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
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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
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Program Content
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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
Saint Mary’s 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, Sr. Kathleen Dolphin
Imam Surajuddin, Imam A. Rashied
Omar, and Sana Uddin
Our Precepts for Listening
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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
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
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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