February 28March 1, 2003

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February 28-March 1, 2003
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Goals for the Dialogue

• To foster relationships between young women
  leaders
• To discover resources that promote understanding
  and peace
• To examine the role of faith in todays society
• To develop a deeper understanding of multiple
  faith traditions

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The Dialogue Process

• Stage one Unlearn misinformation about one
  another
• Stage two Begin to discern values in the
  partners tradition
• Stage three Building on trust we begin to
  explore new insights-- of reality, of meaning and
  of truth

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The Dialogue Process

• Conversations about life
• Conversations about Content
• Conversations about Need
• Spiritual Conversations

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Program

• Explore the fundamentals of Islam and Catholicism
• Address challenges faced by young people living
  faithfully in diverse communities
• Discuss the life and teachings of Muhammad and
  Jesus
• Witness to different models of womens leadership
• Visit Masjid al-Noor and the Church of Loretto
• Develop an action plan for establishing mutually
  supportive communities of faith
• View special screening of films on interreligious
  dialogue

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Living as Women of Faith

• Participants
• 19 Catholic Women
• 24 Muslim Women
• Saint Marys College
• Area Catholic High Schools,
• Parishes and Organizations
• Universal School, Bridgeview, IL
• Islamic School Kansas City
• DePaul University
• Facilitators Sr. Marianne, Pat AbuGharbieh,
  Karen Danielson
• Presentors Dr. Asma Afsaruddin, Judy Fean, Karen
  Danielson, and Sr. Kathleen Dolphin Imam
  Surajuddin, A. Rashied Omar, Sana Uddin
• Recitation from the Quran
• Proclamation of the Gospel

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Why Are We Here?

• to meet each other
• to learn about each others faith
• to develop friendships
• to do a good work together

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Ground Rules for Dialogue

• We will listen
• We will demonstrate a sincere interest in
  understanding each other.
• We will stand together to do good work
• We will work to develop sincere friendships
• We will respect differences and celebrate
  similarities
• We will be considerate of each others feelings
• We will give everyone a chance to speak
• We will not judge based on previous stereotypes
• We will not criticize
• We will not concentrate on differences
• We will not close out minds to ideas that are
  different
• We will not debate about whose religion is
  correct
• We will not ask anyone to be an expert for his or
  her faith tradition

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What do Muslims Believe?

• Dr. Asma Afsrauddin
• Imam Sirajuddin
• Dr. Rashied Omar
• Masjid al-Noor Community

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What do Catholics Believe?
Judy Fean Fr. Jeff Cooper Sisters of the Holy
Cross Church of Loretto
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Muhammad and JesusTeachers and Models

• Mrs. Karen Danielson
• Muhammad as the Model of Piety
• Sr. Kathleen Dolphin
• Jesus as Model of Compassion

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Listening Circles
CONVERSATIONS Reflected on the need for an
intrinsic motivation for interfaith dialogue.
Recognized a common jihad the struggle to be
authenticand the challenges faced in school,
home and in society. POSSIBILITY FOR
CONVERGENCE Culture and Religion Life of
Worship Importance of ones heritageroots Commo
n struggles for authentic and faith-filled
lifestyleas studentsas women Questions about
marriage and family Role of the person in society
and nation Prophets
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What are our next steps?

• Another gathering
• Interactive with workshops
• Student Presenters
• Live-in experience
• Integration with course of study
• Preparatory Reading
• Develop an e-group
• Visit each others campuses
• Time for recreation
• Cooperate in a community service project
• Gathering in Spring or Summer for outdoor
  activities

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Issues to Consider

• Muslim and Catholic Womens Identity
• in faith traditions
• in academic and professional settings
• in modern society
• Marriage and Family Life
• Islamic and Catholic Worship
• Protection of Civil Liberties
• Dealing with Scandals of, Attacks on, Catholicism
  and Islam
• Mandate for Social Justice
• Education of children

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Special Screenings

• On Common Grounds
• Directed and Produced by Ahmad Zahra
• What Do You Believe?
• Directed and Produced by Sarah Feinbloom
• United Religious Community
• Dr. Carol Mayernick

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Living as Women of Faith