Forum Addresses Difficulties in Christian-Muslim Relations, Looks Toward Understanding

February 16, 2007

Author: Rebecca Marek

Source: Dayton Flyer

http://www.flyernews.com/article.php?section=News&volume=54&issue=27&artnum=04

The Greater Dayton Interfaith Trialogue presented the public forum “Christians and Muslims: How Do We See the ‘Other?’” Sunday in Sears Recital Hall.

The Greater Dayton Interfaith Trialogue is dedicated to exploring the relationships among Jews, Muslims and Christians and to promoting interfaith harmony. The keynote speaker was the Rev. Dr. Elias Mallon, an expert in inter-religious studies who graduated with degrees in Old Testament studies and near eastern languages from America University. He was made available due to the efforts of the Franciscans Network.

The Franciscans Network is a non-profit religious organization whose goal is to protect and promote human rights throughout the world. One of the ways they do this is to sponsor educational events, such as the Trialogue’s forum. Mallon is a member of the Franciscans International in New York.

The Rev. Kenneth Clark, chairman of the Trialogue, noted that the purpose of the forum was to “identify the stereotypes Christians and Muslims have toward each other and make progress toward a greater understanding.”

An opening prayer, a passage from the opening of the Quran, was recited to the 150 people gathered by Dr. Ibrahim Ahmad, a member of the Trialogue.