Interfaith dimensions of 2008 General Assembly

Rabbi Melanie Aron of Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, Calif., spoke on an interfaith perspectives panel at the Ecumenical Breakfast at the 218th General Assembly. Photo by Danny Bolin

The 218th General Assembly approved a theological study of Christian-Muslim relations and encouraged congregations to develop Christian-Muslim and Jewish-Christian-Muslim dialogue and cooperation. Helpful debate arose around how to understand the oneness of God in relation to the different revelations of God known by Muslims, Jews and Christians.

Commissioners also asked the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and its congregations to respond positively to the international Muslim invitation to engagement contained in A Common Word Between Us and You. Read more about this at the Web site of the Presbyterian Ecumenical and Interfaith Network.

Dr. Muneer Fareed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America, spoke at the General Assembly Ecumenical Breakfast. Photo by Danny Bolin

Representatives of many national and local Jewish groups were present to speak with commissioners and in the committee open hearing on Israeli-Palestinian issues. On the first Sunday of the Assembly, the local Jewish community of the Bay Area held a reception and interfaith panel for Presbyterians at the Assembly focusing on approaches to Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. The actions adopted by the Assembly reflected a thoughtful consideration of a range of perspectives. Jewish organizations welcomed the actions of the Assembly.

The Rev. Ron Kobata, executive assistant to the Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America, spoke at the General Assembly Ecumenical Breakfast. Photo by Danny Bolin

This was the first Assembly to include “Interfaith Guests,” representatives of three national organizations of other faiths in the United States invited to bring greetings to the Assembly, to be present with us and available to speak with committees during our decision making. Our guests were Rabbi Melanie Aron, representing the Reform, Conservative and Reconstructionist Jewish movements; Dr. Muneer Fareed, secretary general of the Islamic Society of North America; and the Rev. Ron Kobata, executive assistant to the Bishop of the Buddhist Churches of America (the oldest Buddhist association in the United States). A highlight of the Assembly was a panel presentation by our three guests at the Ecumenical Breakfast. See also the remarks by Dr. Fareed in an interview.