NEW HAVEN – The New Haven Islamic Center in West Haven, Connecticut, has opened its doors for the first time on Saturday to neighbors as part of outreach programs to build alliances and create new friendships in the community.

During the event, “Meet Your Muslim Neighbors”, non-Muslim women wore hijabs as per a request from the NHIC to show respect for the Islamic faith.

“I’ve been to a handful of these events and feel it is important to build an interfaith relationship,” LaQuisha Gill told New Haven Register.

During the event, Islamic scholar Bachir Djehiche talked about the similarities between Islam and Christianity as he read from the Qur’an.

The event was attended by Pastor Jim Detweiler of Hope Christian Church in North Haven and Pastor Patrick Dunn of Elm City Vineyard Church in New Haven.