Newsletters and Updates

Current Articles Papua Peace Update (July 2008) Evans Reflections on CTF (July 2008) Courant Plowshares Article (July 2008) Indonesia Seminar 2009 (July 2008) Interfaith Dialogue Initiative (February 2008) Restorative Justice Work (February 2008) Ghost Ranch Workshop (January 2008) Local Training Opportunities (April 2007) Hong Kong/China Seminar 2008 (April 2007) Truth and Friendship Commission Update (January 2007) South Africa Seminar 2007 (January 2007) Aceh Peace Project Prospers (December 2006) Plowshares Celebrates 25th Anniversary (November 2006)

Understanding Christian/Muslim Dialogue for Congregations and Communities

August 4-10, 2008

In a world-wide climate of terror and fear congregations and communities are hungry for a fresh approach to multi-cultural and inter-faith dialogue. Misunderstanding of the interaction of the Islamic and Christian faith traditions has polarized our country and our congregations. The course will equip pastors and lay leaders from congregations, presbyteries and other faith groups to be resources to their communities in generating new understanding and to celebrate the diversity in faith present in our world and nation.

Through an interactive course of case studies, role plays and interfaith exercises, the instructors will draw on their extensive national and international experience in inter-faith and multi-cultural training to provide an exciting class encounter. Participants will receive workshop designs to take home to equip their own congregations and presbyteries. Plan now to nominate a team from your church or community to be a part of this course. The way the Church responds to this crisis of understanding will shape the future of our nation and mission philosophy as we seek to build a more peaceful and sustainable world.

Instructors

Robert and Alice Evans, Simsbury, CT Professors Bob and Alice Evans are Directors of the Plowshares Institute, former Senior Fellows of the Center for Conflict Resolution at the University of Cape Town in South Africa, adjunct faculty of Hartford Seminary. 

Heidi Hadsell, Hartford, CT Professor Heidi Hadsell, Hartford, CT, is the president of Hartford Seminary in Connecticut, expert in interfaith dialogue and the former Director of Ecumenical Institute of the World Council of Churches in Bossey, Switzerland.

Alwi Shihab, Jakarta, Indonesia Dr. Professor Alwi Shihab is Indonesia's Presidential Envoy to the Middle East.  He is also an Islamic scholar and the former Minister of Foreign Affairs to the Republic of Indonesia.

Logistics
The seminar will take place at Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, NM.  This beautiful desert setting provides a stimulating place for personal reflection and learning.  The Ghost Ranch seminar fee is $250 per participant before May 1^st ($350 after), plus between $290-$390 for a week of room and board. 

For an application or more information about the facilities, please refer to the Ranch website: http://www.ghostranch.org/ .