CatholicU Discussion Marks 800th Anniversary of St. Francis Meeting Sultan Malik Al-Kamil
In the midst of the Fifth Crusade, St. Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malik Al-Kamil met to learn more about each other and explore their differences. They set an example that embodies how the faithful adherence to religious traditions can lead to transformative encounters that transcend differences of theology and culture and create new possibilities for the promotion of human solidarity, justice, peace, and healing.
Today, 800 years later, one of the issues that still haunts and permeates our political, social, theological, and religious history is that of the “other” — a person who is socially, culturally, racially, or religiously different. How can people find a way to live together with people unlike them in peace and respect and learn about each other?
Leaders in interreligious dialogue will meet at Catholic University on Thursday, Nov. 7, to discuss these themes.
Event participants will include:
Through keynote lectures, roundtables, and small group discussions, the conference will explore the dynamics involved in the historic encounter and how those dynamics can and must be brought to the creation of transformative encounters in today’s culture. The conference will conclude with a prayer led by Rev. Jude DeAngelo, University chaplain, and Imam Mohamad Bashar Arafat.
The conference, sponsored by the School of Theology and Religious Studies, will take place in the Edward J. Pryzbyla University Center, Great Room, beginning at 9 a.m.
For more information or to RSVP to attend email Roxana Paalvast at paalvast@cua.edu.
MEDIA: To attend this event, contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at communications@cua.edu or 202-319-5600.