Nigerian religious leaders talk reconciliation v.4
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- Google Video
Nigerian religious leaders talk reconciliation v.4
Ashafa and Wuye participate in a discussion at Peace Mennonite Church.Feb 19, 2008 •Muhammad Nurayn Ashafa and Reverend James Movel Wuye lead an informal discussion about lessons they learned in Nigeria. "We want to be catalysts for real integration and engagement," he said. Ashafa noted religion's powerful energy. "The energy is much more powerful than an atomic and nuclear bomb put together. We have to learn how to harness this energy for the common good of all mankind," he said. Ashafa wants Canadians to learn from his experience in Nigeria, where deep-rooted prejudices have grown into hate between ethnic and faith communities. He cited an example of one Nigerian state, where 50,000 people were killed from 2001 to 2004 on the basis of ethnicity. "You must take proactive measures right now to protect this beautiful city, this country, which is proud of its own culture of diversity. To be proud of it, you have to protect it," he said. "Make Canada a role model that it needs to be for the whole world to be safe. That's in essence of why we're here." As a Muslim cleric, Ashafa also invited people to learn the truth about Islam and called on local Muslims to be "true ambassadors" of Islam. "Muhammed has lived with Jews, with Christians, with people of faith communities, and he was a role model within those faith communities." The pair will also be at Peace Mennonite Church on Saturday, as part of a weekend learning session focusing on creating dialogue between Muslims and Christians. Pastor Tim Kuepfer said he has a particular interest in building bridges. He noted despite the two religions often being portrayed as having irreconcilable differences, conflict between Muslims and Christianity is often rooted in an underlying tribalism. "For our church, we find it really fruitful to talk with Muslims," he said. "We're both monotheistic, we both find our roots in father Abraham. We're also both outreaching faiths." The religions do, of course, have differences. Those committed to Islam believe in submitting to Allah and recognize Muhammad as the last great prophet, he said. A Christian, however, acknowledges Jesus as lord of the world. "There are theological differences, but just because we differ, doesn't mean we can't live side-by-side in peace and in fact build bridges of understanding so we can start talking about these differences."
Google Video | January 19, 2008
