Maryland Imam Leads Interfaith Efforts

March 6, 2008

Author: David Dishneau

Source: San Mateo County Times

Wire Service: AP

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/localnews/ci_8473414

He has met with two U.S. presidents, lectured on Islam in scores of countries and appeared on global television. So Imam Yahya Hendi could be forgiven for declining engagements in the sticks.

But on successive days last month, Hendi drove from his Frederick home to ecumenical gatherings in Cumberland, Md., and Columbia, Pa., each at least 80 miles away, bringing the same message that has made him a leading Muslim proponent of interfaith dialogue in the U.S.

Hendi converses with everyone from small-town churchgoers to heads of state in his search for common ground.