The Filipino United Church of Christ celebrates its new church building at 94-1366 Hiapo St., Waikele, with an inaugural celebration for the community, beginning with a ribbon cutting and blessing at 10 a.m. today. The event will feature messages by the Rev. Dr. Charles Buck and community leaders.

Filipino United Church of Christ was established in 1977 by pastor Pablo Amodo, serving members from the Northern Luzon area in the Philippines, according to the church.

In 1998, the church purchased 3.2 acres of land, and started construction 10 years later.

Its pastor, the Rev. Fortunato Zamora Jr., and church members welcome the public to the celebration.

'ISLAM' AUTHOR TO SPEAK ON ROLE OF WAR, PEACE

Saleem Ahmed, author of the book "Islam: A Religion of Peace?" will discuss the role war and peace play in the Muslim faith — and what causes Muslims to follow such divergent paths — in a speech 6 p.m. Wednesday at Honpa Hongwanji Hawai'i Betsuin.

As part of the presentation, Ahmed will discuss the Quran's "peace-inspiring" and "war-inciting" passages, and its guidance for choosing between these "mixed signals," as well as offer his recommendations for global peace.

Local lawmakers who supported, or opposed, legislation declaring Thursday Islam Day in Hawai'i, are invited to share their views.

The event is co-sponsored by the All Believers Network, the Gandhi International Institute for Peace, the Institute for Religion and Social Change and the Pacific Institute for Islamic Studies.

It is free and open to the public. For information, call 371-9360.

DAMIEN CHOIR PREVIEWS EUROPE PERFORMANCES

The Damien Memorial School Choir will showcase some of the music the choir will sing in Belgium and Rome at a concert from 7 to 8:15 p.m. Friday at the Catholic Cathedral of Our Lady of Peace on Fort Street Mall.

The performance in Belgium will be part of the expected Oct. 1 to Oct. 13 canonization pilgrimage for Father Damien.

According to Robert Mondoy, author of one of the songs, "The Faithful Son of Sacred Hearts," the Hawai'i concert is part of the "first real public celebrations in honor of Hawai'i's new saint," and part of the kickoff for canonization celebrations.

Pope Benedict XVI is expected to canonize Father Damien Oct. 11 in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican.

Some of the music — such as "A Hea La I Ku'u Halawai" — date from Father Damien's time. Mondoy's piece was completed last month. Other hymns are in Latin.

For the concert, the musical pieces will be threaded together by a spoken narrative on the life of Damien.

For information, call 536-7036.