Consultation Report

“Exploring A Shared Call to Peacemaking Among Muslims and Christians”

Stony Point Conference Center
September 10-11, 2007

Summary

On September 10-11, 2007 the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy (ACSWP) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) convened a group of 21 committed peacemaking practitioners to explore the theme of a shared call to peacemaking in Christianity and Islam (see participant list at end). Beyond the affirmation of common ground and recognition of several on-going projects and relationships, this ad hoc but well-qualified group understood the need to develop both shared understandings and educational and interpretive resources within the respective faith communities.

Part of the discussion was to situate joint Muslim-Christian efforts within the larger peacemaking field and to contribute to peacemaking without planning beyond the unofficial nature of the gathering. Several ideas for joint work, including a consultation and/or conference, a book or educational resource, and joint witness activities, are suggested later in this Report, which is to be shared with appropriate ecumenical, interfaith and denominational bodies.

This consultation, although interfaith in substance, was somewhat unique in that its primary focus was on peacemaking, with the Muslim and Christian perspectives being viewed as resources that can jointly contribute to this field. Pressing concerns, very present in the prayers framing the Monday and Tuesday sessions, were the Iraq War and the mutual suspicion between the two faith communities in much of the world. Political tensions related Iran and Palestine/Israel were also noted. It was acknowledged that Muslim-Christian relationships remain in need of committed and considered relationshipbuilding across politicized differences in a culture often manipulated by fear.

This report is to the Advisory Committee, to the consultation participants, and to peacemaking and interfaith relations officers within both faith communities. For the Advisory Committee it is important to note that this was the second of two linked consultations, following a discussion of how to address the lessons of the Iraq War and the broader history of intervention with an eye to a resolution on the “Prospects for Peace” for the 2008 Presbyterian General Assembly. The Advisory Committee anticipated that it would be recommending greater involvement in Muslim-Christian peacemaking efforts.

All recognized more visible joint work is needed, and that planning any events or projects would need to involve greater parity among Muslim and Christian representatives. It should be noted there were one participant each from the secular and Jewish communities,
but that these perspectives were not the focus of the consultation.

Shared Process

The first part of the meeting was oriented towards a discussion of what comprises interfaith cooperation, in particular with regard to peacemaking. A shared discernment of major themes gave rise to several areas for consideration that would recur throughout the meeting. One major theme was the importance of focusing on common goals, and through shared pursuit of these goals, relationship development and tangible impact. Also repeated was the importance of developing strong networks across faith lines that can be drawn on during times of crises. Participants reflected on the need for peace within the individual in order to be a peacemaker with others, linking to the concepts of ‘transformation’ and ‘transformative space’ that surfaced several times during the meeting. Peaceful cooperation and co-existence on the community level also sends a message about the possibilities of peace, even within the faith groups themselves.

In a brief discussion of the theology of peacemaking in both religions, it was also emphasized that we cannot assume similarities until we have developed a shared language for discussing these issues, as certain concepts may have different connotations for each faith. Participants also raised the question of exploring what in our own faith as individuals called us to this meeting, and perhaps using that question as point of departure in other contexts when the shared theological call to peacemaking is explored. A certain sense of transcending the ‘religious’ divide was present, as participants discussed the need for humility, confession, mutual respect, and allegiance to God foremost, in order to be able to see the fundamental humanity of the ‘other’ and respond to their needs and struggles in God’s light.

Mapping the Terrain

The participants then moved into a discussion of their respective areas of work. Some of the themes from this discussion are highlighted below:

• Love as the basis of all peacemaking and justice work.
• Need to address internal struggles within each faith and to weigh feelings of need to apologize for this or that action of governments, extremists, etc. This gets at the process of atonement/confession/forgiveness particularly in the Christian house.
• Importance of education and examples—teaching peacemaking from a young age
• Struggle for legitimacy of Muslim community in the US/West, not just vis a vis the non-Muslim majority, but also against the perception that ‘real’ Islam is only found closer to the geographic areas where Islam has its historical roots. The cultural and institutional achievements of the largely immigrant Muslim community in America were discussed.
• European participants spoke of contrasting social location of Muslim groups in Europe, where the interfaith issue includes racism and immigration concerns and different understandings of secularization and secularism. Human rights provides a mixed basis for common understanding; both faiths value a universal morality.
• Discussion about the importance of the end goal vs. who is contributing to the process (in light of concerns about imperialism and imposition of normative values on other cultures)
• At an international level (although also needed at domestic), one concern is to maintain inter-religious cooperation on areas of concern at all times, which can then be drawn upon during times of crisis. One is then used to looking out for the rights, freedoms and responsibilities of others.
• Religious leaders find different areas of impact in conflict scenarios (i.e. prevention and mitigation rather than resolution) depending on their role in society and separation of ‘church and state.’ Peacemaking resources need to address the range of roles within each faith, and the balance between action and reflection.

The discussion then turned towards areas of increased need in the peacemaking field, or programmatic designs that are currently lacking. The following areas were emphasized:

• Commitment to long term, sustainable and joint projects
• Need to strengthen networks for solidarity and mutual assurance in times of crisis
• Combating the sense of fear, alienation and pressure surrounding Muslims in the US, particularly in light of the ‘War on Terror’. Also addressing breach between
  US national identity and Islamic roots.
• Need for collaboration between Muslim and Christian communities in coordinating their peace witness; areas where Christians and Jews have been working on some issues for years.
• Need for development of a common language on these issues.
• Need to distinguish political from religious factors publicly, against ideologues.
• Need to strengthen religion as a resource for peacemaking, not as a perceived cause of traditional conflict or as something inherently violent.
• Problem of media in perpetuating negative stereotypes of minorities, of special interest groups demonizing others; how to engage more positively. Major need to show pro-peace Christian and Muslim positions in areas of media hegemony.

Policy and Programming Recommendations

Participants then began to explore potential program elements:

• Possibility of producing a shared statement, perhaps including methodology and mission. Examples were parallels drawn between the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and elements of Islamic Law
• Linkage of domestic, international and faith-based issues—i.e. discussion of faith based security models—from Muslim and Christian perspectives
• Lift up efforts like that of Salaam Institute and Fuller Seminary to produce resources for interfaith co-existence, cooperation, mutual understanding. Other university-based study and travel programs were mentioned.
• Special delegations for accompaniment of endangered persons, to be observers, to signal significant dissent from home nation policies by people of faith…
• Importance supporting persons of conscience, military CO’s, sharing common griefs, sending messages of solidarity, support across borders, etc.
• Usage of a conference to enlarge the circle and impact a larger audience through education and training at several levels which could then be further disseminated
• Co-publication of a book on peacebuilding, hospitality, etc. by Muslim and Christian and possibly Jewish authors, linked to consultation or conference.
• Emphasizing the importance of hospitality in a culture of peace, creation of neutral and mutually respectful settings
• Increased awareness of current resources at a local level—eg adult education classes to combat misinformation, and exchanges between churches and mosques.
• Possibility of combining initiatives with increased focus on religion and public life in light of upcoming presidential elections
• Support for currently planned Interfaith Fast on October 8th: ideas for future years?
• Focus on co-creation and contribution to a ‘Culture of Peace’ in the US rather than the prevailing sense of ‘War on Terror’. Could be done through a series of consultations leading to a larger event
• The Trinity Institute, sponsor of the January 21-21, 08 interfaith conference on Religion and Violence, is looking to diversify video-conference sites and participation (currently 30 or so in 20+ states).

Consultation or Conference Idea:

The most specific suggestions distilled into the possibility of having an event, beginning with prepared presentations that would focus on ways of increasing interfaith cooperation for peace, short and long-term. The emphasis here could be building a common vision of what a shared call to peacemaking entails. There was a sense of needing to change the overall US culture vis-à-vis Muslims, as well as change international relations.

The need for joint activities and/or witness pushed the group to consider significant days, including Sept 11 itself (on which a Muslim participant led prayer). One theme suggested was, “transform the day, transform the culture.” A number of participants have already developed resources for building a culture of peace. The Stony Point Center could be a consultation site, but the idea of a witness component led to several sites in NYC, including the UN, several mosques, and St. Paul’s Chapel next to the Twin Tower site.

Participants agreed that the planning group for any such event must be interfaith with a balanced representation of Islam and Christianity (not just in numbers but in parity), as well as much greater ecumenical representation. Ideally the location would be neutral as well; the Fellowship of Reconciliation, which sponsors four annual trips to Iran led by a Muslim staff person, could perhaps be considered.

A next step suggested was to convene a more representative group of 40-60 persons, later this year or early next, who would develop a more specific consultation/conference and/or witness plan. A larger body of groups contacted have indicated interest, but a major question would be the role of the National Council of Churches and the Islamic Society of North America. If these bodies were willing to provide guidance and an umbrella, then a variety of Muslim, Christian, academic and NGO groups could meet on broader footing, aware of the need for long-term relationship building and urgent peacemaking witness. On the other hand, participants saw the possibility of cooperative work among interested NGO, academic (seminary and university) and religious bodies on a free-standing basis as well.

Concluding Thoughts

As participants reflected on the topics and recommendations, several themes emerged. The recurring concept of transformation was again lifted up, to indicate the difference between learning something conceptually, and actually experiencing it. Projects will benefit from addressing and creating space for transformation of the heart, not just stimulation of the mind.

There is also the need to draw on a variety of expertise at a variety of levels, to create a synergy whereby they mutually reinforce each other, from grassroots to high-level leadership. We also need to explore international partnerships as well as enhance local grassroots resources.

In terms of concrete projects, there was again an emphasis on finding joint projects on which to collaborate—whether it be as tangible as re-building a destroyed place of worship, or a more academic exploration of peacemaking—and through this interfaith relationships may also come.

A set of conversations around a ‘shared call to peacemaking’ could lead to the development of a more focused set of issues and establishment of priorities. Identifying areas of shared concern could drive the energy towards mutually sustainable and creative engagement in what all acknowledged is an overdue conversation for most of the culture.

Respectfully submitted,

Pia Chaudhari, Consultant and Chris Iosso, Coordinator
Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
100 Witherspoon St. Room 3607
Louisville, KY 40202
Email Pia Chaudhari
Email Chris Iosso

Participants Listed by Institution

American Friends Service Committee
Email Raed Jarrar

Bridging the Gap
Rafia Syeed

The Fellowship Of Reconciliation
Email Mark Johnson

Independent Consultant
Email Pia Chaudhari

International Center for Religion and Diplomacy
Email David Newman

Islamic Christian Study Center, Copenhagen, Denmark
Email Naveed Baig
Email Eva Bernhagen

Islamic Society of North America
Email Sayyid M. Syeed

Presbyterian Church UN Office
Email Alexandra Buck
Email Joel Hanisek

Presbyterian Church USA
Email Chris Iosso
Email Mark Koenig

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship
Email Bill Galvin
Email Rick Ufford-Chase

Stony Point Center
Email Charles Ryu

Trinity Institute, Trinity Wall Street
Email Bob Scott

United Methodist Church, General Board for Global Ministries
Email David Wildman

World Conference on Religions for Peace
Email Jim Caitns

Email Edward L. Long, Jr.
Professor Emeritus, Drew Theological School, Madison, NJ

Email Don and Peggy Shriver
President Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary, NY
Former member, Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy and Deputy General Secretary, ret. National Council of Churches of Christ