Hawzah News Agency-The public is cordially invited to “A Conversation about Islam,” a presentation and discussion on Islam and an opportunity to deepen our connection to our Muslim neighbors. The program is led by Shaheen Akhtar from the Islamic Center of Boston, in Wayland, and will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 5, from 7-8:30 p.m. at the Sherborn Community Center, Massachusetts.

“It will give us all a chance to learn more about the Muslim faith and to grow in our relationships with our Muslim neighbors. We need many more opportunities for this kind of education and interaction, especially these days when the rhetoric is running so hot and so high,” says the Rev. John F. Hudson, senior pastor of the Pilgrim Congregational Church, United Church of Christ.

Pilgrim Church along with Sherborn’s other two churches — the Unitarian Universalist Area Church, First Parish, and St. Theresa Roman Catholic Church — are sponsors of the event.

“The truth is that folks of all faiths and no faith: we often fall short when it comes to understanding the basics of a religion’s beliefs and practices, or worse, we allow the media to define that for us. The night will give us a chance as non-Muslims to hear that story. To go deeper, beyond the stereotypes,” said Hudson.

Akhtar is an educator, interfaith liaison for the Muslim community at large, and a leader of interfaith book clubs and discussions and has offered this program in several communities, including Westboro and Framingham.

The event is free and open to the public.