The Imam and the Pastor depicts the astonishing reconciliation process between Imam Muhammad Ashafa and Pastor James Wuye. It shows their story of conflict and the peace-making initiatives which have flowed from their relationship. The film, narrated by Rageh Omaar, shows that it is possible for the perpetrators of inter-religious violence to become instigators of peace. It is both a story of forgiveness and a case study of grass-root initiatives in community relations torn apart by conflict.
Order Your Copy
The Imam & the Pastor
Price $20 plus postage and packaging. (Single copies sold out)
An award winning film that offers a message of hope - for the world from an unexpected quarter. It pulsates with the vibrant colours and music of West Africa.
With subtitles in English, German, French and Arabic.
2-DVD Box Set
Price $45 plus postage and packaging.
The Imam and the Pastor also comes in a 2-DVD Box Set with An African Answer - a documentary following Imam Ashafa and Pastor Wuye's mediation efforts after thousands of Kenyans were killed during post-election violence.
To order the 2-DVD box set, please download an order form and send it to us (contact info included in order form).
Please Note: The prices listed above for single copies and the 2-DVD Box Set are for personal / home use only. To inquire about a license for public screenings by nonprofits, institutions or government - as well as for educational usage, please contact us for more information.
Facilitators & Peacebuilding Practitioners
Initiatives of Change has the belief that education and raising awareness on themes of conflict resolution, forgiveness and peace building is important. Our hope is that the work we do through educational outreach is meaningful and significant to individuals, within communities and is a question we can reflect and consider across the world.
Study Guide
We are excited to offer a study guide with each copy of the film. This resource can be used by invididuals seeking personal growth, as well as practitioners seeking a tool for group discussion.
Testimonials
'Theirs is an inspiring story, full of hope... A model for Muslim-Christian relations.'
Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury
'Powerful and timely.'
Ambassador Aminu Wali, Nigerian Permanent Mission to the United Nations
'Beautifully shot, visually evocative... its content is never less than thought-provoking and carries potential lessons for us all.'
The Herald, Scotland
About the Film
At a time when many in the world are wondering whether friendly relations are possible between those of Muslim and Christian faith, this film show us that it is possible. In recent years, Nigeria has been rocked by ethnic and religious conflicts, with tens of thousands killed and whole communities devastated.
In the 1990s, Imam Ashafa and Pastor Wuye led opposing militias in Northern Nigeria. Now the two men work together bridging religious conflicts that have killed thousands. In recent decades, tens of thousands of Nigerians have been killed in communal clashes between Christians and Muslims. "We formed a militia to protect our people". states Pastor Wuye. "My hate for the Muslims then had no limits". The victims of his militia included Imam Ashafa's spiritual leader and two cousins. The Imam spent three years planning revenge. Then one day, a sermon on forgiveness changed his life. The two men met and "gradually the relationship began to grow". They played a leading role in negotiating a historic peace accord. As Imam Ashafa explains, "even though we differ in some theological issues, we will make the world a safer place".
Now the two men are co-directors of the Muslim-Christian Interfaith Mediation Centre in their city, leading task-forces to resolve conflicts across Nigeria.
The Imam and the Pastor tells how they made this remarkable transition. It is both a moving story of forgiveness and a case-study of a successful grass-roots initiative to rebuild communities torn apart by conflict.
Production Team
Narrated by:
Rageh Omaar
Producer and Director:
Alan Channer
Executive Producer:
David Channer
Co-Producer:
Imad N. Karam
Editor:
Ian Corcoran
Director of Photography:
Philip Carr
Related Links
For news of the World Premiere at the UN in New York and the UK launch in Parliament, click here.