As we began the New Year I pray for God to grant us more light, wisdom, passion, guidance, vision to serve all humanity and Mother Earth and be a role models of the Golden Rule.

More than ever let us direct our hearts and minds to the path that leads us to cultures of peace, harmony, coexistence, and respect to each other and all living things.

I pray for God to open our hearts and minds to understand the uniqueness of each one of us and to pour out the spirit of love, forgiveness and living for the sake of other so that our hearts will open more and our minds will understand the depth of our call as a peace builders and to serve humanity and Mother Earth without any partiality.

In the year 2011 let us reflect more the loving care for all of creation and be the embodiment of peace in all aspect. May this year be the Golden Rule year

May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail in our Mind

May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail in our Heart

May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail in our Family

May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail in our Community

May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail in our Country

May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail in our Region

May Peace and Golden Rule Prevail on Earth

In Peace

Mussie Hailu

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TORONTO AND AREA EVENTS

AURORA

Trinity Anglican Aurora & Interfaith Unity: Monday Night Discussions

THE WISDOM OF FAITH VIDEO SERIES

with Huston Smith & Bill Moyers

Monday evenings at 7:30 pm January 10, 17, 24, 31, February 7

44 Metcalfe Street, Aurora. Enter from the side door.

For information call: Terry Weller 905-7277011 or 416-8015597

or write to: info@interfaithunity.ca

This 5 part series presents award-winning journalist Bill Moyers in conversation with Huston Smith, a longtime student of world religions. The two men discuss the essential tenets of many of the world's great religions, including Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. Smith provides his insights on the similarities and differences of various approaches to spirituality and their implications for living in the modern world.

Each session is followed by group discussions. Five Sessions:

1. The Wisdom of Faith: Hinduism and Buddhism

2. The Wisdom of Faith: Confucianism

3. The Wisdom of Faith: Christianity and Judaism

4. The Wisdom of Faith: Islam

5. The Wisdom of Faith: A Personal Philosophy

A life long student of religions and an ordained Baptist Minister, Huston Smith has studied and practiced each of the major world religions. Huston Smith, retired, holds title as Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at Syracuse University Religious Studies at. He is the author of 12 authoritative books on religions and interfaith.

ALSO AT TRINITY AURORA

CONFUCIUS, THE BUDDHA, JESUS, AND MUHAMMAD

Four Exemplars of Noble Living

Monday evenings at 7:30 pm February 14, 21, 28, March 7, 14, 21

6 - 30 minute video lectures by: award-winning Professor Mark W. Muesse of Rhodes College, Memphis.

Confucius, the Buddha, Jesus, and Muhammad (Listed chronologically) were all born into ancient cultures in the midst of tumultuous changes. Each addressed fundamental existential problems within their societies, developing codes of ethics and behavior that broke with the past, and offering bold new visions of human life.

Confucius, A Gentleman and a Scholar
How the Buddha Taught
Jesus’ Christology
Muhammad: “I am only a messenger”
The four men’s Lives Compared
Their Teachings Compared

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TORONTO

The Bayview Corridor of Synagogues Presents:

WE LIVE BY THE RIVER

Sunday, January 16th, 7:30 PM

At Temple Har Zion Synagogue 7360 Bayview Avenue, Thornhill

For information contact: filmfestival@bayviewcorridor.org

“An inspiring film on the creative and courageous efforts of Tribal Communities in Alaska and First Nations in the Yukon to heal and sustain their life and communities along the Yukon River.”

Please join us in a multi-faith evening.

Free Admission ~ Ample Parking ~ Refreshments

Special Guest Speakers:

Lorraine Rekmans, citizen of the Algonquin Nation and band member of Serpent River

First Nation

Kim Wheatley, member of the Shawanaga First Nation

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TORONTO

Spring Rain Sangha Presents:

A 3-DAY WORKSHOP

ON CONSCIOUS LIVING AND CONSCIOUS DYING

When: January 27 and 28, 2011, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., and January 29th, 2011, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Please note that this is a NON-RESIDENTIAL workshop/retreat.)

Sponsored by: Spring Rain Sangha
Where: The Society of Friends (Quakers) House at 60 Lowther Ave. Toronto
Cost: $60.00 *This does not include Dana (donations) for the teachers

Facilitators: Brad Hunter and John Pollard
Registration: Pre-registration is necessary to attend this workshop. Application forms can be found in the "Retreats" section of www.springrainsangha.com
Contact: For more information, please contact us at multi-dayretreats@springrainsangha.com

“This workshop draws on guided meditations, compassionate practices, and gentle experiential work to help open the heart and mind as we explore grief and begin to let go of the anxiety we may have around dying and death. These experiences can awaken us to the preciousness of each moment as we realize that even the next breath cannot be taken for granted. At the heart of this work is a hidden gift: as we consciously prepare for our dying, we also profoundly transform our way of living.

Brad Hunter and John Pollard have conducted numerous workshops on death and dying, in addition to offering counselling services in the areas of dying and bereavement. Both men also have extensive training in various forms of Buddhist meditation. “

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BOWMANVILLE

The Durham Multi Faith World Religion Day Committee Presents

WORLD RELIGION DAY

A MULTIFAITH CELEBRATION

Theme: “Inclusiveness of Persons with Disability”

Featuring Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Baha’i Faith, Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, Native Spirituality and Jainism.

DATE: Sunday January 16, 2011

TIME: 1:45 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex Hall,

2440 King Street West, Bowmanville, Ontario

Admission is Free, Please Join Us

For more information please contact: www.worldreligionday.org

Donald Igbokwe: 905.925.9919 or Acklema Gocool: 647.294.5711

“There will be culturally diverse light music, spiritual classical dance, lots of light refreshment & a relaxing and invigorating afternoon.”

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AURORA, ONTARIO

An exploration of the current state of our planet from a new perspective:

AWAKENING THE DREAMER

- CHANGING THE DREAM SYMPOSIUM

http://awakeningthedreamer.org/

“An Important program on the condition of our planet

Presented by Trinity Anglican Church Aurora and Interfaith Unity”

Saturday, February 5, 2011, 12:30 – 5:00 pm

Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St Aurora Ontario CLICK TO REGISTER ONLINE

For information call: Terry Weller 416 801 5597 or 905 727 7011

E-mail info@interfaithunity.ca

CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS

“Through dynamic group interactions, leading edge information, and inspiring multimedia, participants of this half-day event are inspired to reconnect with their deep concern for our world, and are empowered to make a difference.

Designed with the collaboration of some of the finest scientific, indigenous and activist minds in the world, the Symposium explores the current state of our planet from a new perspective, and connects participants with a powerful global movement to reclaim our future.

It is an exploration of four questions:

· Where Are We?
An examination of the state of environmental, social and personal well-being

· How did We Get Here?
Tracing the root causes that lead to our current imbalance

· What’s Possible for the Future?
Discovering new ways of relating with each other, with the Earth and looking at the emerging Movement for change

· Where Do We Go from Here?
Considering the stand we want to be in the world and our personal and collective impact.

The Awakening the Dreamer, Changing the Dream Symposium is a transformative educational experience that empowers participants to respond to humanity’s current situation with action and informed, grounded optimism about our future.”

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TORONTO

SCARBORO MISSIONS INTERFAITH SERIES 2011

2685 Kingston Road, Scarborough (SW corner of Brimley/Kingston Road)

7:00 —9:00 p.m.

Inquiries: 416-261-7135 ext 244/296

email: lthorson@scarboromissions.ca

No admission fee. Voluntary offering to help defray costs is always appreciated

www.scarboromissions.ca

“Feb 9th (Wed.): Religious Experience as Motivation for Ecological Responsibility:

Jewish & Christian Perspectives.

by Noreen Allossery-Walsh, OSU & Rabbi Debra Landsburg.

Feb 17th (Thurs.): From Holy Roots Come Blessed fruits:

An Overview of Jewish-Catholic History since Vatican II.

by Fr. Murray Watson & Lucy Thorson, NDS

Feb 23rd (Wed.): From the Ghetto of Rome to the Wider World:

Calls and Challenges in Catholic-Jewish Relations.

by Margaret McGrath & Mary Babic (Sisters of Our Lady of Sion)”

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SPIRITUAL DIALOGUE CIRCLE

Location: Don Heights Unitarian Congregation, 18 Wynford Drive, Suite 102, Toronto, 416-444-8839

Date: first Monday of the month, January 2011 to June 2011

Time: 7:00pm to 8:30pm

Topics: Spiritual Practices January 3

· Life After Death February 7

· Justice March 7

· Forgiveness April 4

· Trust May 2

· Love June 6

Contact: Reverend Michelle Singh, michelle_singh@rogers.com

Pre-Registration is Required

“This multi-faith Spiritual Dialogue Circle is committed to bringing diverse people together for conversation, prayer, sacred music and meditation. In this Circle, participants are invited to share readings and experience from their unique spiritual traditions. We encourage everyone to share their personal inner wisdom connecting spiritual practice and everyday life. Ultimately, our goal is to foster peace within ourselves and our world. This is a safe and open community in which everyone is welcome to explore, grow and be supported.”

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TORONTO

The Centre for Spirituality at Work invites you to:
WORKING WITH SPIRIT, ENGAGING WITH EGO:

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS AT WORK
with Eric Hellman

Saturday February 12. 2011
10:00 am – 4:30 pm
At the Toronto Grace, near Yonge & Bloor, Toronto
Earlybird fee: Monday, February 7, 2011

REGISTRATION: Program fee of $100 received by Mon Feb 7 or $115 following

LOCATION: In the 2nd floor chapel of our partner, the Toronto Grace Hospital workplace, 650 Church St. at the S/W corner of Bloor St

FULL INFORMATION AT: www.SpiritualityAtWork.org

“Many of us aspire to bring more spirit into work; to work with more passion, purpose, fulfillment and meaning. Yet frequently something seems to block us – from others or from inside ourselves. When that “ego” arises, it can come in many forms: attack or negativity, fear or anxiety, resistance or rejection, criticism or self suppression... In this day-long workshop, you’ll explore how the ego shows up at work, both in yourself and those around you. You’ll learn practical ways to deal with it. To recognize the signs of spirit and align with it. And how to support others in doing the same. It all begins with a subtle, yet fundamental shift in the way we think, see and act – that brings more spirit into work, more caring, connection & effectiveness into our organizations, and more healing into our world. At the end of this message, below my signature, Eric has provided more detals about the workshop.”
ERIC HELLMAN (www.EricHellman.com) has explored ‘spirit and ego’ at work for close to 30 years

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TORONTO

University of St. Michael’s College Presents:

BUILDING A GLOBAL INTERFAITH COMMUNITY
Sat. 9 Apr 2011
5 hours - 10 am to 3 pm
Instructor: Paul McKenna, Director, Interfaith Department of Scarboro Missions.
Fee: $60.00 Click to Register

This workshop will examine the goals, history, challenges and benefits of the growing international interfaith movement. Representatives of various religions will share their experience of the 2009 Parliament of World Religions held in Melbourne, Australia. Held every five years, the Parliament is the largest interfaith conference in the world.

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TORONTO

April 13-17 2011

THE ART AND SCIENCE OF

SPIRITUAL CARE IN CRITICAL TIMES

The 2011 CASC/ACSS Conference, (Power Point Presentation about CAPPE 2011 ) “The Art and Science of Spiritual Care in Critical Times” will take place on April 13-17, 2011 at the Delta Chelsea Hotel in downtown Toronto.

Conference highlights include:

International keynote speakers Dr. Benjamin Corn and Dr. Erminia Guarneri

CASC Foundation benefit concert starring soloist Jackie Richardson

Second annual CASC Foundation 5K Walk.

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CANADA WIDE EVENTS

VICTORIA B.C.

EPIPHANY EXPLORATIONS 2011:

SPIRITUAL NURTURE AND CONTINUING EDUCATION

FOR YOUR PERSONAL JOURNEY

When: January 20 to 24, 2011

Where: First Metropolitan United Church, 932 Balmoral Rd., Victoria, BC,

Cost: $240, early-bird registration for full conference (before Nov. 30), $285 full conference registration, $25 per individual session

“Registration opens on August 15 for Epiphany Explorations 2011, an event that for many is the highlight of their faith journey each year. Five days of learning, laughter and music characterize Epiphany Explorations. Our upcoming conference features Nontombi Naomi Tutu, Phillip Yancey, Douglas Todd, Flora MacDonald, Mardi Tindal, Arthur Black, Raheel Raza and others! Visit our website at www.firstmetvictoria.com/epiphany for more information or to register.

Of special note to those interested in inter-faith dialogue are:

· Gender in Islam (Sun, Sand and Muslim Women – Myth and Facts: presented by Raheel Raza, an award-winning writer, diversity consultant and interfaith advocate. Raheel will also be offering a workshop on Sufism.

· Church Leadership in a Pluralistic Society presented by Lois Wilson, first woman elected Moderator of the United Church of Canada and the Canadian Council of Churches, former President of the World Council of Churches and Ecumenist-in-Residence at the Toronto School of Theology and Queen’s University.

Each year, our participants tell us how much they enjoyed the conference and how much they learned:

‘This is hands down, the very best continuing education event I have attended. .. only sorry to have missed previous Epiphany Explorations.’

‘I have learned to trust this event … knowing that I will be blown away – awe, inspiration, affirmation of gifts and insights, progressive understanding of Christianity in the world.’

‘Keep it going. It was like a pilgrimage to be here’ .”

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RESOURCES

RESOURCES - Toronto

THE LANGUAGE OF INTERFAITH CONVERSATION

J.W. Windland stands beside a young man in clothing worn by men during the Muslim Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).

Mindful interfaith language

expresses our common humanity,

builds relationships of respect and trust,

and pursues peace.

By Larry (J.W.) Windland, June 2007

"Etiquette is part of the practice of many disciplines including interfaith dialogue. In this article, Canadian multifaith educator, JW Windland, argues that a sensitive use of interfaith language expresses our common humanity, builds relationships of respect and trust, values diversity and pursues peace. Click here to read article posted at Scarboro Missions..."

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RESOURCES - Toronto

Ontario Multifaith Council

THE MULTIFAITH INFORMATION MANUAL

NEW YEARS SALE PRICE

“We have a special offer for the 4^th Edition. ~~$24.99~~ Now: $10 (shipping extra).

For details click here

The Multifaith Information Manual (4^th edition). As Canada moves towards a more multicultural society it is imperative that individuals charged to care, educate and protect our citizens be made aware of our diverse religious beliefs. To this end we believe that the Multifaith Information Manual should become an integral part of training. The manual is a creative response to the growing diversity of the Canadian population, to the move to more community-based services, and to the stresses and pressures being experienced by faith groups as well as publicly funded services. The Ontario Multifaith Council has tried to keep paramount its united concern for the individual's spirit and the diversity of their respective faith traditions. That spirit and intent is reflected in the pages of the Multifaith Information Manual. Fourth Edition. The manual contains essential information on 35 different faith groups.”

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RESOURCES - Toronto

LESLEY HAZLETON EXPLORES THE QUR’AN

This fall, author Lesley Hazleton gave a TED talk in Seattle, offering her own interpretation of the Qur’an as an agnostic Jew. Hazleton’s nine-minute presentation, attended by a predominately white, middle-aged, non-Muslim American audience, stemmed from extensive research on the Qur’an and her experiences with Middle Eastern Bedouins.

Watch her lecture at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7yaDlZfqrc

“A psychologist by training and Middle East reporter by experience, British-born Lesley Hazleton has spent the last ten years exploring the vast and often terrifying arena in which politics and religion, past and present, intersect. Her most recent book, After the Prophet: the Epic Story of the Shia-Sunni Split, was a finalist for the 2010 PEN-USA nonfiction award. She lived and worked in Jerusalem for thirteen years -- a city where politics and religion are at their most incendiary.”

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RESOURCES - Toronto

ONTARIO MULTIFAITH COUNCIL NEWSLETTER

- AUTUMN 2010 ISSUE

“The Autumn 2010 issue of the Ontario Multifaith Council newsletter is now available. You may download it by clicking on the following link:

http://www.omc.ca/newsletter.html

For those of you who have difficulty opening the files online, please send an email to newsletter@omc.ca with your address and we will see that you receive a copy of this and each subsequent issue by mail.

Please note that if you have already requested the newsletter be sent

you by surface mail, you can expect to receive it in the next week or so.

Please send us your comments, suggestions and proposed content for

future newsletters. Carol Hinton chinton@omc.ca “

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RESOURCES

NORTH AMERICAN INTERFAITH NETWORK NEWS

FALL EDITION AVAILABLE ONLINE

Be sure to check out the new NAINews just posted online.

Click here to read NAINews Fall 2010.

Click here to download a print version in Adobe Acrobat format of NAINews Fall 2010. You will need Acrobat reader available as a free download at www.adobe.com.

Save the Dates for Connect 2011, new items, and repost of recent blog posts.

NAINews is morphing into a blog. Be sure to subscribe at http://nainblog.wordpress.com/

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CALL FOR PAPERS

CALL FOR PAPERS:

RELIGION & CLIMATE CHANGE

Expressions of interest are requested by 15 February, 2011; Papers by August 2011. Anthropogenic climate change is among the most significant and far-reaching social issues of our time. Although climate scientists are near unanimous about potentially catastrophic consequences, mobilizing a meaningful response has proven to be a real challenge. Among the significant but understudied responses has been that of religious groups. Numerous statements on climate change by faith-based actors and institutionalized religious groups have occurred in recent years. However, far less research has been published about actually faith-shaped action by religious institutions, groups and individuals. Papers are requested for a special issue of the Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature & Culture (JSRNC) on “Religion and Climate Change” and a possible book.Full details at

http://www.religionandnature.com/journal/pdf/climate_change_cfp.pdf

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BOOK RELEASE

HILLEL IF NOT NOW, WHEN?

By Joseph Telushkin

Reconsidering Hillel, the legendary rabbi whose distillation of Judaism's core teachings still applies in today’s world…

CLICK FOR AUDIO INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHOR

Overview by Nextbook Press”

““What is hateful to you, do not do unto others. That is the whole Torah, the rest is commentary.” Hillel said in answer to a potential convert. This is the most famous teaching of Hillel.

Teachings, stories, and legal rulings of Hillel can be found throughout Test Book the Talmud; what many of them share is his emphasis on ethical and moral living as an essential element in Jewish religious practice. After offering that concise summation of the Torah’s contents, Hillel adds the injunction to “now go and study,” and then converts the seeker to Judaism. For Joseph Telushkin, this is not a metaphor but a model. Faced with unprecedented levels of intermarriage and assimilation, and with the interest of so many unchurched non-Jews in Jewish teachings, Judaism today is in need of the sort of openness that Hillel championed 2,000 years ago.

The most prominent religious leader in the Land of Israel during the reign of Herod, Hillel may well have influenced Jesus, his junior by several decades. In a provocative analysis of the evolution of both Christianity and Judaism, Telushkin reveals why, over the ensuing centuries, Hillel’s teachings began to be ignored in favor of the stricter and less inclusive teachings of his rabbinic adversary, Shammai. This bold new look at an iconic religious leader—the first to cite the ethical concept of tikkun olam (repairing the world) as a basis for making modifications to Jewish law—is certain to generate passionate discussion and debate.”

http://nextbookpress.com/books/276/

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NEWS TORONTO

CANADIAN COUNCIL OF IMAMS STRONGLY CONDEMNS

THE ATTACKS ON THE ALEXANDRIA CHURCH

(Toronto, January 06, 2011) - On behalf of the Canadian Council of Imams, we would like to express our deepest shock and disgust at the Bombings of the Church in Alexandria, Egypt, on the eve of the festive season. Our sympathy goes to the families of the victims in Egypt as well as in Canada. By the present, we would like to extend our sincere condolences to the Canadian Coptic community members and assure them that the Canadian Muslims stand by their side in these difficult times.

"It is a big shame and an intolerable madness to attack people in the middle of their highest season of worship." said Imam Dr. Hamid Slimi, the chairman of the council, "The attackers do not represent any religion or faith but only a blind hate for anyone who is different from them. They want to create fear and instability in the country. Egyptian Coptic Christians have been living in Egypt thousands of years and they should not be treated with discrimination or in any way that shakes their peace and stability or restricts their religious freedom." Imam Abdul Hai Patel, the Interfaith relations director in the council added, "It is the duty of the Egyptian Government to immediately curb the violence and bring the perpetrators of such malicious acts to justice. The council calls the Egyptian government to institute strong practical measures to protect its Christian Citizens and any other minorities in the Country."

By the same token, we also urge the Egyptian and global Islamic leadership in the World to promote tolerance and respect to our Christian and human brethren around the World and to educate and remind the masses about our relationship through our humanity and Abrahamic ties.

We the members of religious leadership of Canadian Muslims, strongly condemn these terrorist and cowardly acts, resulting in loss of many innocent lives and injuring hundreds of others. We join the international community in grieving this tragedy and strongly protest against the mistreatment of minorities anywhere in the world including in the Muslim countries.

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NEWS CANADA WIDE

OTTAWA

INTERFAITH NATIONAL BREAKFAST ON PARLIAMENT HILL

– THEME WAS THE GOLDEN RULE

More than 140 people, MPs, Senators, ambassadors and the Parliament Hill community, gathered at the Parliamentary Restaurant for the Second Interfaith National Breakfast on Parliament Hill on November 23, 2010. The annual breakfast is sponsored by the All Party Interfaith Parliamentary Friendship Group. It was hosted this year by Member of Parliament David Sweet and Rabbi Reuven Bulka. Conservative Senator Salma Ataullahjan was the keynote speaker, his topic was "The golden rule common to all faiths.

PHOTO: features Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, plus Ambassadors from Israel and the USA. The golden rule was the theme of the Breakfast.

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TORONTO STAR

CHRISTIANITY ARGUABLY THE MOST PERSECUTED RELIGION IN THE WORLD

Ron Csillag, Toronto Star, Dec 4, 2010

“Earlier this month, Christians who are free to observe their faith gathered in churches around the world for the annual International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. They recited pre-written invocations for fellow Christians who face violence and oppression.”…

CLICK TO READ THE FULL STORY

r Bielefeldt in contrast, a

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NEWS INTERNATIONAL

NEWS - Germany

Christian-Islamic Dialogue under Scrutiny

MEDICINE FOR MISTRUST?

From: Qantara.de 2010
Translated from the German by Katy Derbyshire
Since Germany's integration debate began focusing on religion, Christian-Islamic dialogue has been all the rage. The country's politicians have well and truly discovered inter-faith discussion. But inter-faith dialogue cannot achieve what politics has failed to deliver.

By Claudia Mende
"We need dialogue as a counterpoint to growing anti-Islamic mistrust," professor of human rights Heiner Bielefeldt says. Pictured: anti-Islamic rally in Germany. It seems as if inter-faith dialogue between Christians and Muslims is expected to put right what politics has failed to achieve in terms of integration. Dialogue is being invoked like a mantra, in the hope of obscuring the general state of perplexity in Germany. In a situation of growing right-wing populist tendencies and increasing resentments against Muslims far into the middle class, politicians are clutching at every straw.

Or is inter-faith dialogue in fact a program to make Muslims more governable, as Jamal Malik, an Islam Studies professor at the University of Erfurt, criticized? Malik sees a risk that the dialogue is being "mingled with disciplining and security interests".

Heine professor of human rights at the University of Nuremberg-Erlangen, considers dialogue between Christians and Muslims essential in this situation: "We need dialogue as a counterpoint to growing anti-Islamic mistrust," he said.
The debate over the former politician Thilo Sarrazin's provocative anti-Muslim theses, said Bielefeldt, have revealed a "mental abyss". "Surveys show that there are a great deal of reservations towards Muslims, not just skepticism and discomfort but also major resentments and sometimes even racism. It's important that there are forces holding out against that tide."

Various forms of dialogue

Inter-faith dialogue takes place on various levels. The Coordinating Council for Christian-Islamic Dialogue counts some 170 initiatives across Germany, many of which work on a voluntary basis. There are inter-personal, spiritual and theological programs. Joint involvement in social projects, however, is less common. …”

READ THE FULL STORY

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INSPIRATION

I am here only to be truly helpful.
I am here to represent Him who sent me.
I do not have to worry about what to say or what
to do, because He who sent me will direct me.
I am content to be wherever He wishes, knowing
He goes there with me.
I will be healed as I let Him teach me to heal.

A Course In Miracles

TEACHING STORY

In the south of Thailand some years ago, a famous abbot was building a new hall in his forest monastery.

When the Rains Retreat came, he stopped all work and sent the builders home. This was the time for quiet in his monastery.

A few days later a visitor came, saw the half-constructed building and asked the abbot when his hall would be finished. Without hesitation, the old monk said, "The hall is finished."

"What do you mean, 'The hall is finished?' ' the visitor replied, taken aback. "It hasn't got a roof. There are no doors or windows. There are pieces of wood and cement bags all over the place. Are you going to leave it like that? Are you mad? What do you mean, 'The hall is finished'?''

The old abbot smiled and gently replied, "What's done is finished," and then went away to meditate.

This is the only way to have a retreat or to take a break. Otherwise our work is never finished.

— Ajahn Brahm in Who Ordered This Truckload of Dung?

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