The Imam and the Pastor In Person

Date: Saturday 25th October

Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm

Venue: Social Sciences Lecture Theatre, UWA

The CMSS and Initiatives of Change (WA) presents Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye, the inspiring men featured in the Nigerian documentary Imam and the Pastor. They visit Australia, with co-producer of the film Dr Imad Karam, for the first time to share their experiences of how they forged a co-operative partnership in mediation and reconciliation in an environment of religious tensions and conflict. They will share their story through interactive meetings around Australia with valuable lessons for all.

At a time when many in the world are wondering whether friendly relations are possible between those of Muslim and Christian background, Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye are living proof that they are.

In recent years, Nigeria has been rocked by ethnic and religious conflicts, with tens of thousands killed and whole communities devastated. In the 1990's, the two men led opposing militias, dedicated to defending their respective communities. In pitched battles, Pastor James Wuye lost his hand and Imam Ashafa's spiritual mentor and two close relatives were killed.

Now the two men are co-directors of the Muslim-Christian Interfaith Mediation Centre in their city of Kaduna, Northern Nigeria, leading task-forces to resolve conflicts across the country. The story of how they made this remarkable transition is told in the award-winning documentary The Imam and the Pastor (available on DVD).

They have wowed audiences at the United Nations in New York, across North America and Europe. Now they are coming to Australia for the first time to share their experiences through a series of interactive meetings. Dr Imad Karam, a Palestinian journalist and academic will also share his experiences in creating the film and the impact it has made on audiences around the world.

For more information contact Lindsay Cartwright (Initiatives of Change WA) 9448 8542 or Zarlasht Sarwari (CMSS) 6488 4554 or by email on cmss@uwa.edu.au.

Download flyer here.