A recent report by AP Newswire reveals an early plan to build a Catholic Cathedral at the site of the Oklahoma City bombing only a few yads from the former Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The Murrah Federal Building was ground Zero for the worst domestic terror bombing in US History. The Oklahoma blast claimed 168 lives, including 19 children under the age of 6, and injured more than 680 people. The blast destroyed or damaged 324 buildings within a sixteen-block radius, destroyed or burned 86 cars, and shattered glass in 258 nearby buildings. The bomb was estimated to have caused at least $652 million worth of damage.
Opponents to the building of the Cathedral cite the Catholic background of Timothey McVeigh and the conversion of Terry Nichols to Born Again Christianity as too close a linkage between the church and the bombing. Opponents feel it in poor taste to erect a religious building of the same denomination as the bombing mastermind. To do so will ensure a perpetual reminder of the radical side of Christianity and to some might be viewed as a shrine to McVeigh himself. This could spark renewed fervor and participation in the same anti-government militia in which McVeigh was a participant.
Oklahoma City Council members vowed to block the Cathedral, “It’s an absolute affront to the families of the victims who will forever be reminded of McVeigh and his radical religion” stated Ima Ediyot. Oklahoma City Mayor, Barbie Dahl, weighed in on the issue stating “I haven’t been fully briefed on the plans but as long as it’s legal and adheres to color codes, there shouldn’t be such a fuss.”
Oklahoma City citizens interviewd on the street weren’t so kind. One woman was outraged stating “Those Christians are making a mockery of the sacred ground at the Murah building. I won’t stand for it.” Another went on to say “I don’t care if it’s legal. I will do everything in my power to ensure it doesn’t happen.”
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