NEW YORK – A summit of U.S. Muslim organizations is under way in New York City to address the outcry over a proposed Islamic center near ground zero.

Spokesman Shaik Ubaid said the Muslim leaders met Sunday in an effort to arrive at a united stand. The organizations also hope to address what they see as a rise in anti-Muslim sentiment and rhetoric that has accompanied the nationwide debate over the project.

Groups participating in the summit include the Islamic Society of North America, the Islamic Circle of North America, the Muslim Alliance of North America and the Council on American-Islamic Relations.

The private meetings are taking place at a hotel near Kennedy Airport. The groups plan to hold a news conference Monday at the site.