CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (AP) - While a new mosque in Murfreesboro has had to battle a lawsuit from a group of neighbors aimed at preventing it from opening, other mosques have been built around Tennessee with little publicity or controversy.
The Islamic Center of Greater Chattanooga held its grand opening this weekend.
Board Member Bassam Issa told the Chattanooga Times Free Press that mosque leaders shared their plans with officials at nearby churches and got their full support for the project.
The Islamic Center combines a religious school, a multipurpose room and a worship area in a 22,500-square-foot space.
The mosque had previously been located in a private house.
The 2.7-acre site eventually will have a small soccer field and a playground.
(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
