July 22, 2009

Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord and Jihad Turk

Mosque and church congregations gathered together for education and conversation -- this is the picture the creators of the "Standing Together" program hope will materialize in Southern California starting this fall. 

At the national convention of the Episcopal Church held in Anaheim (CA) last week, the co-founders of the Christian-Muslim Consultative Group unveiled the seven-series Standing Together study guide, including a two-hour DVD.

Rev. Dr. Gwynne Guibord and Jihad Turk, Director of Religious Affairs at the Islamic Center of Southern California, shared how the program was developed with the goal of building long-term relationships and providing protection and support for one another in the event of hate crimes.

The goals of the project are to:

• To bring Muslim and Christian neighbors together to come to know one another as people and break down the dehumanizing stereotypes that keep us apart and fearful of one another.
• To create opportunities for faithful Muslims and Christians to engage with one another about beliefs and practices.
• To lay the foundation for possible future projects that your group might choose to do together to enhance the well-being of all your members and communities.

The materials were collaboratively designed by clergy and lay leaders representing several mainline Christian and Muslim denominations and organizations in Los Angeles and Orange County to explore the vibrancy and richness of both faith traditions. MPAC is proud to be a member of the CMCG, and is represented by Southern California Government Relations Director Aziza Hasan and Senior Advisor Dr. Maher Hathout.

Participants will learn together about the common ground they share (spiritual, historical, theological and personal), and the distinctive perspectives and practices that are embodied in both faith traditions.

Topics for discussion include:

• Key elements of successful interfaith dialogue
• Core beliefs of Christianity and Islam
• Foundational practices related to prayer, worship, almsgiving, and growing in faith
• Intersections of faith and culture
• Life transitions and rites of passage
• Working together on projects of mutual concern

To find out more about Standing Together and learn how your mosque or church can get involved, email edina@mpac.org.

-- Edina Lekovic, (edina@mpac.org)
Communications Director