A New Mexico archbishop is defending religious liberty for Muslims and other faith communities, following tensions over the planned construction of a mosque in Albuquerque. In his statement, Archbishop Wester -- who did not address the parish altercation -- stressed that "the Catholic Church has long affirmed religious liberty as essential to human dignity." "This principle applies universally," said Archbishop Wester. Amid "a time when divisions can easily deepen," Archbishop Wester urged the community "to choose respect, dialogue, and peaceful coexistence." Archbishop Wester also stated that "anti-Muslim sentiment has no place in the heart of a Christian."