YES Programs

MENU  

STORIES


Muslim-Christian Dialogue to Promote Peace

Suzy Cover Photo

By Suzy Hilary Kencle Lekeufack, YES 2009-2010, Cameroon, hosted by AFS in Sitka, AK

“It doesn’t matter WHAT you are, what matters is WHO you are.”

As part of the Interfaith Harmony Workshop (IHW) in Morocco, I was tasked with conducting an interfaith project in my country. The interfaith process can be summed up into three main points: the acceptance of another religion, the knowledge of that other religion, and lastly, the participation with the other religion.

In Cameroon, there is already acceptance between Muslims and Christians, since the two main religions are Islam and Christianity. Religion doesn't separate people in social or political affairs; there is no discrimination. We also participate with each other during celebrations, for example, some big religious festivities, like Christmas, Good Friday, Tabaski, and Eid are declared public holidays, which shows that we respect other religions and we even participate with them.

However, sadly, we do not understand WHY those celebrations occur. It is imperative in my community to try to combat ignorance and promote curiosity and open mindedness, especially for youths. They must better understand other religions so that they avoid stereotyping and have a clear knowledge of the things in which they participate.

Suzy Speakers

Photo: (left to right) Suzy and CYAA President, Evangeline Safeh, with guest speakers, Herve Kogem and Djamila Mbarga.

That was the central target of my project - to educate people about other religions. On Sunday, 13 November at 2pm, about thirty students came to the YES office to listen and to learn. Two guest speakers, Herve Kogem Fotso, a computer specialist and catechist in a Catholic church in Douala, and Djamila Mbarga, a student at the university of Douala in her third year of studying biochemistry and religious studies, attended and spoke about different religions. Each speaker explained different aspects about their religious celebrations, including their origins, their traditions, and how other religious groups can participate in those holidays.

After the presentations, the participants had a chance to ask questions. Everyone was happy to learn. At the end of the program, they realized that not only had they learned about other religions, but they had also learned more about their own religion.

One Catholic participant said, “I found the dialogue really instructive. I learned a lot about Islam, and even about Catholicism. I loved the way people were talking without criticizing the other's religion, but by showing respect for what the other was saying. By learning, stereotypes ended. And even if we don’t accept because of our own faith, we nevertheless understand. In fact, I take away that it is important to respect other people's religions, not just so we can maintain peace with others, but also with ourselves.” 

Another added, “The event was really interesting. It was a good opportunity for me to ask all the questions I had about the Islamic faith, and I was happy to get the chance to have answers. I also learned about Christianity.” This was echoed by a third participant who shared, “I finally found a way I can ask all the questions I had to Muslims about their religion, and I liked the way they were explaining it to us without any anger but laughing even. And I also learned a lot about Catholicism, my religion. I gained a lot, I am glad I came”

Suzy With Speakers

Photo: Suzy (far right) poses with the speakers and host.

I can conclude that the event was a great success because all who attended were happy while they were leaving, and were full of new things they learned. Some even started planning ways to explain it to their brothers and sisters. I am happy that it was a success.

Other YES alumni who participated in the event include: 

  • EVANGELINE SAFEH (YES '09)
  • KAMTCHUING FODJO STEPHANE (YES '10)
  • ZOULAIHA DAOUDA (YES '11)
  • ESSOMBA CLAUDE (YES '11)
  • MATSINGANG NANGA MERVEILLE (YES '12)

Share: