'The Pastor and Imam represent the possibility of PEACE in the world' - Oprah Winfrey

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Oprah Winfrey's landmark series 'Belief' has been broadcast in the United States.

BELIEF - Oprah Winfrey's programe

The second episode, 'Love's Story', concluded with an eight minute segment on Pastor James Wuye and Imam Muhammad Ashafa - who 'come together to reconcile and to honor one of the most sacred teachings at the heart of both their faiths: love your enemies'. 

The segment contains footage from the documentary The Imam and the Pastor, made by IofC's FLTfilms.  Dr Alan Channer, director and producer of The Imam and the Pastor, worked as a consultant with the 'Belief' team.

Oprah Winfrey gave a preview of the series at United Nations headquarters, introduced by the President of the General Assembly, Mogens Lykketoft.

Winfrey tweeted on 19th October: 'The Pastor and Imam represent the possibility of PEACE in the world.  If they can do it, we can. Peace to all.'

Newspapers across the United States have carried reviews.

The Huffington Post, quotes Imam Mohamed Magid, president emeritus of the Islamic Society of North America: 'the story of a pastor and imam in Nigeria who were once enemies and now express love for each other showed “how people can resolve issues by using religion as a source of solution, not only the cause of the problem.”'

In The Washington Post, Diana Butler writes:  'At a time when many people in Western countries criticize religion as hypocritical, divisive or dangerous, and while large numbers are rejecting religion altogether, Winfrey’s project is a worthy reminder to viewers that religion can heal, restore and transform — and not only fracture. For this reason alone, the show “Belief” deserves respectful attention.'