Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye from Nigeria brought their message of peace and reconciliation to western Canada in January/February as guests of Initiatives of Change.

In the 1990s, Pastor James and Imam Ashafa led opposing, armed militias, dedicated to defending their respective communities as violence broke out in Kaduna, northern Nigeria. In pitched battles, Pastor James lost his right hand and Imam Ashafa lost his spiritual mentor and two close relatives..

Now the two men are co-directors of the Muslim-Christian Interfaith Mediation Centre in their city, leading task-forces to resolve conflicts across Nigeria. Their story is told in the award-winning documentary The Imam and the Pastor.

During their 26 days in western Canada, (January 11 – February 6) James and Ashafa spoke at events in seven cities from Victoria, BC to Calgary, Alberta and most of the cities making up Metro Vancouver. Encountering mild rain and wind to snow to - 49 degrees the men put on more layers and cheerfully went on to meet people and answer myriads of questions. They were interviewed by CBC radio in Victoria, Vancouver, and Calgary. Many of the community newspapers carried reports, interviews and photos. Ethnic media came to events and wrote reports reaching an audience far beyond the local area.

Imam and Pastor talking with the audience in Richmond BC city Hall Arranged by RIAC (Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee)and IofC

The two men engaged with people from First Nations Longhouse to City Hall, from High School to Universities, from churches and mosques, from Community centres to restaurants and over meals in many homes. Their story of reconciliation, their humour and the authenticity of their relationship touched hearts and gave hope. They challenged each audience and person to reach out 'beyond tolerating the other person' to knowing and respecting the other. James and Ashafa often remarked about the diversity they saw in this part of Canada and challenged us not to be complacent. 'You are proud of your culture and diversity. Do you care for your neighbour? If you live without relating to your neighbour you can find you may live in fear. Create space for the other,' said James. ‘Canada is in the best position to nurture and care for the World.'

Ethnic media interviewing Imam and Pastor in Richmond BC

Some of their interactions involved intra-faith work done separately, as when Ashafa met with local Imams in different mosques and homes and James met with evangelical pastors during MisssionFest (Vancouver) and gave two workshops. They met some spiritual leaders who are very open to learning about others and also encountered a number of leaders who are not yet ready to make that step of connection. Pastor Paul Ndukwe of Link International Ministries (with whom IofC partnered in bringing James and Ashafa to Canada) said that ‘both men have helped sensitize the larger community’ and felt we need to keep looking for opportunities to help move people forward.

Shawkat Hasan, former chair of RIAC (Richmond Intercultural Advisory Committee) was encouraged at the response to the various events in Richmond. He had helped host the men and also arranged for Imam Ashafa to meet his Imam as well as some of the men in the BCMA (British Columbia Muslim Association).

Imam and Pastor answering questions to over 300 high school students in Richmond BC

'What is the Islamic view of extremists?' 'Do you only work with Christians and Muslims?' 'Is it OK to be different?' 'Do you regret hating the other?' 'Do you plan to change the rest of Africa?' These were some of the questions posed to James and Ashafa from some of the 300 students from the higher grades who packed the multi purpose room, during a morning presentation at Richmond Secondary school, BC. All the schools in Richmond have received a copy of the documentary film The Imam and the Pastor, through a grant from the Rotary Club of Richmond Sunrise.

Imam and Pastor giving a 'thumbs up' as they spend some time sightseeing round Vancouver, BC

James said 'You cannot forgive without feeling it in your heart. You need a spiritual power. Do away with your pride. Go beyond what the other person deserves to give forgiveness.'

'As long as I held on to the pain of the past I could not look to the future,' explained Ashafa. 'If you are holding on to a hurt or hate for someone it is like drinking a glass of poison. You are poisoning yourself not the other person. The best gift is to give someone a second chance'.

One of the students approached the men following their presentation and said 'You've touched my heart. I need to forgive someone. I need to let it go. I’ve learned how to forgive'.

Later James and Ashafa both said 'It was worth coming just to hear that'.

The ripple effects of their visit will be felt for a long time to come.

by Anne Hartnell

The Imam and Pastor return to Canada on February 24 till March 5 at the invitation of Conrad Grebel College at the University of Waterloo, Ontario.