The project, called Faith Shared, is set for June 26 with a few synagogues and mosques among those that have signed up for the initiative, as well as Christian communities across the denominational spectrum.
"Just having something public is not going to be a big, big deal here, but to have someone come in and read from the Quran and to recognize publicly the existence of Islam and to reverence and respect is a good thing for the church to do," said Jesuit Father Pat Earl, pastor of St. Peter Parish in Charlotte, N.C.
The project is co-sponsored by the Interfaith Alliance and Human Rights First.
"Crucial to peaceful relationships across this land, as well as to our democratic form of government are pluralism and religious freedom." said the Rev. C. Welton Gaddy, a Southern Baptist minister who is president of the Interfaith Alliance, during a May 18 conference call with reporters.
Rev. Gaddy said, "We're calling upon congregations to say by means of their actions, 'We come from different traditions, hold different beliefs and engage in different rituals in our churches, mosques and synagogues, have different beliefs yet emphasize religious freedom and search for answers to life's questions through our respective faiths.'"
"The perception of the United States abroad has an influence on the ability of the U.S. government to lead on human rights," said Tad Stahnke, Human Rights First's director of policy and programs. "In this work we know that bigotry and hatred can create a climate of hostility where it is more difficult for individuals to exercise their rights, and to be protected from violence and discrimination. These events are noticed around the world."
"I've heard from Muslim imams about what they and their congregations have suffered just from the fear, the fear of what they call Islamophobia," Father Earl said.
One recent instance was related to an Islamophobia conference held in Charlotte earlier in May.
Rev. Gaddy said, "This event will help counter the common misperception abroad that most Americans are hostile to Islam. It will send a message that Americans respect Muslims and Islam, as they respect religious differences and freedom of religion in general."
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