June 26, 2009 Mosque opening met with opposition in Boston Play video

(NECN: Prat Thakkar, Boston, Mass.) - It was a project two decades in the making which almost never happened. Today a brand a new mosque opened in Boston's Roxbury neighborhood. The Muslim community is celebrating, however there are others who have ongoing reservations about the facility.

Those opponents gathered across the mosque today holding signs and playing patriotic songs. They allege the mosque is led by extremists and funded by groups with ties to radicals.

Across the street, dozens of people gathered inside the mosque for a call to prayer and a formal opening. Supporters of the mosque say their central goal is promoting civic engagement.

Interfaith leaders who the mosque also argue that the growing Muslim community deserves support and tolerance. Opponents say they want moderate Muslims to be involved in leadership positions and until that happens, they remain concerned.