Year of Interfaith Understanding to kick off in Muskegon Jan. 10

If Kryssis Bjork and Kay Ostrom have their way, Muskegon will make the world a more peaceful place in 2012.

Bjork and Ostrom, who are co-chairs of the Year of Interfaith Understanding in Muskegon County, said fostering understanding and peace among different religious groups is an important step toward peace in the world in general.

http://www.mlive.com/living/muskegon/index.ssf/2012/01/year_of_interfaith_understandi.html

Eighth National Dialogue on Reform, Development

There is no satisfactory alternative to open dialogue in any society, and its success depends on how far it achieves its goals and objectives and on its impact on people. The Eighth National Dialogue on Reform and Development, the latest in a series of national dialogues established through the King Abdul Aziz National Dialogue Center, took place in Riyadh on Nov. 29-30, 2011 and provided a civil and sophisticated forum for exchanging views and decision-making. These dialogues are an important step toward the recognition of plural voices and diverse opinions. They open new lines of communication with the public and represent a move away from traditional methods. And this spirit of dialogue has been carried into the wider world.

http://arabnews.com/opinion/columns/article557864.ece

Embarking on a path of healing

This evening’s event brings back to mind another happy time, our gathering here on May 6, 2003, for the signing of the historic Accord between the Masjid of Rochester and the Rochester Roman Catholic Diocese.

I have been very pleased with the creative work done by the Muslim Catholic Alliance in the succeeding years to implement the terms of the 2003 accord, particularly in educating the local Catholic and Muslim communities about each other’s religions. In doing so, the MCA has helped the two communities not only to appreciate their commonalties but also to understand and accept their differences. Perhaps best of all, these educational events have fostered friendships among people of both faiths, a key ingredient and reward of meaningful dialogue.

Both of us, Muslims and Catholics, came to these shores as immigrants. Our arrival in great numbers antedated yours by some decades, of course.

http://www.catholiccourier.com/commentary/bishops-column/embarking-on-a-path-of-healing/

New chaplain first Muslim leader to serve University of Michigan students

After more than 20 years of being comprised solely by students, the Muslim Student Association is looking to hire the first Muslim chaplain in U-M history.

After more than 20 years of being comprised solely by students, the Muslim Student Association is looking to hire the first Muslim chaplain in U-M history.

“The Muslim community at U-M continues to grow and grow,” said MSA President Eman Abdelhadi. “Taking the Muslim community on campus to the next level requires a chaplain.”

http://annarbor.com/news/u-m-to-have-muslim-chaplain-soon/