Bloomberg defends Muslim community center near 9/11 site

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg supports a controversial initiative to build a Muslim community center.

Independent New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg lived up to that reputation as he went against the grain of many detractors in his defense of a proposed Muslim community center to be built near the former Ground Zero site.

A Muslim center is planned in Lower Manhattan.

According to Mayor Bloomberg's friend, Howard J. Rubenstein, a public relations executive, the contention about allowing the construction of a Muslim community center upset the veteran mayor. Facing some very derisive critics about his support for the center, Mayor Bloomberg has become well acquainted with several principals of the center.

The mayor is on the record saying that if anyone wants to build a mosque somewhere in the city where it is zones, and they can raise the money, then they should be able to do it without government interference.

The New York Theological Seminary is a vital force within the city, with a mission to prepare men and women from a great many backgrounds for careers in ministry. NYTS is dedicated to diversity, tolerance and excellence in academic and pastoral preparation for its students.