Methodists work to build bridges

Dr. Bill Garlington and Steve Scholl

Over 100 people attended the "Building Bridges" Conference at the Camarillo United Methodist Church Mon., Oct. 30.

The speakers were Dr. Bill Garlington, director of adult ministries at the church, and Steve Scholl, a well-known authority on Islam from Ashland, Ore.

After the talks, those attending discussed interfaith dialog and spirituality in small groups.

Scholl said the point of the conference was to discuss how different religious communities can find common ground and an appreciation for those similarities.

Scholl received his master's degree in Islamic studies from McGill University in Canada. He is the creator of White Cloud Press in Oregon and has been active in interfaith activities in the Pacific Northwest.

Dr. Garlington received his master's degree in history from UCLA and his doctorate degree in Asian studies and sociology from Australian National University in Canberra. He has taught history and religious studies both in Australia and the United States. Dr. Garlington is the author of several books, including "Univer

sal Spiritual Thoughts" and "The Baha'i Faith in America." He is presently teaching classes at the Osher Institute at California State University at Channel Islands in Camarillo.