Skip to Main Content

Does God Bless Interreligious Dialogue?

Posted: June 18 2014 at 12:00 AM
Cciogdinner 300x225

Dr. Mohammed Kaiseruddin and Bishop Sally Dyck

The Ninth Annual celebration of the agreement between the Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago and the Northern Illinois Conference was held on June 12, 2014, at the Villa Park Muslim Education Center.

The topic for this year was “Does God Bless Interreligious Dialogue?” While previous years have focused on joint efforts around social issues, this year was to probe more deeply into the theological understandings of God and God’s people that allow us to hold to certain truth claims while continuing to be in dialogue together.

The time together consisted of a meal, prayer, hearing from two speakers, and then sharing at the tables. Bishop Sally Dyck and Dr. Mohammed Kaiseruddin both opened the event as the Resident Bishop of the NIC and CIOGC Chairman, respectively. After prayer, the speakers then provided the framework for the evening.

Professor Omer Mozaffar, Interfaith Advocate, Professor of Islamic Studies at Loyola, and lecturer in theology at the University of Chicago, presented first while drawing from the Surah that God made us different that we might know each other. He answered the question “Does God Bless Interreligious Dialogue” with a yes – and more. It is a requirement, he indicated, as it helps us to keep one another accountable in learning.

Rev. Dr. Larry Pickens then shared, combining the poetry of Maya Angelou and the process of Wesleyan sanctification to illustrate how we can create mindfulness of one another that leads to living together in a more socially just way. Rev. Dr. Pickens further used John Wesley’s understanding of dialogue as a way to understand one another better, with such principles as “listen before speaking” and “strive to understand from another’s point of view.” Rev. Dr. Pickens believed that such dialogue would lead to showing more of what all of us have in common, especially in interreligious conversations.

The last hour of the event was devoted to dialogue around the tables and led to many conversations that will be continued together over the coming year.

News & Announcements

Genevatricitiesfamily Services

Geneva UMC’s Rummage/Bake Sale Serves Creation and Community

The United Methodist Church of Geneva’s rummage sale not only raises funds but supports creation care. The church directs the proceeds to charities and finds new u…

Empathy Hands Image

From our Bishop: Love Each Other Like Members of Your Family

Bishop Schwerin calls on United Methodists to reclaim the deep Christian call to love our neighbors—especially those who are suffering. Reflecting on lessons of emp…

Uvc Awards Group 1

Nominations open for 2025 UVC Annual Child Advocate Awards

United Voices for Children (UVC) is inviting nominations for its three annual awards. These UVC Awards honor extraordinary volunteer service or advocacy efforts on beh…

Riotexasfloodcleanupdetail

How to Support Texas Flooding Relief

To support efforts to relieve damage caused by catastrophic flooding in the Texas Hill Country over the Independence Day weekend, individuals may donate through their church to UMCOR U.S. D…

Print