The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago offered a belated welcome to the Archbishop, a welcome that could not happen last Ramadan because of Archbishop’s travels. CIOGC presented The Most Reverend Blase J. Cupich with a welcome gift on behalf of the Muslim community. The gift was an original sculpture by an award-winning sculptor Joseph Burlini. The inscription on the plate contains a portion of a verse from the Holy Quran that provides encouragement for dialogue: “Come unto that tenet which we and you hold in common”.
The inaugural meeting was successful and is the beginning of a promising and fruitful relationship with the new Archbishop. He has graciously committed to attending the Annual CIOGC Catholic-Muslim Iftar in continuation of the tradition between the Archdiocese and CIOGC. Furthermore, future collaborations on being proactive with joint statements against hate-speech as well as addressing immigration issues are forthcoming. A more substantive meeting is planned for next April.
Dr. Mohammed Kaiseruddin, CIOGC Chair, Talat Othman, Dr. Shakir Moiddudin and Azam Nizamuddin, CIOGC Interfaith Committee Co-Chairs, Tabassum Haleem, CIOGC Executive Director and Reem Hobeldin, CIOGC Programs and Graphics Manager attended.