Islamic neighbors

EDITOR: I was pleased to see your feature article on our Muslim neighbors ("Islam next door," Sunday). It is heartening that these good people are receiving some coverage to offset news stories that feature terrorist violence from a small segment of extremists who claim to be inspired by Islam.

Islam is a religion that seems to me, a Catholic, to share many tenets similar to my own, such as a faith in one God and a call to act in charity and peace.

We in this country and in other countries are often manipulated by politicians and others who seek to get or keep power by enflaming bigotry and hatred. Thus, opportunistic diatribes about the placement of a mosque in New York City can lead to violence against any mosque in any city or town. And the freedom of religion for all of us is endangered.

Thank you for your series highlighting Islam, one of the many forms of spirituality practiced by people of good will in this wonderfully diverse Sonoma County.

MARGE THOMAS

Sonoma