Yorkregion.com - Whitchurch-Stouffville - Faiths joining forces to break down barriers
Faiths joining forces to break down barriers
Whitchurch-Stouffville
May 01, 2008 12:45 AM
By: Hannelore Volpe
How well do you know your neighbours, Stouffville?
Living as Neighbours, an interfaith seminar which grew out of an Anglican/Muslim collaboration in Stouffville, takes place May 10.
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association is hosting the event at Christ Church Anglican. This is one of about 200 seminars the Canada-wide association is holding this year.
The seminar topic reflects what is happening in the world and in the Stouffville community, Rev. Rob Shields of Christ Church said.
When it comes to your average Christian or Muslim, they are just normal, decent people wanting to live as neighbours, Mr. Shields said.
People of different cultures and religiouns have more in common and less differences, Faseeh Malik, director of religious and community affairs for the Muslim association said.
When several new Stouffville residents from various cultures wanted help in getting more familiar with their new town, the church stepped in to help. Now several parishioners help the residents to get to know their town and local customs.
The Anglican parish has become more multi-cultural in recent years.
While new people coming to Stouffville 30 years ago found it difficult to integrate, Mr. Shields doesn’t see that happening now.
The seminar features presentations on the Hindu, Muslim and Christian perspectives along with a chance to have your questions answered. Refreshments follow.
The organizers are hoping about 100 people attend. Everyone in the community is welcome, particularly young people.
The Kuslim association first approached the town three years ago as part of its outreach program to more rural areas.
It held its first seminar here late in 2006, with about 50 people attending.
It is hoping to do other outreach programs here in future.
Planning to attend?
Here is the 411 on the May 10 session in Stouffville:
• The seminar runs from 4 to 6 p.m., with registration beginning at 3:30 p.m.
• The church is at 254 Sunset Blvd. in Stouffville.
• To register, call 416-562-0596 or go to islamEvents.ca/register