Opening the church doors to Muslims in Franklin, Wisconsin

The Rev. Deb Bergson-Graham, pastor of the Faith Presbyterian Church in Franklin, Wisconsin, describes the simple steps one church took into a new Christian-Muslim relationship.

Our session was approached by the Islamic Society of Milwaukee to use a space in our facility for morning and evening prayer. We have approximately 150 Muslim families within a two to three mile radius of the church. So, the Session unanimously voted to rent space (very minimal rent) to the ISM for use for their prayer time. The men who pray come early in the morning (5:30 a.m. or so) and after 8:30 in the evening. We try to let them know well enough in advance of any possible evening conflicts there may be. Approximately 15 men pray here each weekday.

We also had the executive director/CEO of the Islamic Society — along with members of the mosque — come for a forum on Islam and invited the wider community. Approximately 50 people attended. We were very pleased and are thinking of asking some of the women to speak at another forum later this year.

Faith is a congregation of approximately 100 members with a small building — but with big and open hearts!

If you want more information, please contact Deb Bergeson-Graham, pastor, Faith Presbyterian Church at (414) 421-3860.