Interfaith Peace Making 

Three churches in North Vancouver joined together to hold a series of events on the theme of Interfaith Peace Making, using film and dialogue. The initiator of these is Marnie Wooding. She was on the selection panel for the Film Festival at Mission Fest in Vancouver late January. Following the screening of An African Answer. She contacted Chris Hartnell, having been deeply moved by the message in the film.

Chris met with Marnie and Tim Hall, currently an intern with FLT films North America, who had been on the same panel as Marnie. She explained about her initiative and requested that The Imam and the Pastor to be shown at the first event.

One evening in late May over 40 people came to the screening in North Vancouver. Hosting the evening Marnie asked Chris and Tim to facilitate a dialogue following the screening. Responses to the film were thoughtful and deep.

Commenting on the importance of small steps someone said “ Ashafa visiting James’ mother in the hospital was that small step that eventually grew until not only are the two doing peacebuilding work all over the world… but also we here are able to see this film and have this discussion”.

Ideas were expressed on how to reach out to neighbours on the north shore, many of whom are Muslim. Some present were already connecting with other cultural and faith groups.

Conversation continues on June 23^rd and screening of An African Answer.

                                                                                                Tim Hall, Surrey, BC