RNA - No anti-Muslim protesters turned out at the Islamic Center of East Lansing on Friday afternoon. If they had, they'd have been met by Mark and Miley McCarthy, holding a sign reading "Muslims make America great, too!"
Rumors on Facebook about a possible protest prompted half-a-dozen community members to come out Friday afternoon and stand on the sidewalk outside the center, a bundled-up line of defense.
"We wanted to show our support and respond to messages of hate with messages of compassion," Mark McCarthy said.
In the aftermath of Tuesday's presidential election, McCarthy said, he's seen anger nationwide manifest in hateful messages on social media. When he heard the rumors of possible protests, he knew he wanted to be there to support the congregation.
"We are grateful to the local community for this show of support," said Thasin Sardar, the outreach coordinator for the Islamic Center. "It's what makes mid-Michigan a welcoming community."
Sardar first heard about possible protests from Pastor Sarah Midzalkowski of University Lutheran Church next-door. A few parishioners had called the church to say they'd heard rumors about a possible protest, and Midzalkowski responded by alerting the East Lansing Police Department and the Islamic Center.
More than a dozen worshipers from the Islamic Center came out after the Friday afternoon service to shake hands with the McCarthys and thank those who came out for the support. The Islamic Center and University Lutheran have a long-standing positive relationship. Midzalkowski said she wanted their Muslim brothers and sisters to feel supported by the community.
"I'm hoping we can bridge the gap in our country moving forward, said Luke Roy, standing on the sidewalk in front of the Islamic Center. "We are stronger together."
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