A week after a confrontation outside a church, local religious leaders gathered to call for peace and unity. The convergence followed heated debates and alleged acts of violence over a proposed mosque in Albuquerque’s North Valley.
The Bernalillo County Planning Commission approved the mosque on July 1. Despite the approval, the project near Second Street and Alameda Boulevard continues to spark debate.
“A week ago today we had an awful event here on our campus and then on the street beside it,” said Father Vincent Chavez, pastor of St. Therese.
He invited Christian, Islamic, and Jewish leaders to his church Wednesday to discuss the common ground among their beliefs. According to KOB 4, he also called on their followers to choose curiosity and respect over anger or fear.
“We want you to feel, you know, don’t be afraid. Come to us with your questions. We’ll be welcoming. We’ll be listening,” said Marciel Romero, the president of Nahalat Shalom.
The July 22 Confrontation
Police say David Romero brought a gun to St. Therese of the Infant Jesus Catholic Church on July 22. Authorities said he harassed the church’s facilities director after an apparent dispute over the mosque.
Although no one was injured, police arrested David and charged him with two counts of aggravated assault.
To recall, Chavez and David’s girlfriend, Katrina Griego, got into a disagreement over the pastor’s vocal support for the mosque. Police said Romero later became involved in the incident.
Griego recorded a social media video at St. Therese. The video showed a sign directed at her that read, “Racism. Grave sin against God’s love, Katrina G.”
Following a dispute with church staff, she reportedly left the property after being asked to do so. David later allegedly arrived with a weapon and threatened staff.
A Common Goal of Preventing Conflict
Local leaders said the shocking incident underscores the need to find common ground to avoid tragedy.
“Tolerance is not weakness. Respect is not surrender,” said Ahmad Assed, an attorney and former president of the Islamic Center of New Mexico. “Protecting another person’s constitutional rights does not diminish our own rights.”
Speakers on Wednesday highlighted the commonalities among the three religions. They also shared stories about their own faith journeys over the years.
“Noble Islam is a religion of Abraham like Judaism and Christianity,” said Chavez. He likewise reminded people of all faiths of their common goal “to raise up people that all people may be raised up to a new hope on Earth.”
