A class offered at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Rochester is encouraging people to learn more about the history and practice of Islam.
Dr. Joseph Kelly is the professor emeritus of religious studies at Nazareth College and leads the sessions. He said the classes were created to eliminate any uncertainty or fear people might have towards the faith, and separate the religion from extremist groups.
"There are extreme groups. There are extremists in the Jewish tradition, the Christian tradition and yes the Islamic tradition. But this is a very small percentage of the people who practice it, and unfortunately they get all the press."
Kelly said he has held two of these sessions previously at other churches and was met with a positive response.
"We had about 80 people in each of the parishes participate. And it was very exciting because people were reticent or not willing to ask questions very much but by the end I think people felt much more comfortable."
Future sessions will be held on Saturday February 25th at 5:15pm, and on Wednesdays Feburary 22nd and March 1st after the noon mass. They are free and open to the public.
Sacred Heart Cathedral is located at 296 Flower City Park.