NEW YORK CITY -- New York's Roman Catholic archbishop says he's concerned about the way the debate over a proposed mosque near ground zero is taking place.
Archbishop Timothy Dolan said Tuesday after a meeting with Gov. David Paterson that New Yorkers share values of tolerance and unity, but that he's worried those values are at risk.
Paterson wants mosque leaders to consider an alternative and says he wants to stop New Yorkers from arguing over the issue. Dolan says he doesn't have "strong feelings" about where it should be.
Paterson and Dolan have sought to offer an alternative site because of the tensions surrounding the project. Last week, Paterson offered his help and the possibility of state land if the mosque developers agreed to relocate.
Powerful New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is joining Paterson in an effort to persuade Islamic leaders to move a proposed mosque farther from ground zero.
Silver represents the lower Manhattan district where ground zero is located. He says that although the Cordoba Initiative has a right to build there, they should be cognizant of the deep feelings of opposition.
Relatives of 9/11 attack victims have spoken out about the proposed mosque, including a man with Central New York ties who says "it's not supposed to be there".
Also, the developer of the controversial Islamic center is expected to attend an Iftar dinner hosted by New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
The guest list for the annual dinner Tuesday includes Sharif el-Gamal, the developer of a lower Manhattan complex that includes a mosque, and Daisy Khan, a co-founder of the group planning the mosque.
The proposed community center and mosque is two blocks north of the World Trade Center site. Opponents say it is insensitive to build an Islamic center so close to a site where nearly 3,000 people were killed by Islamic extremists.
Bloomberg has been among the most outspoken supporters of the mosque. He says people should be allowed to worship wherever they wish. The project has ignited nationwide debate over freedom of religion and anger over the September 11 terrorist attacks.
In a televised debate Monday night, former CIA officer and U.S. Senate candidate Gary Berntsen, a Republican, warned the mosque will be a magnet to some fundamentalists to prepare more attacks downtown.
In light of the governor's decision to take a role in the mosque debate, CNY Central wants to know how you feel. Should Paterson offer state support, even land, to settle the controversy? Vote in our poll and submit a comment below and let us know your opinion.
Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.
