Detroit — A public debate between experts over the peaceful nature of Islam is certain to lay bare differences and may ruffle feathers, but also foster hope of understanding between Catholics and Muslims during a one-day symposium Aug. 10 at Eastern Michigan University.

The symposium, “Is Islam a Religion of Peace?”, will focus on whether ideas of peace and religious liberty are compatible with the Islamic religion and will feature Robert Spencer, a noted Catholic author and director of JihadWatch.org, and Shadid Lewis, regional director of the Muslim Debate Initiative in the United States, who will debate the topic of the conference’s title.

Another debate will feature Turkish News columnist Mustafa Akyol and Richard Thompson of the Thomas More Law Center over whether Islam can support ideals of religious freedom.

Sponsored by Ave Maria Radio, the symposium will also include talks by radio host Al Kresta and Andrew Bieszad, author of “Lions of the Faith: Saints, Blesseds and Heroes of the Faith in the Struggle with Islam.” Lansing Bishop Earl A. Boyea will celebrate Mass at the symposium’s conclusion.

Despite the conference’s controversial topic, it’s expected to be a respectful evening of discussion and debate between the participants, said Kathy Schiffer, director of publicity and special events for Ave Maria Communications.

“None of these people are ‘gloves off’ people,” Schiffer said. At least one of the Muslim participants, she added, is a “friend” of Ave Maria Radio who has been a frequent guest on Kresta’s radio program, “Kresta in the Afternoon,” 4-6 p.m. on WDEO 990-AM.

“We hope to shed light on the differences (between the two religions) and look for common ground, and that really is our intent. We intend for it not to be inflammatory, but to be educational and informative,” Schiffer said. “It gives us the chance to do more than you could do with a single talk, to really explore so the people who walk away will thoroughly understand the issues and perspectives of both sides.”

Lewis, who has participated in similar debates before, said he agreed to participate to “put forward the Muslim perspective in an academic and intellectual manner and address these controversial issues.” While he expected a “heated debate” with Spencer, Lewis also expressed hope that the audience would come away with a better understanding of the key issues.

“My intention is help the audience get a better understanding of what Islam is really about and just let them see that the media is only giving attention to those who are doing negative things,” he said.

On the flip side, Spencer is expected to cite research by the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life showing that 19 percent of U.S. Muslims and up to 40 percent overseas believe “suicide bombing or other forms of violence against civilians in the name of Islam” could be justified.

Schiffer said the conference is generating nationwide appeal, with many attendees expected to come from out of state. She said people of both Christian and Muslim backgrounds are expected to attend.

Kresta said he doesn’t expect Christians and Muslims to walk out of the conference necessarily “holding hands and singing Kumbaya.”

“Everyone who participates in this frank, no holds barred discussion, however, will be thankful for free speech and a civil society which permits people with irreconcilable differences to understand if not agree with one another,” Kresta said in a news release.

However, Schiffer said respect and understanding of genuine differences and commonalities will be the order of the day.

“I understand some reticence because it’s a topic area that has drawn some fire, but I think ours is going to be so well moderated that it’s going to be light, not fire,” she said.

 

‘Is Islam a Religion of Peace?’

What: A debate and discussion between Catholic and Muslim scholars over religious liberty and the peaceful nature of Islam

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10

Where: Student center at Eastern Michigan University, 900 Oakwood Street, Ypsilanti

Cost: $40 per person, includes box lunch and parking; student and clergy rates available

Register: Visit www.avemariaradio.net or call (734) 930-5201