Center Update #63 

February 28, 2008 

Trouble in River City

Beyond the multiple projects we have underway in various parts of the world, we will be undertaking several new initiatives in this country in partnership with the International Institute of Islamic Thought (IIIT).  The first of these will address the polarization that is taking place in the United States between the Muslim community and the rest of American society as a result of negative commentary by unnamed talk-shows and the like.  Because of the broad reach of this commentary, we feel compelled to provide some much-needed balance for American citizens, regardless of their political orientation.

To begin this process, we recently co-hosted with IIIT a faith-based reconciliation seminar in Herndon, VA that included a total of eighteen Christian evangelical leaders and Muslim community leaders from the Washington Metropolitan area.  The purpose of the effort was threefold: (1) to promote mutual understanding and cooperation, (2) to help participants develop the necessary skills to become agents of transformation within their respective communities, and (3) to begin forming and training a committed team that can conduct larger seminars across the country.  The effort was a success, and a genuine spirit of reconciliation was achieved, including open acknowledgements of past offenses, apologies, and expressions of forgiveness.  

"This was a great experience, and it opened my eyes to all sorts of new possibilities."

The seminar was led by Rev. Brian Cox, ICRD's Sr. Vice President and the author of this innovative process.  He will be conducting a similar seminar in Los Angeles from May 19-21.  Although its substantive focus will relate to the role that the Episcopal Church can play in healing conflict in the Middle East, anyone, regardless of faith or denomination, is welcome to participate.  For those who are interested, additional details can be found at www.reconcilers.net.

With best wishes,

Doug Johnston

President

International Center for Religion & Diplomacy

1156 Fifteenth Street, N. W., Suite 910

http://www.icrd.org

202-331-9401 (phone)

202-872-9137 (fax)