Event aims to improve Muslims-Christians relations
Feb. 24, 2004
KALAMAZOO--An evening of activities to promote better understanding between Muslims and Christians will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 11, in the East Ballroom of Western Michigan University's Bernhard Center.
The event, "Islam and Christianity: Coalition or Collision?," is being sponsored by WMU's Muslim Students Association. Reservations are required, but admission is free and open to the public.
"MSA members have been working hard to develop events that bring the University's Muslim and Christian students, faculty and staff and the Kalamazoo community closer together," says Mohamed Bourouha, MSA President and a graduate student in electrical engineering from Tunisia. "Our goal is to promote communication, understanding, diversity and peaceful relations on campus and in the community at large."
Activities planned for the upcoming event include a speaker, a buffet dinner featuring Middle-Eastern cuisine and an educational exhibit. In addition, there will be free literature and door prizes.
The speaker will be William W. Baker, founder and executive director of Christians and Muslims for Peace, a California-based organization with branches in several parts of the world.
Baker has lived and worked throughout the Middle East and has written books related to the region, including "More in Common Than You Think: The Bridge Between Islam and Christianity."
In addition to his current involvement with CAMP, Baker's career has encompassed roles as a minister, a U.S. Marine and an archaeologist as well as service as a peace negotiator, hostage negotiator and consultant to government officials and the media.
For more information or to make a reservation for "Islam and Christianity: Coalition or Collision?," visit MSA's Web site at <www.rso.wmich.edu/msa>. The reservation deadline is March 9.
Media note: To arrange an interview with the event organizer, contact Mohamed Bourouha at <rso_msa@wmich.edu>. For more information about CAMP, visit the organization's Web site at <www.campintl.com>.
Media contact: Jeanne Baron, 269 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu