Muslim Leader Embraces Challenge Warren Presents (May 9, 2006)

IONA in the News Metro Detroit Steve Elturk of the Islamic Organization of North America looks at plans last week in Warren for a mosque he plans to open there, maybe by September. “We seem to have the support of the majority,” he says. “There are a few who are still uncomfortable with us. We…

Mosque Plan Spurs Effort To Reach Out (April 25, 2006)

IONA in the News Warren project sparks worry, underscores need for dialogue about faith, Muslim leader says. WARREN — Steve Elturk says he was shocked at the reaction he received over his request to establish the first mosque in Warren.The controversial project approved by the Warren Planning Commission ignited concerns from residents and commission members…

Commission Approves City’s First Mosque (April 19, 2006)

IONA in the News Warren Weekly (MI) Administrators say they welcome the mosque, despite concerns of some commissioners If all goes well, the leader of Warren’s first mosque said he’ll open the doors to Muslim worshipers in the next three to six months. Plans for the mosque along Ryan, just south of 12 Mile Road,…

Mosque Exposes Fears In Warren (April 12, 2006)

IONA in the News Macomb County Plans Ok'd Over Residents' Worries The plans for Warren's first mosque were approved, but a series of ill-informed, fear-tinged and derogatory comments from residents and city planning commissioners Monday night still echoed a day later."It's reminiscent of the Jim Crow South of the 1950s and 1960s," said Dawud Walid,…

Warren Approves Plan For City’s First Mosque (April 12, 2006)

IONA in the News Some neighbors are concerned calls to prayer five times a day will disrupt neighborhood. WARREN — John and Olga Soroka have enjoyed living in their quiet Warren neighborhood for about 26 years.But the couple is afraid that noise will become a problem now that the city's Planning Commission has approved a…

Warren Board Approves Mosque Plan (April 11, 2006)

IONA in the News Macomb County It Would Be First In City's History THE WARREN PLANNING COMMISSION VOTED 5-3 MONDAY NIGHT TO APPROVE THE ISLAMIC ORGANIZATION OF NORTH AMERICA'S PLAN TO BUILD THE FIRST MOSQUE IN THE CITY.The vote came minutes after an initial 4-4 vote that would have led to an automatic tabling for…

Trying Again For Warren Mosque (April 10, 2006)

IONA in the News Macomb County Group To Ask City Panel Tonight To Approve Its Plan An Islamic organization is set to ask Warren officials again for a chance to build the city's first mosque.Steve Elturk, president of the Islamic Organization of North America, said Wednesday that he plans to go before the Planning Commission…

Warren Rejects Mosque Proposal (March 16, 2006)

IONA in the News Metro Detroit Planner Says He May Take City To Court Steve Elturk said another city board had already addressed a concern about broadcasting the Muslim call to prayer. It wouldn't be allowed. (RASHAUN RUCKER/Detroit Free Press) Warren's planning commission said it doesn't care what will go on inside a building that could…