Those attending HCEF's 15th International Conference this year will be treated to a range of esteemed speakers who will be discussing critical topics on the issues Palestinians face today. Among these is the crucial role interfaith dialogue plays in the development of the Holy Land.
As everyone knows, the Holy Land is home to the most revered sites of the West's three major religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The history of the land and these three faiths cannot be known apart from one another, and the roles they play today in the Holy Land are just as important as ever, if not more so. Unfortunately, the political strife in this part of the world is bound up with tensions among these religions, yet this fact also provides some hope for the future.
Because Judaism, Islam, and Christianity are integral to the history and continued development of the Holy Land, it is necessary that the members and leaders of these traditions communicate with one another and build cooperation upon their common roots. By focusing on their shared past as well as their common desire for the well being of humanity, there is hope that stifling differences can be overcome, and the Holy Land restored.
HCEF recognizes this necessity for communication and hope for the future, and so has invited renowned religious leaders to speak on the topic of interfaith dialogue during the 15th International Conference. Among them will be Imam Yahya Hendi, Founder & President, Clergy Beyond Borders, Muslim Chaplain, Georgetown University; Bishop Richard H. Graham, Metropolitan Washington D.C. Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA); and Fr. Drew Christiansen, SJ, Visiting Scholar, Theology Department, Boston College, and Member, HCEF Advisory Board. Fr. Avelino Gonzales, Director of Ecumenical and Interreligious Affairs for the Archdiocese of Washington, will be moderating the dialogue.
To learn more about these and other speakers, please visit our Speakers' Bios page. And be sure to come listen to them speak on October 19th in Washington D.C.
Registration is now open for HCEF's 15th International Conference at the Washington Marriott in Washington D.C. on October 18-19! If you haven't yet, we invite you to register today!
