Prayer gathering in Detroit has Muslims on guard

Associated Press

1:40 p.m. CDT, November 3, 2011

DETROIT— A 24-hour prayer gathering expected to draw thousands of Christians to a Detroit sports stadium has some leaders of the area's large Muslim population expressing concern about their own safety.

The event described as a "solemn assembly" and known as TheCall comes to Ford Field Nov. 11. Organizers say Detroit is a "microcosm of our national crisis" that includes economic and racial struggles, as well as "the rising tide of the Islamic movement."

Backers of the decade-old organization say demons have taken hold of specific geographic areas and urge public engagement.

Muslim leaders say they fear some attendees might provoke or disrupt Friday prayers at local mosques. The Council on American-Islamic Relations' Michigan chapter is urging mosques and Islamic schools to increase.

Messages were left Thursday for event organizers.

AP-WF-11-03-11 2127GMT

Source
.