Reverend Madeline Hawley and Mr. Erdem Balikci addressed the topic of Environmental Care from Christian and Islamic perspectives respectively at Interfaith Academy Panel that took place at St. George’s Episcopal Church in Wednesday evening,  March 2nd.     Rev. Madeline began her speech with the Islamic greeting, As Salamu Alaikum. She provided  intriguing examples on “peace” from the Bible and the life of Jesus. Mr. Erdem stressed the importance of Islamic values upholding peaceful coexistence among people.

 This event was a part of this year’s Lenten Series – Common Ground Amidst Our Faiths: Comparing Shared Values and Beliefs among Christianity and Islam, which were co-hosted by Dialogue Institute of the Southwest, St. James’ Episcopal Church and St. George Episcopal Church. Following a shared meal, members of the three institutions had the opportunity to learn more about Christianity and Islam through presentations given by speakers of  both faiths for four weeks between February 17th and March 9th.