The latest “monthly update” from the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy brings encouraging news regarding the use of the principles of faith-based diplomacy to bring greater understanding between Americans and Pakistani Muslims. “ICRD recently hosted a delegation of influential Wahhabi and Deobandi religious leaders and Master Trainers from Pakistan on a three-week visit to the United States.
” The Master Trainers, the newsletter goes on to explain, are those qualified to train other madrasa leaders.
The visit resulted in the Master Trainers concluding that Americans share many of their concerns. One delegate from the Northwest Frontier Province said, “One of the biggest fears we had when we came here was… that we thought Americans would have anger and hatred toward us, but that feeling has been completely changed… I have felt respected here…
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One of ICRD’s Wahhabi partners in Pakistan then wrote a “compelling Islamic rationale for engaging in dialogue with other faiths.
” He observed “every religion has developed a message around human values of peace, love, tolerance and mutual respect.
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For Franciscans this no doubt brings to mind our beloved Francis’ visit with the Sultan many years ago.
ICRD programs testify to the success possible when we approach one another with the brotherly love that is the foundation of our faith. Please visit the ICRD site for additional news.