Saudi students message: 'Peace in the world is possible'

By Nancy Townsley

The Forest Grove News-Times, Sep 28, 2006, Updated Oct 30, 2009

Chase Allgood / News-Times

By Nancy Townsley

of the news-times

On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s National Day, about 90 people gathered last Wednesday at the Forest Grove United Church of Christ to check in with 30 Saudi students enrolled in classes at Pacific University.

Five of the students, who have been in town for about nine months, came to the microphone and spoke – in English – about different aspects of Saudi culture, from the educational system to religion and women’s roles.

“Peace in the world is possible, even though we have different faiths,” said Ahmad Al Sihayih. “The Qu’ran says, ‘If God had willed, he could have made you all of one nation.’

On Sept. 23, 1932, the students’ homeland was named the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia as an Islamic state, with Arabic designated as the national language and the Qur’an as its constitution.

“Islam grants religious freedom to all,” said Al Sihayih.

The reception and dinner were hosted by the Pacific Institute for Ethics & Social Policy and the Center for Women and Gender Equity.

1 | 2 Next Page >>

Facebook	Digg	Del.icio.us
Newsvine	Stumbleupon	Reddit