CLARK COUNTY – Recognizing special relations between Muslims and Christians in Springfield, an American TV network plans a documentary for a series highlighting interfaith relations in the city, focusing on religion and culture,
“I’ve never been prouder to be an American Muslim than today because of the humanity I see in people who just came out of nowhere to support Muslims,” Samina Ahmed, a member of the Al Madina Mosque in Springfield, told Springfield News Sun on Thursday.
For years, Ahmed has been working to share and explain her Islamic faith to people who might know little about it otherwise.
She has been active in the Global Education and Peace Network and chairs the city of Springfield’s Human Relations Board.
Carl Ruby, who has served as pastor at Springfield’s Central Christian Church for three years, said local leaders and members of the area’s Muslim community have been building friendships long before he began leading the church.
As part of interfaith efforts, local Muslims and Christians will host a series of events this week to foster respect and awareness of the ways members of the two religions are living together in peace in Springfield.
The events, which will be highlighted in a CBC News documentary, will include an educational presentation on Islam by Imam Yunus Lasania, followed by traditional Muslim prayers.
A public worship service focused on loving neighbors when their faiths differ is also planned.
“I’m hoping people can walk away with an acquaintance that they could have coffee with,” Ruby said.
“The biggest thing that contributes to negative stereotypes and misunderstandings is that we just don’t have a personal contact with someone of a different faith.”
Ruby talked in Columbus earlier this year about his opposition to President Trump’s executive order banning Muslims.
“As a Christian I don’t think we should be making that distinction,” Ruby said of the executive order.
“If a person is fleeing for their life and if they’ve been vetted, they should enter whether they’re a Christian or a Muslim.”
Both Ahmed and Ruby said this weekend’s events are just part of a long-standing effort to promote understanding in Clark County.
“There have been good things happening all along,” Ruby said.
“For reasons I don’t fully understand we’re at a tipping point in a very positive way of moving beyond merely tolerating one another and actually becoming neighbors and loving one another.”