This week I attended in good faith a presentation that was billed as connecting the world’s religions. The event was sponsored by an Islamic organisation whose worthwhile aim is to promote a greater understanding of Islam.

The speaker, Sheik Yusef, an American born former Christian preacher who had converted to Islam, was briefed to emphasis the need for peace and harmony among people of different faiths and the need for greater tolerance in our modern world.

The evening held great promise I thought. Certainly it seems that the grand Islamic faith is vastly misunderstood in our diverse community. It also seems to me that there is some conflict between the Christian and Islamic discourses despite both honouring versions of the same wise allegories.

Fear finds root where the facts are disguised. Connecting intelligently and listening well is a fine antidote to the angry thorn trees that grow in the dirt of ignorance.

For me however the high points of this presentation were disappointingly scarce. The Islamic people who put the show on were absolutely divine. They were charming, friendly, welcoming, and generous. They were the true ambassadors of their fine faith and culture.

Sheik Yusef did emphasise that the Prophet Mohammed insisted that woman are equal to men. He also asserted that suicide bombers were not truly people of faith. He did confirm that the Islamic people held honour, generosity and service at the centre of their heart.

Unfortunately however, from my perspective, Sheik Yusef failed to communicate respect for other faiths. He also communicated a disregard for the values held by others with a discourse that overflowed with the valorisation of blame, fear and punishment.

I came away saddened that an opportunity was squandered. It is clear that Islam is filled with wise ways and is adhered to by people of grace, decency and dignity, but the presenter didn’t effectively represent this.

All religions and philosophical perspectives have their positive and their less than positive representatives. As always it remains the responsibility of each audience member to see behind the veil so as to witness the beauty beneath.

Martin Hunter Jones is an honorary life member of the Australian Counselling Association. He has a Counselling and Hypnotherapy practice on the Northern Beaches. Phone 9973 4997.