The St John's Episcopal Church, Montclair, hosted the Peace Islands Institute in a Friendship Gathering on November 13,  2011. This gathering like other PII initiatives provided opportunity to build bridge between two communities, Turkish American Muslims and Christians.

Rev Andrew G. Butler spoke on behalf of St. John’s saying “I want to thank you and all who attended the recent Friendship Gathering at our church. I was delighted by the number of people from the Turkish Muslim community who made the commitment to be with us and share their time and delicious food.

In speaking with several of our parishioners who were in attendance, it was felt that this was a wonderful event and that our new friends were warm and gracious. The more I have been in contact with you and your friends; the more I am convinced that this must be a characteristic of the Turkish Muslim people. For this, and for you, I give thanks and count it as a blessing.

May you continue to be strengthened in your work to bring peace and understanding to a world desperately in need of healing”

The Peace Islands Institute brought in some home cooked food prepared by PII volunteers that everyone enjoyed very much. New friends were made on this wonderful event throughout more than an hour.

We thank Rev. Andrew G. Butler for inviting PII volunteers to his his church and making this event possible.

Pictures from the event: