Christian Groups Are Proselytizing Dearborn, Michigan's Muslims

Today's Detroit Free Press reports that at least eight Christian groups from across the United States have organized proselytization campaigns aimed at Dearborn, Michigan's large Islamic population. The efforts have already resulted in various lawsuits (see prior postings 1, 2), assertions that opponents of the efforts are stifling free speech, and debates about how Islam can co-exist with Christianity in the West. One Christian group spent at least $67,000 on its activities in Dearborn this summer. Some of the Christian-Muslim encounters have become confrontational. Commenting on the increased activity, Eric Haven, executive pastor at Woodside Bible Church in Troy, Michigan said: "For years, Christians have sent missionaries around the world to proclaim the gospel of Christ. In this day and age, the world is coming to America. ... So, it's a great opportunity."