A Common Word between Us and You, a widely-publicized document issued by 138 international Muslim scholars in 2007, begins, “Muslims and Christians together make up well over half of the world’s population. Without peace and justice between these two religious communities, there can be no meaningful peace in the world. The future of the world depends on peace between Muslims and Christians.”   If this is so, interfaith dialogue is not merely interesting, useful, or desirable; it is essential – and it is something that only people of faith themselves can accomplish. Yet many believers of good will on both sides are unsure where to begin.

This workshop on interfaith dialogue is designed to open a “conversation about the conversation.” Dr. David Shenk, a Mennonite scholar who has been deeply engaged in Muslim-Christian dialogue and peacemaking internationally for more than thirty years (including work in Somalia, the Philippines, Indonesia, Kosovo, and India, and a number of other countries), will share his experience and insights concerning why and how (and how not!) to foster serious and ongoing dialogue among persons of different faith, with a particular emphasis on Christian-Muslim relations.

David Shenk holds a PhD from New York University in religious studies education with a particular interest in the anthropology of religion.  He has written, edited, or co-authored over fifteen books related to inter-religious realities in a pluralist world, including Justice, Peace and Reconciliation in Africa, A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue, Global Gods: Exploring the Role of Religions in Modern Societies, Practicing Truth and Surprises of the Christian Way, and Journeys of the Muslim Nation and the Christian Church: Exploring the Mission of Two Communities.  When not participating in international conferences and serving as adjunct professor for “at least half a dozen universities/ colleges/ seminaries,” he lives in Mountville, PA.

For questions or more information contact Kimberly Holmes at 610-861-1519