The Muslim community in Craigavon last night held emergency talks on whether to pull the plug on plans to build the first mosque in the town.
The proposed place of worship for the 200-strong Muslim community has been thrown into doubt after being blocked by unionist members of the council.
Last night the Al Nur Association held a meeting in Craigavon to discuss whether to withdraw its application for a mosque in the Bleary area.
It is understood that at one stage over the weekend a decision had been taken to withdraw the planning application.
Ulster Unionist councillor Fred Crowe, who has insisted that his opposition is based purely on planning grounds, has been severely criticised for comments made about the Muslim community.
He was reported as saying: "Their greatest enemy is Jesus Christ, and I have seen papers coming from them that it is their intention to wipe out Christianity."
Speaking before attending last night's meeting, Jamal Iweida, president of the Islamic Centre in Belfast, said: "They had a rethink because of the remarks made and the community feels intimidated. It is our right to worship and practise our religion and traditions."
Sinn Féin councillor John O'Dowd said: "A number of public statements from unionist representatives have brought this whole application into the arena of misunderstanding and inequality.
"One of the key elements to resolving this situation is that Mr Trimble, as MP for the area should meet with the Muslim community and reassure them they have the backing of the MP in the area," he said.
Caroline Coleman of the Multi-Cultural Resource Centre for Ethnic Minority Organisations, has been working closely with the Al Nur Association.
"I certainly hope they don't pull out," she said. "The make-shift mosque was burned down five years ago and families are concerned that if it could happen once it could happen again."
SDLP councillor Dolores Kelly said: "We have supported the Muslim community all along on this issue. I think it is a very sad reflection of our society that a different standard applies to people who have a non-Christian faith."
