Special features this issue
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Breaking Down Barriers:
Christians and Muslims forge bonds through faith
Second Presbyterian Church playing host to a September 28 dialogue designed to promote understanding and compassion between Muslims and Christians. The event comes at a complicated time when tension and suspicion have mounted between the two groups because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and turmoil in the Middle East.
The dialogue will feature Dr. Daniel L. Migliore, Princeton Theological Seminary's Charles Hodge Professor of Systematic Theology, and Imam Yahya Hendi, the Muslim Chaplain at Georgetown University. “It is possible through dialogue to build foundations for cooperation of Christians and Muslims in matters of common human concern: peace in the world, the alleviation of poverty and hunger, and the care of the environment,” Dr. Migliore said. Similarly, Imam Hendi said Christians and Muslims coming together will ensure that sanity, love and compassion are given a chance. “Our ability to discuss similarities and differences will always enable us to befriend one another with clarity,” he said. “Ignorance is our worst enemy, knowledge our best friend.”
The event is open to the public and will be held in Second's sanctuary at 3:30 p.m. WYPR is graciously providing support in publicizing this event.
Click here to download
event flyer.
Imam hendi invited to speak during the dedication of a new
FBI building
October 15, 2004- Imam Yahya Hendi participated in the
dedication ceremony of the new FBI field office for Maryland and
Delaware. The building opened last month in Woodlawn, Maryland,
and has replaced an older, smaller, and less secure structure.
Imam Hendi with the Catholic Relief Services
October 13, 2004- Imam Yahya Hendi participated in the
“Interfaith Candlelight Vigil for the People of Sudan,” hosted
by Catholic Relief Services. The Vigil took place in Freedom
Plaza in Washington DC. In his short address, Imam Yahya urged
attendants to unite through their varied religious faiths and
become a voice for the voiceless and a help for the homeless. He
also said the crisis in Darfur must be felt in our hearts and
awaken our consciousness for our actions to be truly effective
Imam Hendi speaks at Frsostburg State University
October 11, 2004- Frostburg State University hosted Imam Yahya
Hendi as he presented a lecture entitled “Jews, Christians, and
Muslims: Cooperation or Confrontation?” In his address to an
audience of over 150, he spoke of the commonalities between
Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, pointing out the scriptural,
historical, moral, and ethical similarities among the three
faiths. While acknowledging that differences do exist between
these main monotheistic religions, Imam Yahya stressed that
these distinctions are few in comparison. As part of the global
community, he pointed out: “we can no longer continue in an
isolated existence, and must work together for our mutual
benefit.”

Imam Hendi invited by the MAS-Dallas Chapter
October 10, 2004- Imam Yahya Hendi was a speaker at a full-day
seminar hosted by the Dallas, Texas chapter of the
Muslim-American Society. He gave three presentations on public
speaking and outreach skills and tips on how to answer questions
about Islam. Imam Hendi also offered techniques on how to
respond to non-Muslims’ desires to learn more about Islam. His
talks also addressed the need for members of the Muslim
community to reach out to their fellow neighbors and non-Muslim
citizens and create bridges of trust and
Imam hendi hosts a delegation of religious communities in the
third Anniversary of Sep 11
September 12, 2004- In a Frederick, MD event, Imam Yahya Hendi
hosted delegations from different churches that belong to the
United Church of Christ. Approximately 20 people attended from
First Congregational United Church of Christ, Washington, DC,
and many others attended from Christian congregations in and
near Frederick, MD. During the two- hour program held in the
Frederick Hampton Inn, the 150 attendants took part in prayers
led by the children and youth, listened to a reading from the
Qur'an in Arabic and English, and heard a reflection on the
reading by Imam Hendi. Various Christians and Muslims
contributed by sharing their brief thoughts and reflections.
Barbara
Gerlach, from the United Church of Christ, said, “It was a
wonderful experience for the people from First Congregational
United Church of Christ….We wanted to share with a Muslim
community as an act of spiritual friendship and inter-faith
sharing as our way of remembering the events of September 11 by
building relationships between Christians and Muslim. Imam Hendi
was an inspirational speaker committed to inter-religious
sharing. We especially enjoyed being in conversation with
members of the Frederick Muslim community.”
Imam Hendi speaks at the National Council of Synagogues
September 3, 2004- In a landmark moment, the National Council of
Synagogues invited Imam Yahya Hendi to speak at an NCS meeting
for the first time. The NCS meeting took place at the Central
Conference of American Rabbis. Representing the Rabbinical
Assembly were Rabbi Alvin Berkun, Rabbi Joel Meyers, and Rabbi
Joel Zaiman. The representatives of the CCAR were Rabbi Paul
Menitoff, Rabbi Dan Polish, and Rabbi David Sandmel. Mark
Pelavin represented the Union of Reform Judaism at the meeting
which took place under the leadership of Rabbi Gilbert
Rosenthal, the Director of the NCS.
Imam Yahya spoke about bridge-building between Jews and Muslims,
describing his hopeful visions for the future, potential
programs to be implemented, and steps to be taken to improve
relations between Jews and Muslims. He pointed out that both
communities must realize that they had been friends in the past,
and that such a positive rapport must resume for an optimistic
future. Imam Yahya also mentioned that much more than the tragic
Middle East crisis bring us together, and we must build on our
shared elements to work for peace in the Middle East for members
of both religions.
His
Benediction in Democratic National Convention, Boston, MA, July
27, 2004
Note: Recently I delivered the benediction at the DNC in Boston.
For those who want to review it, click on Day 2. Part.3 The doc
is two hours long, so, you may need to drag the clip position to
1:53 to view the prayer.
*"Israeli-Palestinian Relationships and Hopes for the
Future"*
*The Bottom Line* @ Frostburg State University
<http://www.frostburg.edu> © 2004. All Rights Reserved, 101
Braddock Road, Lane University Center Room 232 Frostburg MD
21532, Phone: 301-687-4326
On Wednesday, April 28 (2004) the program "Israeli-Palestinian
Relationships and Hopes for the Future", will be held in the
Lane University Center, Room 201 at 7:30pm. This program will
feature a discussion between Rabbi Stephen Sniderman of the B'er
Chayim Temple in Cumberland and Imam Yahya Hendi, Muslim
chaplain at Georgetown University, Washington, DC, and spiritual
leader of Islamic Society of Frederick (Maryland) about the
Middle East crisis. Dr. Stephen Hartlaub of the Political
Science Department will serve as moderator. This event is
sponsored by United Campus Ministry, Catholic Campus Ministry,
the Hillel Club, and the Political Science Department and is
free and open to the public. |
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