With an influx of Syrian refugees arriving in the community, the Altona United Church is hoping to dispel some of the fears and uncertainty surrounding the Muslim faith.

On Saturday, about 50 people gathered at the church for an educational seminar surrounding Islam.

"I think today's event is to grow an understanding and awareness of the multiple faiths and the diversity that exists, not only in the larger world, but right here in Altona," said Reverend Melanie Kauppila. "Prior to our church being directly involved with supporting one of the many refugee families that have come to us from Syria, it had been

Salam Al Sayed, Member of the Syrian Assembly of Manitobaa conversation and dialogue about the fears and the uncertainty, the unknown that is out there about the 'other', and an opportunity to meet, to hear panel discussions, conversations from those who live and move in the Islamic world and to become friends, neighbours, and get to know one another."

With five Syrian refugees families coming to the community, Kauppila says she hasn't heard any negative comments from local residents. She notes the need for Saturday's workshop is a desire mostly to welcome people who have had to leave and move from unimaginable circumstances most people will never experience or understand.

Dr. Idris Elbakri is the president of the Manitoba Islamic Association, the oldest and largest Muslim community organization in the province. He was one of the speakers at the event.

"We obviously live in interesting times, politically, and obviously the questions about terrorism and violence [arise]," he said. "We share with them the message of Islam as we understand it and we live with and practice it. It's a faith that values human life, values human dignity and peace and that they should not look at other Canadian Muslims or newcomers to Canada from the Muslim world as any different from any other citizen of this country."

Elbakri categorizes groups like ISIS as thugs and gangsters and says their actions are politically motivated with no religious justification. He says people for the most part understand this and that there might be some misunderstandings but they're very shallow once they work through them.

One of the interested participants in the crowd Saturday was Shaun Friesen of Altona. He says the information session was timely, noting people are getting used to having a group of Muslims in the community.

Friesen says one of the big things he learned from the event was a reaffirmation that all people are people.

"They care about their families, they care about their communities, they want to be open and connect with others just like I think most of the people in our community do," he said. "As long as we can hold that, any tensions that exist aren't going to be significant enough to create major problems."

The event also featured a presentation by Salam Al Sayed, a member of the Syrian Assembly of Manitoba. Osaed Khan, who grew up in Altona, also returned to the community to catch up with former friends.

For more information on the Manitoba Islamic Association visit www.miaonline.org.

The video below is an Islam Q & A with Dr. Idris Elbakri, President of the Manitoba Islamic Association:

About 50 people gathered at the Altona United Church on Saturday to learn about the Islamic faith