A church in Philidelphia, USA has decided to share it's worship space with a local growing Muslim community.

St. Luke United Methodist Church in Bryn Mawr, has opened its fellowship hall to the As-Salaam Islamic Society, which now uses the space for Friday prayers, Sunday school classes, and community events. 

“We feel loved here, and that helps make this a good place to celebrate our faith and to teach our children,” said Ahmad Abdel-Hamid, president of the Islamic Society, in an interview with UM News.

Rev Mark Salvacion, pastor at St. Luke’s since 2022, has helped lead the congregation into this partnership.

“I believe our relationship is a success story that’s working well,” he said.

The two communities have joined together for service projects, shared meals during Ramadan, and even co-led a Bible and Quran study session.

The arrangement goes beyond a simple rental agreement. For St. Luke’s, the relationship is a practical expression of their faith and the United Methodist Church’s 2024 resolution to pursue “more hospitable and cooperative relationships” with Muslim neighbors.

The collaboration also addresses a practical need as after a nearby mosque closed in 2018, many Muslim families were left without a local place to gather.

However, the connection hasn’t been without challenges.

Rev Salvacion has faced some backlash from fellow clergy, but remains committed.

“My mission at St Luke is to help people understand that we are all neighbors who live in this community, and we must care about each other, especially about our poor and needy neighbors.”