A church has apologised to Islamic groups for suggesting that an outer-suburban mosque could become a training ground for religious fanatics.
Monash Uniting Church Congregation chairman Richard Farrell had written to Monash Council objecting to plans by an Islamic association to upgrade a house used for prayers to a mosque.
Mr Farrell, who said he was writing on behalf of his church, said the expansion would disturb residents with the call to prayer, and “in effect the mosque is a training ground for religious moderates at one end of the scale and religious fanatics at the other end”.
The site, in Beddoe Ave, Clayton, is owned by Monash University and used by the Islamic Association of Monash Mosque, which says the new building will accommodate a maximum of 185 people.
But the Monash church has apologised after the Uniting Church of Australia Victorian Synod intervened in the controversy.
Synod general secretary the Rev Dr Mark Lawrence said Mr Farrell’s claim that the mosque could become a training ground for religious fanatics was outrageous and unacceptable.
“It goes against the Uniting Church’s strong desire to interact with all faiths in a respectful manner,” he said.
“Multicultural relations often entail very complex histories and interpretations, and there are those in Monash Uniting Church who have experienced oppression and persecution in their countries of birth.
“While these people have understandably brought their concerns to Australia, this does not justify the position taken by the chairperson’s statement.”
A synod spokeswoman said the Monash church had withdrawn its objection to the mosque and sent written apologies to the university’s Islamic association and to the Islamic Council of Victoria.
“I don’t think they really thought through what they were saying,” she said.
A planning report before Monash Council has recommended approving the proposal, with councillors due to vote on the issue tonight.
There were nine other objections.
Plans for a new mosque in the nearby City of Casey have also generated community debate.
About 1600 people have signed a petition against the mosque, which would be built next to the headquarters of evangelical Christian church Catch the Fire Ministries.
Casey Council is expected to consider the application next month.