National Muslim-Christian Initiative in North America Launched

WASHINGTON, D.C.–Representatives of several Muslim organizations and Christian denominations launched a National Muslim-Christian Initiative in North America at a meeting last week near Washington, D.C, the Episcopaelian News Service reported.

The work is partially sponsored by the Interfaith Relations Commission of the National Council of Churches of Christ.

Mohamed Elsanousi, director of communications and community outreach of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA), and the Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord, consultant for interfaith relations for the Episcopal Church, coordinated the meeting, which was convened as the result of consultations between Muslim and Christian organizations and leaders in the recent past.

The initiative was inspired by mutual concerns over misrepresentations of Islam and stereotypes of Muslims in North America, and further by an letter from Muslim to Christian leaders, titled “A Common Word Between Us and You,” signed by 138 leading Muslim clerics and intellectuals.

“This initiative is part of ongoing Muslim efforts to engage other faith communities in North America, and to bring about an understanding of common goals and reconciliation in our communities,” said Dr. Syeed Sayyid, national director of the ISNA Office for Interfaith and Community Alliances.

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