Mosque opens doors in walk for peace - Toowoomba Chronicle

Professor Shahjahan Khan invites members of the public to the National Mosque open day. Kevin Farmer

THE multi-faith community in Toowoomba is taking another step towards peace and equality.

In a public show of solidarity, members of Toowoomba's churches will "Walk Together" through the city tomorrow with members of Toowoomba's Muslim Community.

Toowoomba Churches Together chair Denis McAleer said one of the great things about Australia was that people were free to practise their religion.

"At this time we call on the Toowoomba community to respect the right of people of Islamic faith to worship and live in peace and harmony in our city," he said.

"We are also very conscious of the brutality and indiscriminate violence that is taking place in the north of Iraq and Syria. Both Muslims and Christians are victims of this barbarity. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people who are suffering there at the moment."

Walk Together is a national event taking place in regional towns and cities and celebrates the common humanity of all Australians.

After the walk, the Islamic Society of Toowoomba will keep the Garden City Mosque open, inviting non-Muslims to view the mosque and join the Eid Reunion at 6pm. A dinner will follow about 6.30pm.

President of the Islamic Society of Toowoomba Shahjahan Khan said National Open Mosque day was particularly important this year.

"There is a lot of confusion beyond our control that impacts on us and our community," he said.

"We want to show the community we are doing our part for peace and harmony and hope they will reciprocate."

WALK TOGETHER

 Saturday, October 25 at 1pm.

 Meet at the council chambers, near 541 Ruthven St and Herries St. The walk will follow Victoria, Margaret and Ruthven Sts to the city centre village green.

 For more information visit walktogether. welcometoaustralia.org.au.