In an effort to connect the city's religious communities, the Airdrie chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association (AMWA) will be hosting its first ever interfaith symposium on April 29 at Genesis Place Recreation Centre.
The title of the Airdrie symposium will be “Empowerment of Women Through Their Faith.”
“Everything we talk about will be women-only,” explained AMWA regional vice-president Dr. Amtal Qudos Farhat. “Everything we do is run by women.”
The symposium will first feature female speakers talking individually about Christianity, Islam, Sikhism and Métis spiritual traditions, and then all the speakers will sit together to engage in dialogue and take audience members' questions on the subject of faith, and women’s role in religion.
“Religions have kind of been seen as opposing each other,” said Farhat. “People have had misconceptions that religions cannot get along – that religions fight, and don’t bring peace, but bring violence.
“(However) all religions have more commonalities (than differences), and have the same root at the base. They are peaceful. Everyone can sit together and talk about it.”
Ahmadiyya Muslims also believe in the equality of men and women in faith and worship, according to Farhat, but the symposium is intended to discuss the unique roles and purposes of women in the religious traditions represented at the event.
“We must excel in the material world, but at the same time we must excel in the moral and spiritual sense as well,” she explained.
Farhat also noted this year’s Airdrie symposium – and others set to take place in nearby communities this month – are taking on added significance this year because it is the 100-year anniversary of the founding of the AMWA.
“This is a celebration year,” she said. “We are celebrating all across Canada.”
Women wishing to register to be part of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women Association’s “Empowerment of Women Through Their Faith” symposium in Airdrie can do so at eventbrite.ca. Registration is free and a meal is included for those who attend.
Anyone wanting to register is asked to do so by April 22. For more information, email [email protected].
