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Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church
Palace Avenue, Paignton, Devon, TQ3 3EQ. |
Home Page • 'Our History' • Members Page(s) • Room Hire/Letting • Contact us! • Useful Links! • Website Map
Home Page • 'Our History' • Members Page(s) • Room Hire/Letting • Contact us! • Useful Links! • Website Map |
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Christians and Muslims after 11 September"For the links that bind Christianity and Islam are so deep, and so
complex, and
so intricately woven, that the more you learn about them, the more the
occasional confrontations between the two religions begin to seem like a civil
war between two different streams of the same tradition, rather than any
essential clash of two incompatible civilisations." "The struggle for expansion is the true aim of jihad. However, within
the context of this struggle, violence is an acceptable stratagem and has a long
history in Islam. The famous 'sword verse' in the Qur'an states, 'Fight and slay
the pagans wherever you find them'." (Sura 9:5) Two quotes. Two messages. The first suggests that Muslims and Christians can be united in faith. The second implies conflict. Which is nearer the truth? The question has become more acute since 11 September. Events such as the horrific massacre of 18 Christians at St Dominic's Church in Bahawalpur, Pakistan, on 28 October has convinced some that the two religions are on a collision course. In contrast, the numerous instances of Christians and Muslims coming closer together in the last few months have shown others that the two religions have much in common. In Edinburgh, for instance, shared times of prayer took place alternately in the Central Mosque and in the Methodist Church at Nicolson Square for six weeks after 11 September. In Horwich, near Bolton, a Methodist Church invited a local Imam and other Muslims to a service for World Peace Sunday on 14 October. Most important to remember is:
In a post 11 September world, these are just three challenges for us all:
"My greatest reward for arranging the service was the look of joy and
delight on so many of the Muslim and Christian faces afterwards as we shared a
Halal lunch and chatted with each other. It was a deeply moving experience
following which many people of both faiths voiced the hope that this will be
only the beginning of a deepening relationship between mosque and church."
A Visit the local Islamic Centre A group of about fifteen people, mainly from Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church, spent an evening as guests of the Torquay Islamic Centre. There were two talks by converts to Islam giving an insight into their spiritual journey as well as giving an overview of Islam. There then followed a very interesting and open 'question and answer' session which covered various topics including the position of women in Islam, Sharia law, and the devotional life. The evening concluded with refreshments and many individual conversations between the Christians and Muslims present. A collection had been taken at Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church for the victims of the earthquake that devastated the Iranian city of Bam and the proceeds were given to the Islamic Centre to be distributed through Muslim Global Relief. Sending the Church's contribution through Muslim channels was considered to be one small way in which some local Christians could extend the hand of friendship at a time when some parts of our society and media are encouraging hostility towards the Muslim community in Britain. Only good can come from increased contact between people of faith in Torbay and an invitation was given to the Muslim community to attend a similar event at Paignton (Palace Avenue) Methodist Church in the future.
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Contact our
Minister – Revd Dermot Thornberry View the Plymouth and Exeter Methodist District Training Calendar If
difficulties are experienced accessing our website or any of our
addresses please
contact us
explaining the difficulty.
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