An Open Forum on Islam

The Arabic term for what is often called “the

Muslim world” is ummah, which simply

means “community.” Like many communities, the ummah is diverse, even though Islam can be viewed by outsiders as monolithic

and capable of singing only one, angry, anti-Western note.

Following last Spring’s provocative forum on Islam

organized and hosted by Calvary church's Adult Christian Education program, this open discussion will explore many of the most commonly

misunderstood elements of Islamic life, such as sharia law, jihad, and

the status of women. Guest speakers will include Mongi Dhaouadi, Executive

Director of the Connecticut Chapter of the Council on American-Islamic

Relations, Rama Majzoub, teacher at the Islamic Center of New London and

graduate of the University of Damascus, and other members of the local Muslim

community. The speakers will present their views on Islam and on what it means

to be a Muslim-American, while welcoming frank and open questions from the

audience.