OVERVIEW
This educational conference is inspired by the fact that Jesus (Eisa in The Quran) holds a unique and revered position in both Islam and Christianity. It aims to explore Jesus and his teachings, focusing on his principles rather than doctrinal differences. By doing so, we seek to foster understanding, reconciliation, and collaboration between Muslim and Christian communities.
The dates for this educational conference are December 13-15, 2024. The conference will be hybrid, conducted online to support global participation and in-person in Washington D.C. to support in-depth engagement amongst U.S. Government influencers and decision-makers. The core of the conference consists of three two-hour sessions of expert speakers conducted in a time frame that allows all participants to connect simultaneously from time zones around the world: 11AM-1PM EST, 8AM-10AM PST, 8PM-10PM PKT (Pakistan).
There will be an in-person gathering as part of the online-conference on Friday December 13th, 10:30AM – 1:30PM at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20001 (Conference Room 401-F). The room capacity is 40 people, so please let us know upon registration if you would like to attend the local gathering. Seats will be allocated on a first come first serve basis.
The online facilities for the conference will be hosted by St. Stephen's University (via Zoom) which has made this conference a course requirement for students in two departments (Theology & Culture and Peace & Justice).
CONFERENCE LEADERSHIP
IQRA' - INTERNATIONAL QUR'AN
RESEARCH ASSOCIATION
The International Qur'an Research Association (IQRA') is a research group of scholars and scientists dedicated to Qur’anic research and its practical implications. Our IQRA’ community includes scholars, students, publishers, and the interested public. The IQRA vision is to continuously advance contemporary understanding of the Qur’an. IQRA endeavours to use multidisciplinary research by scholars and scientists, employing diverse epistemologies, to produce Qur’an commentaries, translations, books, research papers, articles, and multimedia content, which will foster an ongoing contemporary understanding of the Qur’an and its application.
ST. STEPHENS UNIVERSITY
NEW BRUNSWICK, CANADA
St. Stephen's University (ssu.ca) is a graduate school of theology, peace and reconciliation, chartered by the Province of New Brunswick, which we have interpreted through our shared vision: “Engaging and reconciling communities through a relational, contemplative, and transformative university education.” We aspire to practice our faith identity in alignment with our Mission’s values of justice, beauty, and compassion, rather than denominational categories or doctrinal conformity. Our faculty, staff and students express these values with conviction and freedom, inclusion and generosity. We aspire to challenge colonising and exclusionary bounds of Christendom and set an open table where all are welcome.
INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC
UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD (IIUI)
The International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) is committed to transforming society by promoting education, training, research, technology, and collaboration for reconstruction of human thought in all its forms, building on the foundation of Islam. The Islamic University has collaborative academic relationships with the following universities: Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Ummul Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia; Islamic University, Madina, Saudi Arabia; Imam Muhammad Bin Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia; King Abdul Aziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
EAST/WEST UNIVERSITY,
CHICAGO, USA
The East West University, Chicago was founded in 1980 with the mission of providing quality, affordable, multi-cultural, and forward-looking higher education to Chicago and the world. The institution has grown from a noble idea to a significant institution of higher learning accommodating nearly 1200 students. The University maintains a unique place among institutions of higher learning in Chicago and the region. East-West has repeatedly been cited as having the lowest tuition among private schools in the Chicago area, making higher education with personal attention more accessible. East-West has one of the highest percentages of international students in U.S. baccalaureate schools.
NETWORK OF EVANGELICALS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST (NEME)
The Network of Evangelicals for the Middle East (NEME) is a collective of pastors, students, scholars and everyday Christians working together as followers of Jesus toward justice and peace, seeking holistic approaches to conflict in the Middle East, and encouraging the church toward deeper engagement with Jews, Christians, and Muslims in the region.
CHURCHES FOR MIDDLE EAST PEACE (CMEP)
Churches for Middle East Peace is a coalition of more than 30 national Church communions and organizations in Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and Evangelical traditions. Each of these communions and organizations is represented on the CMEP Board of Directors, which sets CMEP’s mission, positions, and policy. Decisions are made by consensus of this group.
[1] Developing and nurturing genuine, sustainable personal friendships, seeing everyone as a cherished neighbour.
[2] Promote Multi-faith Dialogue: Create a platform for open and respectful dialogue between scholars, religious leaders, and community members from both faiths.
[3] Highlight Common Values: Emphasize the shared values and teachings of Jesus that resonate with both Muslims and Christians, and which support non-violence and peaceful co- existence.
[4] Encourage Collaboration: Foster partnerships between Islamic and Christian institutions to address global challenges such as poverty, injustice, and environmental degradation.
[5] Educate and Inspire: Provide educational opportunities for youth and the broader community to learn about the life and teachings of Jesus from both Islamic and Christian perspectives.
CONFERENCE OBJECTIVES
KEY THEMES
[1] Jesus in the Qur'an and the Gospel: Comparative analysis of the portrayal of Jesus in Islamic and Christian scriptures, with a focus on commonalities and bridge-building rather than doctrinal impasses.
[2] Ethical Teachings of Jesus: Exploration of Jesus' principles on compassion, justice, and humility.
[3] Jesus as a Model for Reconciliation: Case studies and historical examples of how Jesus' teachings have been used to bridge divides.
[4] Contemporary Relevance: Application of Jesus' teachings to modern issues such as interfaith relations, social justice, and environmental stewardship.
There will be a host each day to introduce speakers and activities.
Keynote Addresses: Delivered by prominent scholars and religious leaders from both faiths.
Panel Discussions: Interactive sessions with experts discussing various aspects of Jesus' teachings.
Knowledge Café: Structured dialogues in small groups conducted both online and in-person, producing in-depth feedback opportunities by all participants which will be documented and reported to the conference.
Conference Directory to facilitate post-conference networking.
Conference After Action Review to capture major Success Stories and Lessons Learned and to plan next steps, i.e. potential collaborations.
CONFERENCE COMPONENTS
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Enhanced Understanding: Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the commonalities between Islam and Christianity.
Strengthened Relationships: Building stronger relationships between Muslim and Christian communities through shared learning and dialogue.
Collaborative Initiatives: Development of joint projects and initiatives addressing social and environmental issues.
Educational Resources: Creation of educational materials and resources to promote ongoing interfaith dialogue and understanding.
CONTRIBUTING VOICES
Dr. Safi Kaskas, IQRA, USA
Dr. Bradley Jersak, St Stephens University, Abbotsford, Canada
Dr. Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, Islamic Research Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Munir, Islamic Research Institute, Islamabad, Pakistan
Dr. Aftab Ahmed Rai, United Religious Initiative (URI), Asia Regional Coordinator, Pakistan
Fr. James Channan, United Religious Initiative (URI), Asia Regional Coordinator, Pakistan
Dr. Mae Elise Cannon, Churches for Middle East Peace, Washington, DC
Chris Halverson, National Prayer Breakfast, Washington, DC
Phyllis Halverson, National Prayer Breakfast, Washington, DC
Mercy Aiken, Middle East Peace Activist, Colorado
David Goa, The King’s U. Edmonton & St. Stephen’s College U of Edmonton, Canada
Fr. Sean Davidson, Missionaries of the Most Holy Eucharist, Ontario, Canada
