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In an op-ed piece in today's New York Times, Feisal Abdul Rauf says the very purpose of the planned Islamic center is to unify all cultures and religions.

Rauf says bowing to political pressure to move the site would harm everyone and adds, "This is why Americans must not back away from completion of this project. If we do, we cede the discourse and, essentially, our future to radicals on both sides."

Rauf also addresses recent calls for a probe into the center's funding, saying he promises to clearly identify all the financial backers.

According to the imam, the center will include a swimming pool, classrooms and a play space for children and, “there will be separate prayer spaces for Muslims, Christians, Jews and men and women of other faiths. The center will also include a multi-faith memorial dedicated to victims of the September 11 attacks.”

Mayor Michael Bloomberg continues to insist that the imam has the constitutional right to build the center wherever he wants, and he says that also applies to his op-ed article.

“He has the right to write,” said Bloomberg. “It's not the government's business.”

But opponents say that's beside the point.

“I think the op-ed was arrogant,” said Congressman Peter King. “He said, 'I'll build it no matter what.' He says we should worry what the world thinks of Muslims. We don't have to prove anything to the rest of the world.”

“Where is his sensitivity to the families?” asked former NYC firefighter Tim Brown. “They're in mourning this week. He came back here to claim the narrative of September 11th.”

The backers of the proposed center are trying to recast its image, hoping to divert some of the fiercest criticism. Its website sports a new logo. "Park 51" is now "P51." And while the donations page is prominent, there are fewer references to the center's Muslim character and more emphasis on its embrace of other faiths.

Some who spoke with NY1 said that changes to the website will not really affect their thoughts on the proposed development.

“[The imam] should show some tolerance also, and move the mosque away,” said one New Yorker. “[The article] is not enough.”

“From what you told me about the article, I was already convinced. But now I totally agree with him,” said another.

So while the imam's column may have sparked more debate, it's unlikely to have changed many minds.