Human Rights in Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Clergy Beyond Borders' conference, “Human Rights in Judaism, Christianity and Islam,” brought together 70 religious leaders from across the U.S. and around the world, along with several seminary and graduate students, to explore human rights issues from perspectives based in their respective and collective faiths.
The gathering, held primarily on December 14-15, 2009, at American University's Kay Spiritual Life Center, also permitted a number of smaller and less formal meetings of participants within and across faith groups.
For some of the international Muslim participants, the gathering provided their first opportunity to shake hands with Christian and Jewish clergy or even to meet a Jew. For others, the conference was a first opportunity to grapple with such topics as the role of evangelism/outreach in Christianity and Islam in interfaith action.
Faith-specific teachings were shared, commonalities recognized, and fundamental difficulties explored. Next steps were discussed and relationships fostered. Participants reported hearts opening and minds changing. Rather than offering bland recitations of their faiths' more positive texts, participants were self-critical and even repentant for their communities' failures.
“It was fantastic!” Rabbi Marc Gopin, world leader in conflict resolution, conference participant and Clergy Beyond Borders (CBB) board member, said afterward. “Important things happened that will change our work.”
View photos on Clergy Beyond Borders' Flickr page
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Salaam, Shalom, Peace!
We are delighted to have this opportunity to share our dream with you...to bring the message and the reality of peace and justice closer to all humanity and all Gods universe. Our plan was to create an international organization to be called Clergy Beyond Borders. " Beyond " not " without " was to be in our name, because we wish to acknowledge, celebrate, and then transcend our differences so that the dreams of Moses, Jesus, Muhammed, upon them be blessing, and those spiritual leaders whose names we may never know, can come true in our lifetime..
We are writing to tell you that we have initiated our program and to ask for your blessing and your support. At this moment we have only just begun, but your partnership can help us reach the goals which we describe below.
If you are a member of the clergy we warmly invite you to identify yourself as a Clergy Affiliate. If not, we hope you will join us as a Partner. Contributions to CBB are fully tax-deductible under applicable US tax law as we are a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation.
With all our gratitude to the living God who has enabled us to reach this moment and with thanks to you for considering the support of this holy work,
Salaam, Shalom, Peace,
Imam Yahya M. Hendi
Founder and Chair
Rabbi Gerald Serotta
Executive Director
Mail: P.O. Box 1976, Frederick, Maryland 21702
