http://www.cathnews.com/article.aspx?aeid=7920


Cairns bishop backs mosque
Published: July 02, 2008


Cairns Catholic Bishop James Foley has joined leaders of others faiths in supporting the construction of a mosque in the North Queensland resort town.

Cairns.com.au reports leaders from across the religious spectrum have thrown their support behind a controversial mosque set to be built in suburban Cairns.

Catholic, Anglican, Jєωιѕн and Buddhist leaders are all behind the push saying that all faiths have the right to a place of worship.

Plans to expand the mosque, which has been operating in a worker's cottage in the city, into a traditional Islamic style complete with minaret have drawn fire from nearby residents.

But last week the Planning and Environment Court dismissed their appeal to overturn the council approved redevelopment.

In a show of across-faith solidarity, religious leaders and spokesmen have come out in support of Islamic leader Imam Abdul Aziz's efforts to build a place of worship.

Catholic Bishop James Foley said Muslims, like any religious group, had a right to a place of worship and that a mosque would be a "highly desirable neighbour."