By Morgan MontalvoWOAI News
America's divided - and divisive - relationship with Islam was on display Thursday evening at a far west San Antonio church.
Inside the Village Parkway Baptist Church on Culebra Road, local supporters of the conservative group ACT for America, known for its opposition to radical Islam and the construction of mosques in the U.S.
Outside, an estimated 75 pro-Muslim demonstrators who converged on the worship center to oppose what they say is ACT for America's hate speech aimed at Muslems.
Village Parkway Baptist Church pastor The Rev. Steve Branson says while not an ACT for America member, his has hosted several of the group's meetings. Branson says characterizations of ACT for America as a hate group by such liberal organizations as the Southern Poverty Law Center are unfounded.
"I've sat in several of their meetings, " said Branson. "If it was any hatred of any kind going on, they would not be allowed here."
Branson said many ACT for America meetings in his church have focused on "national security." He said the Thursday meeting agenda did not reference how to prevent the building of mosques, as alleged by protesters.
On the sidewalk outside the church, self-described political progressives chanted slogans, including "No Trump, No KKK, No fascist U.S.A..," "When our Muslim brothers and sisters are under attack what do we do? We fight back!' and "Say it loud, say it clear, our Muslim brothers are welcome here."
Sarwat Husain, spokeswoman for the local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, called upon ACT for America representatives to come outside to speak with protesters.
"If they want to talk to us," she said, "we are here. Why don't they talk to us?"
Husain said groups like ACT for America threaten religious freedom as much as "extremists from any other faith, including Muslims."
Anticipating the potential for escalation. deputy constables stood by inside the church while San Antonio Police Department officers monitored the demonstration, which continued well after dark and some time after the end of the ACT for America event.
PHOTO':MORGAN MONTALVO