On 4 July 2009, IGE will participate in two important multi-faith discussions at the 46th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Convention in Washington, DC.
The annual conference is the largest gathering of Muslims in the U.S. and features prominent faith leaders (including Pastor Rick Warren & Imam Hamza Yusuf Hanson), scholars, elected officials, and community activists. In a panel discussion entitled “A Common Word (Initiative) Leading to Common Deeds,” IGE President Chris Seiple will discuss the theological, academic, and real-world impact of multi-faith dialogue. Of particular focus is the open letter to Pope Benedict XVI where, in a spirit of open intellectual exchange and mutual understanding, thirty-eight leading Islamic scholars from around the world responded to the Pope’s 2006 Regensburg address. In a separate panel entitled “Interfaith Partnerships for Common Causes,” IGE Senior Fellow Suhail Khan will discuss issues facing Americans today and practical ways that faith communities may work together to address these challenges.