Archbishop calls for talks in mosque debate

As a large majority of New Yorkers polled continue to oppose construction of a planned Islamic center and mosque near Ground Zero, the spiritual leader of the city's Roman Catholics Wednesday called for a "respectful discussion" to resolve the controversial issue.

In remarks to reporters, Archbishop Timothy Dolan indicated he hoped a deal could be worked out which respected those opposed to the center and still protected religious freedom. "My major prayer is that what has turned into somewhat of a divisive issue might develop into an occasion of very civil, rational, loving, respectful discussion," Dolan told WNBC-TV, adding he would be happy to take part in such talks.

In weighing in, Dolan added his voice to that of Gov. David A. Patersonm, who is hoping to sit down with the Islamic developers to discuss the idea of moving the project.

In New York, the Siena poll of 788 statewide registered voters found 63 percent of those surveyed opposed placing the cultural center near the area devastated by the Sept. 11 terror attacks - up two percentage points from a similar poll conducted two weeks ago.

"The level of opposition remains strong," said pollster Steven Greenberg. The survey had a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3.5 percentage points.

At the same time, the poll showed New Yorkers had nuanced views of the center for Muslims on Park Place, with 64 percent believing developers have a constitutional right to build on the site, while 28 percent said they do not, Greenberg said. Even those who oppose the project agree by a margin of 51-42 percent that the developers have the right to build, the poll found.

Wednesday, outside the Park Place building developers purchased last year for $4.8 million, supporters and critics squared off.

Julia Lundy, 28, of the East Village, was picketing in support of the center with her boyfriend, Matt Sky, 26. Lundy didn't like the idea of keeping the Muslim project away from the trade center area. "While it is two blocks away, I don't think we should put a gradient on our rights," said Lundy, adding Muslims were among the victims of the 9/11 attacks.

Some passersby gave the couple words of encouragement. But others like Karl Schaffenberger, 60, of New Jersey, disliked the center's placement. "I think this was chosen intentionally, to provoke," Schaffenberger said. "I think it is in bad taste."

"Symbolically, it is disturbing," said Sanaz, 25, a tourist and ethnic Iranian Jew from Los Angeles who didn't want her full name used. "But I also believe in religious tolerance."