On May 31, a coalition of religious organizations led by the Minnesota Council of Churches brought more than 60 leaders from a wide variety of faiths together in preparation for an event to be held at the state capital on September 11, 2011. This preparatory gathering was graciously hosted by the Masjid Ar- Rahman Muslim Community Center in Bloomington. The diversity was amazing: Muslims, Jews, Bahá’ís, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, Quakers, Catholics, Lutherans, and more, meeting in friendship and a common cause.

Here is the Statement of Purpose for the planned 9-11-11 event.

Minnesotans Standing Together

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Purpose Statement

Minnesotans Standing Together is:

• A community observance of the 10^th anniversary of 9/11
• A public ceremony for all Minnesotans.
• Led by leaders of the diverse faith (religious) communities of Minnesota
• Including prayers, statements and inspiration from the many religious traditions
• Including participation from representatives of other sectors
• A memorial which
  • Honors the United States and its ideals of freedom and democracy
  • Laments loss and offers healing through remembering
  • Honors sacrifices as well as acts of courage and compassion
    • Those from 9.11.01
    • Those who have served our country in the years since
    • Honoring those who have worked for peace and healing
  • Comforts those who are suffering
  • Demonstrates Minnesota’s values and identity
    • We stand together peacefully despite our differences,
    • Appeals to our better natures – rejecting violence, hate and divisiveness
  • Creates a space for hope and the possibility of moving forward form the tragedies of the past
  • Inspires greater cooperation across differences for the common good