The Campus Ministries Association of Troy State University will sponsor an Ecumenical/Interfaith Peace Forum at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Trojan Center Theater. The forum will feature a presentation on a faith-based understanding of peace and outline strategies for making peace from the Jewish, Christian and Islamic communities. According to sponsors of the forum, there will be time for questions and discussion afterward.

The Jewish perspective will be presented by Rabbi Larry Mahrer of Temple Emanu-El in Dothan. Mahrer has masters degrees in religion and in education and has taught religion at seven different colleges and universities. He is presently a professor at Wallace College and has authored several books and articles on religion.

The Rev. Marty Conner, rector of St. Marks Episcopal Church in Troy will present the Christian perspective. Connor is a graduate of Troy State University, with masters degrees in Economic Development and Divinity. She is presently working on a Doctor of Ministry degree while pastoring at St. Marks and ministering as Episcopal chaplain at TSU.

The Islamic perspective will be presented by Imam William Phillips Abdullah. Abdullah is imam of the Mosque Masjid Qasim Bilal El-Amin in Montgomery, a position he has held for the last 12 years. He holds two masters degrees in mechanical engineering and applied mathematics.

&uot;We are convicted that the God we all worship is a God of peace, whose greatest blessing is peace, expects we, who are created in God's image, to be people who work for peace and reconciliation in the world, beginning here in our homes and workplaces and neighborhoods,&uot; Connor said. &uot;We want to witness together to how much our three faiths have in common in this regard and inspire people to dream about what we can do together to build a more peaceful and just world.&uot;

Stephen Stetson can be reached at stephen.stetson@troymessenger.com.