How Muslims and Christians in Kamloops are shutting down rumors about Islam

KAMLOOPS – Dozens of Muslims and Christians in Kamloops are unifying to dispell rumors about Islam.

About 40 people packed a room at the Kamloops United Church last night, Jan. 24, in hopes of educating people on what Islam is really about.

It was the first seminar of the Jesus Fatwah program, organized by church member and former minister Dawne Taylor. A number of people from the Knutsford Mosque attended the seminar.

"We gather with a desire, if we're Christian, to learn more about the Muslim faith," Taylor said while addressing the crowd.

A video of the documentary The Jesus Fatwah was played for the group and paused every few minutes to open the floor for discussion, where groups of four or more would gather to ask questions about Islam.

The American film began with some of the rumors that have been thrown around about Islam for years including that Muslims are hellbent on conquering the world and practicing a violent faith, which the documentary said are untrue.

According to the Muslims who attended the seminar, Islam is not much different than Christianity and is a religion based solely on peace. Sommiya Hasan, a practicing Muslim, said there are many similarities between the Qur'an and the Bible.

"It's the same God," Hasan said. "Let's talk about the commonalities. Religion means peace."

Throughout the night, there were no arguments or conflicts, just people from two different faiths trying to understand the other.

Many Christians were surprised at how many similarities there are between Islam and Christianity. Sommiya took the time to thank the crowd for being open to learning more.

"I just want to thank you, all the Christians… I am so thankful we have this opportunity," she said.

There will be additional seminars at the Kamloops United Church on St. Paul Street on Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14, all beginning at 7 p.m.

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