Honest Conversations with Muslim Neighbors drew some 65 people to Zion Episcopal Church in North Branford on October 18.

Sponsored by the Connecticut Council for Interreligious Understanding, the Hartford Seminary and the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut, the program is offered to groups around the state to promote public awareness and understanding about and respect for religious pluralism, a council flyer notes.

The speakers, Kashif Abdul-Karim, Farah Choudhry and Reza Mansoor, respectively a member of the clergy and two physicians, answered questions from the audience under the able direction of moderator Janet L. Bauer, an associate professor of international studies at Trinity College.

The audience learned that Islam reveres Jesus as a role model and that Muslims look for guidance to a combination of the Koran and the example of the Prophet Mohammed.  Extremism identified with Islam is not typical of all its adherents.  Some practices are cultural rather than religious.  Other extreme beliefs are a mischaracterization of Islamic principles.  Most Muslims follow a "moderate middle path".

As to the philosophy of the council, "We believe it is possible to...promote religious understanding and acceptance of our different beliefs and practices and respect for one another, as well as appreciation for the values of compassion, caring, and love that we have in common."

In a year of extreme polarization, only education and engagement can bring us together was the message of the evening.