Christians Under Attack

The society has a contract to buy a church on Hackberry Lane from Point of Grace Ministries. Plans call for renovations to the existing building for a mosque, and eventually, the construction of a family life center.

Residents have opposed the plans, citing traffic concerns, but on Monday, Loyd Brannon criticized Islam, saying it is murdering, kidnapping and enslaving Christians, and it has not made a lot of apology for the 9-11 terrorist attacks.

"Islam has a very bad international reputation at the present time," he said, adding that the purpose of Islam is to turn the world into an Islamic community. "We're allowing an organization with a worldwide terrorist reputation to establish a beachhead in this community."

But other residents supported the society's plans, saying the group will be a good neighbor.

"If this were a Baptist or a Methodist church, nobody would object," said resident Marian Lowry.

The majority of residents who opposed the plans said they are concerned about extra traffic on the winding Hackberry Lane, not the religion that would occupy the church.

They said they are afraid the mosque may grow into a megachurch that would overwhelm their community.

Society officials said they have no plans to expand beyond the existing 6.5-acre site. The move is being driven by a plan to free up space for a school at the organization's Homewood campus, and not an effort to draw all Muslims to Hoover.

Worship services will continue at the Homewood mosque. At the Hoover mosque, officials expect the largest traffic volumes at a Friday service, which would draw about 250 people.

Traffic engineers estimated minimal impact on Hackberry Lane, because the Friday service, which starts at 1 p.m., is not at a peak traffic time.

Council President Gary Ivey cautioned the crowd about the nature of the council's decision, saying it was about the site work.

"This council is not sitting in judgment tonight on the type of religion that's going there," he said.

After the meeting, society President Ashfaq Taufique said he was elated that the council put aside the stereotypes portrayed during the meeting. He also said the society would work to improve Hackberry Lane.

"They will find in us nothing but good neighbors who are going to help make that road better," he said.

E-mail: dkent@bhamnews.com

News staff writer