A local church is hosting a series of discussions and film viewings on fighting racial, sexual and religious discrimination.

Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way, is hosting “Faith in Focus” in the following two weeks, which includes the next three meetings on subjects including tolerance for Muslims, the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community and people of different races. At the meetings, attendees will view a video clip and discuss the implications.

“Basically, we are just trying to put the stories out there and help people talk about them,” said Adrienne Ashford, campus ministry associate for the church.

“We’re not trying to get anyone to think a certain way; we’re just trying to start dialogue, whether it’s internal dialogue or with other people,” she said.

Jim Shirbroun, campus minister for the church, said he hopes the series will make students feel more welcome. Each particular topic could appeal to different groups of students, he said.

Rachel McCulloh, a member of the church, said she doesn’t think the series will cause controversy.

“A Methodist church is open doors, open hearts, open minds,” said McCulloh, sophomore in agricultural education.

McCulloh said the church is not advocating any particular view on discrimination or diversity.

“They are not saying, ‘This is what you need.’ They are trying to keep an open view to it and embrace those who feel that way,” she said.

Rachel Mullen, senior in English, said the church she attends – St. Thomas Aquinas, 2210 Lincoln Way – has had small meetings with groups of other faiths on campus throughout the years, and has a program for gay and lesbian church members. She said racial tolerance is important for any organization, especially religious.

“Usually, a lot of religious theology is based on tolerance and loving, treating as you’d like to be treated,” Mullen said.

Tamim Mahayni, a Muslim, said there is an obvious need for discussion about religion.

Mahayni, senior in biology, said although he has personally never experienced racism or anti-Muslim sentiment, “ignorance does exist.”

Levi Ward, freshman in art and design and member of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Ally Alliance, said he is glad to see a religious organization hosting this type of dialogue and thinks it could be beneficial.

“I think it’s a really good thing that a church would actually extend their doors to different cultures that other people might not be willing to,” Ward said.

“The more people talk about it, the more it’s going to be better for everyone.”