Friendship Gathering at Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville

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Presbyterian Church of Lawrenceville hosted the Peace Islands Institute and Temple Micah in a Friendship Gathering on January 15th 2012. The main highlight of the gathering was a presentation on the peaceful co-existence of three faiths during the Ottoman rule at large and multi-ethnic and religious lands for centuries.

The presentation started by introducing the Islamic perspective on how Muslims should deal with other faiths, especially Christianity and Judaism, in different levels of society and state by pointing to the Quranic statements as well as practises of Prophet Muhammed (PbuH) and his close successors. Then, the presentation portrayed how those Islamic teachings were used to build a peaceful society by Ottomans despite the high ethnic and religious diversity present on their lands. Finally, Ottomans’ decline and dispersion and how nationalist movement influenced this process and formation of modern day Turkey was discussed. Q&A followed the presentation.

Food and refreshments were provided by the Church, Temple Micah, and Peace Island Institute. New friends were made and new thoughts were provoked. It was a wonderful afternoon well spent.

Pictures from the event: