Some conservative Christian leaders have argued that the mosque and community center should not be built so close to Ground Zero.

Months into an emotionally-charged debate surrounding the planned mosque and community center near the site of the 9/11 attacks, President Obama declared his support Friday night for the Muslim house of worship.

“Let me be clear. As a citizen, and as President, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country,” he said to applause at the White House. “And that includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in Lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances…”

Imam Feisal Abdul Rauf, who founded Muslim outreach group the Cordoba Initiative, is spearheading the project. Organizers insist that it is part of an effort to promote tolerance and improve Muslim-West relations…

Rick A. Lazio, a Republican candidate for New York governor, has argued, however, that this is not a matter of religion.

“With over 100 mosques in New York City, this is not an issue of religion, but one of safety and security,” he said in a statement Friday.

Opponents have strongly protested the project, calling it insensitive and offensive to the victims of the attacks…

Others are convinced the project is a political statement or a “victory monument,” marking Muslim dominance over America.

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