Canadian Christians, Muslims Met for Feast of Understanding
More than 120 people gathered Saturday afternoon at Westbank United Church in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada, to explain their respective faiths and dispel online incitement that discredits Muslims, Daily Courier reported.
“It seems to be an organized campaign happening via emails and Facebook postings,” Rev. Kathy Hogman said before the gathering. “It’s coming from the right, probably fascists or white supremacists who tend to be the Christian-right extremists.
“It’s really important we mitigate that.”
Local Muslims accepted the invitation right away. Hamid Butt, who speaks for the congregation, said terrorists or those who threaten innocent lives have nothing to do with Islam and are its worst enemies.
“If an individual with a Muslim name does something really stupid, that doesn’t mean what Islam is.”
Muslims cooked up curry and other Asian dishes for the potluck dinner. Church members brought salad, vegetables and meat permissible for Muslims.
The church wants to learn about Islam, Hogman said. Local Muslims at least have a cursory understanding of Christianity because Canadian holidays revolve around the religion.
“We know almost nothing about Islam. It’s important for us to get a better understanding so we can tell our friends and tell others beyond our community what’s going on.”
The Kelowna mosque also invited everyone to a speech at the Holiday Inn conference centre next Sunday. Sheikh Daood Butt, a scholar from Toronto, will explain Islam, how Muslims should react to the terrorism and their responsibilities.
