On November 18, American University’s School of International Service virtually hosted the President of Pakistan, Dr. Arif Alvi. President Alvi followed in the footsteps of Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Obama, all of whom have lectured at American. This historic event was organised by Dean Christine B.N. Chin and her team, with special thanks to Kate […]
A Bright Moon on the Horizon
Where can we find “unity in diversity?” This question is on the minds of many in today’s tumultuous network of political, cultural, and religious rivalries, which made the recent lecture all the more essential. On the evening of July 8 in Washington, D.C., the Institute for International and Area Studies (IIAS) at arguably China’s premier […]
A much needed ‘Interfaith Prayer for Peace and Harmony’
In a typical, non-pandemic year, The Embassy of Pakistan in Washington DC hosts an Interfaith Iftar Dinner during Ramadan. But this is not a typical year. The world continues to grapple with the struggles of COVID-19, and religious communities everywhere are missing face-to-face opportunities for worship and fellowship. In this struggle, on Friday, April 30th […]
A Friendship Across Faiths Provides Hope for a Fractured World
Just 3 years ago, Pew Research Center found that fifty five percent of Protestant Christians in the U.S. surveyed believed that Islam and democracy are naturally incompatible. The media often perpetuates this alleged incompatibility, and yet, great connections can exist between those who may at first seem different. Many American Christians lack valuable relationships with […]
A Friendship Across Faiths Provides Hope for a Fractured World
Just 3 years ago, Pew Research Center found that fifty five percent of Protestant Christians in the U.S. surveyed believed that Islam and democracy are naturally incompatible. The media often perpetuates this alleged incompatibility, and yet, great connections can exist between those who may at first seem different. Many American Christians lack valuable relationships with […]
Building bridges of understanding
“Love is the bridge between you and everything,” says Rumi, the famed and mystic poet from the 13th century. Love is not often the focus of learning, but one of the ways that it can be is through the promotion of empathy, which is the cornerstone of religious tolerance. My long-held fascination with different religious […]