Hartford Seminary Models Interfaith Dialogue,
as Called For in President Obama’s Cairo Speech
For Immediate Release
HARTFORD, CT (June 5, 2009) -- Hartford Seminary commends President Barack Obama for his commitment to bridge religious divides and promote peace. The Seminary stands ready to lend its resources to this work, which is central to its mission.
In his address at Cairo University in Cairo on June 4, President Obama specifically touched on the importance of education, saying, "We will encourage more Americans to study in Muslim communities. And we will match promising Muslim students with internships in America; invest in online learning for teachers and children around the world; and create a new online network, so a young person in Kansas can communicate instantly with a young person in Cairo."
For decades, Hartford Seminary has been preparing peacemakers through international partnerships that foster understanding through education and training, President Heidi Hadsell said. "Hartford Seminary is first and foremost a place that fosters religious understanding and tolerance. We are an ecumenical, interfaith institution. We have the opportunity to touch a diverse population of people from around the corner and around the world, who come through our doors and who, upon leaving, have the potential for doing so much good in their communities," Hadsell said.
Ingrid Mattson, director of the Seminary's Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations, praised the president for his understanding that the relationship between the Muslim World and the West includes outstanding examples of cooperation, as well as sobering instances of conflict. Mattson said, "It is the study of this complex history of the interaction between Muslims and Christians that has been the focus of the work of the Macdonald Center for decades. We have never been satisfied with academic study for its own sake, however. Rather, our outstanding students, many of whom are leaders of their religious communities, draw lessons from the past in order to build together a more just and peaceful world."
At Hartford Seminary, we have been engaged in vigorous interfaith dialogue for many years among Jews, Christians and Muslims. We are committed to continue this important effort, and welcome the opportunity to work with the administration of President Obama.
The speech by President Obama showed a new perspective in American foreign policy, one built on common interests and mutual respect. This is essential for the United States to function effectively in today's multi-faith world.
"Faith should bring us together," President Obama said. "That's why we welcome efforts like Saudi Arabian King Abdullah's interfaith dialogue and Turkey's leadership in the Alliance of Civilizations. . . . The people of the world can live together in peace. We know that is God's vision. Now that must be our work here on Earth."
Hartford Seminary agrees. President Hadsell said. "Let us all commit to mutual respect and to join together across religions to make this a better world."
Contact: David S. Barrett, Director of Public and Institutional Affairs, 860.509.9519 or dbarrett@hartsem.edu.
