Muslim group to campaign for London "mega mosque"

By Luke Baker

LONDON (Reuters) - A media-shy Islamic movement that wants to build a 12,000-capacity "mega mosque" in east London will launch a campaign next week to try to overcome heated opposition to its plan.

Tablighi Jamaat, a missionary group founded in India in the 1920s, bought the site nearly 12 years ago, but has struggled to overcome strong local resistance to building what would be Britain's biggest site of worship.

Critics accuse it of a separatist agenda and seeking world domination through Islam. An "anti mega-mosque" Internet petition sent to the Web site of Prime Minister Gordon Brown last year attracted more than 275,000 signatures, but also drew accusations of being racist and "Islamophobic".

Having previously avoided almost all communication with the press or public, Jamaat, which counts around 80 million members worldwide, has now decided to adopt a more open approach.

In a 10-page booklet to be distributed among the local community, it is inviting people to come and view the site -- close to where the 2012 Olympic Games will be staged -- and understand more about its ambitions.

"We think Londoners as a whole will welcome this mosque -- that's our aim," the booklet says. "We want to ensure local people will benefit as well, and we need your active participation to help us."

Jamaat plans open days for visitors on March 15-16 and will display designs for the mosque at another event in the summer.