February 28-March 1, 2003

Goals of the Program  To foster relationships between young women leaders  To discover resources that promote understanding and peace  To examine the role of faith in today’s society  To develop a deeper understanding of multiple faith traditions

The Dialogue Process  Stage one: Unlearn misinformation about one another  Stage two: Begin to discern values in the partner’s tradition  Stage three: Building on trust we begin to explore new insights-- of reality, of meaning and of truth

The Dialogue Process  Conversations about life  Conversations about Content  Conversations about Need  Spiritual Conversations

Program Content  Explore the fundamentals of Islam and Catholicism  Address challenges faced by living faith-filled lives.  Discuss the life and teachings of Muhammad and Jesus  Witness to different models of women’s leadership  Visit Masjid al-Noor and the Church of Loretto  View special screening of films about interfaith dialogue  Develop the next steps for future dialogues

Participants: 19 Catholic Women 24 Muslim Women 24 Muslim Women Saint Mary’s College Area Catholic High Schools, Area Catholic High Schools, Parishes and Organizations Parishes and Organizations Universal School, Bridgeview, IL Universal School, Bridgeview, IL Islamic School Kansas City Islamic School Kansas City DePaul University DePaul UniversityFacilitators: Sr. Marianne, Pat AbuGharbieh, Karen Danielson Presentors: Dr. Asma Afsaruddin, Judy Fean, Karen Danielson, Sr. Kathleen Dolphin Imam Surajuddin, Imam A. Rashied Omar, and Sana Uddin

Our Precepts for Listening  We will demonstrate a sincere interest in understanding each other.  We will respect differences and celebrate similarities  We will be considerate of each other’s feelings  We will give everyone a chance to speak  We will not judge based on previous stereotypes  We will cultivate openness to all ideas  We will not debate about whose religion is correct  We will not ask anyone to be an expert for his or her faith tradition

What do Muslims Believe? Presentations by: Dr. Asma Afsrauddin Imam Sirajuddin Dr. Rashied Omar Masjid al-Noor Community

What do Catholic Believe? Presentations by:   Judy Fean   Fr. Jeff Cooper   Sisters of the Holy Cross   Visitation of the Church of Loretto

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

Interfaith Films On Common Grounds Directed and Produced by Ahmad Zahra What do you Believe? Directed and Produced by Sarah Feinbloom Sarah Feinbloom

Listening Circles Listening Circles Fruits of our conversation: Reflected on the need for an intrinsic motivation for interfaith dialogue. Recognized a common “jihad” the struggle to be authentic—and the challenges faced in school, home and in society. Areas of possible convergence: Culture and Religion Life of Worship Importance of one’s heritage— “roots” Common struggles for authentic and faith-filled lifestyle—as students—as women Questions about marriage and family Role of the person in society and nation Prophets

Next Steps  Have yearly gatherings  More interactive with workshops  Student Planners  Develop an “e-group”  Visit each other’s campuses  Cooperate in a community service project  Investigate Social Justice Teachings

Living as Women of Faith