CIOGC organized and held an administrative retreat for members of its interfaith committee at American Islamic College on Saturday, July 23rd 2016. Over 14 representatives from 10 organizations met on Saturday morning to discuss effective ways in which the Muslims of Chicago can better engage other local faith communities.
Discussion was specifically geared towards developing long-lasting interfaith relationships between individuals and institutions, finding relevant areas of cooperation between communities on social issues that affect all of us, and developing a standardized body of resources and practices that can be shared among our members for use in interfaith activities. The Interfaith Committee also conducted a review of the past year’s interfaith activities, determining that such programs as the Open Mosque Day were a large success in many member communities.
CIOGC’s ongoing relationships with the Chicago Archdiocese, the Chicago Presbytery, and the Council of Religious Leaders of Metropolitan Chicago have proven to be instrumental in unifying communities of different faiths behind one another in the spirit of dialogue, cooperation, and fraternity. CIOGC and its members are making preparations for the upcoming ISNA Interfaith Unity Dinner on Sunday, September 4th, which we are hoping can showcase the broad support for interfaith activities that the Muslims of the Chicagoland area are willing to offer our fellow citizens of other faith communities.