Joplin churches gather for Islamic community

JOPLIN, Mo. (AP) - Joplin churches are holding a special ceremony for members of a mosque destroyed in a suspicious fire.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations says Joplin churches will gather Wednesday evening at St. Philip's Episcopal Church as a show of support for the Islamic Society of Joplin. They'll be taking part in an "iftar," which is a meal to break a fast during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

CAIR says the groups participating include the South Joplin Christian Church, United Hebrew Congregation, First Community Church and Peace Lutheran Church.

The Islamic Society of Joplin's mosque was destroyed in a fire early Monday. Federal officials have been working to determine whether the fire was arson, but say it's unclear when they'll know if the fire was set.