty-three evangelical Christian churches in The Woodlands have angered leaders of other faiths by organizing an event called "9/11: One Voice, The Woodlands Remembers." The event focuses on belief in Jesus.
Representatives from several other denominations had proposed a memorial allowing expression of several views, including those of Islam and Judaism. Now, those leaders are planning a separate event.
"Most Muslims that know about it are kind of frustrated," said Joy Jamaluddin, a Muslim in The Woodlands. "If the churches want to have this sort of commemoration in their own church, we have no problem. To advertise it as ecumenical when it is not, to advertise it as representing the community when it is not, is a little dishonest."
The Rev. Greg Johnson, pastor of the WoodsEdge Community Church and one of the organizers of the evangelical event, said all churches in the community are welcome to participate as long as they accept the service will be centered on Christ.
"Our intent was not to say there is not a place for them, but we do stand on certain values and principles that define us as churches," Johnson said. "I don't believe that's being exclusionary; that's just our principles and values."