The Imam and the Pastor an Example of Religious Tolerance at the BA
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Alexandria—The BA hosted on Wednesday, 27 May 2009 Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye, who co-founded the Inter-Faith Mediation Center in Kaduna, Nigeria. They spoke in an open discussion after the screening of the documentary film The Imam and the Pastor, organized by the Institute for Peace Studies, hosted at the BA, the BA Dialogue Forum, the Arab Society for Reform and Development and the Moral Rearmament Organization.
This documentary presents a realistic experience of reconciliation and co-existence in Nigeria; both Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye were able to end the ethnic and religious conflict, overcome inter-religious violence and become instigators of peace. The film traces their remarkable story, and highlights some of the difficulties that arise in a Christian-Muslim relationship. The documentary is a case-study of a successful grassroots initiative to rebuild communities torn apart by conflict.
Emad Karm, the Director and Producer of the Film, explained the situation in Kaduna before this astonishing reconciliation. He added that the film is a message of peace and tolerance. Imam Ashafa said that Egypt is a vivid example of conciliation, tolerance and coexistence, while Pastor Wuye said that the Alexandria Declaration inspired them during their work with tribes in conflict.