The deputy to the presiding bishop for ecumenical and interfaith relations told the 41st annual convention of the Islamic Society of North America in Chicago that courageous actions by Muslim leaders have helped to initiate new conversations between Episcopalians and Muslims.
Bishop Christopher Epting, speaking at the inaugural session in September, brought greetings from Presiding Bishop Frank T. Griswold and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams.
“For more than 20 years,” Epting told participants, “our General Convention has passed resolutions with language like this: ‘Whereas the church today recognizes the vitality and often impressive resurgence of the communities of the faithful of Islam, both in foreign nations and among peoples of our own nation; and acknowledges the impact of the Islamic community on the religious, cultural and sociological aspects of the lives of many people ...[be it resolved] that this 73rd General Convention endorse substantive dialogue between Christians and Muslim communities, dialogue that maintains the theological integrity of both faith communities and commitment to genuine human rights and religious freedom ...” [Resolution from 2004 General Convention.]
“However, truth be told,” Epting continued, “it has only been since the horrifying events of Sept. 11, 2001, that we have begun to live up to those noble ideals.
“And that has often been because of the courageous invitations of local imams and mosques, which have opened their doors to neighboring Episcopal Christians and invited us in for hospitality and enlightenment. In my work over the last several years, I have discovered the variety and richness of local partnerships, which are beginning to spring up all across our land, and I rejoice in that.”
More than 35,000 Muslims participated in events at ISNA, the pre-eminent Islamic organization in North America.
“The Islamic Society’s Convention is not unlike our General Convention, featuring worship, educational, inspirational, social and commercial aspects,” explained Epting after the convention. “The only thing they don’t do that we do is legislation!”
Muslim prayer times were strictly observed five times each day as the chanted call to prayer rang out in the convention center. Participants took breaks from the numerous workshops and from browsing in the Bazaar and Trade Fair to pray. The presence of hundreds of young people from Muslim youth networks participating in their own parallel events showed the North American Muslim community's commitment to youth, Epting noted.
