Decolonizing Interreligious Encounters in the Age of Genocide

Examining alternative ways to conduct interreligious engagement in the context of political violence and mass atrocity.
About this Event

How can people of faith respond together when communities face political violence and mass atrocity? This panel brings together Christian, Jewish, and Muslim voices to explore new ways of doing interreligious engagement. The goal is to move beyond dialogue that avoids hard questions, and toward encounters rooted in honesty, shared ethics, and a commitment to human dignity.

Each speaker will reflect from within their own religious tradition on the role that religious communities and leaders can play in advancing peace and justice. The panel will explore:

• Interfaith cooperation and the role of religion in peace processes and agreements

• Liberation theology and faith-based advocacy for justice and human rights

• International law, diplomacy, and interfaith engagement in the Israeli–Palestinian context

We recognize that this topic touches deep pain, grief, and strong convictions for many members of our community. This event is open to people of all faiths and of no faith. We invite everyone to listen with respect, to engage with curiosity, and to bring their questions to the open discussion that follows the panel.

Speakers

Rev. Prof. Dr. Mitri Raheb is the founder and President of Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem, Palestine. A Lutheran pastor and theologian, he is one of the most widely published Palestinian theologians and has authored numerous books, including Faith in the Face of Empire: The Bible through Palestinian Eyes and Decolonizing Palestine: The Land, The People, The Bible. His work focuses on Palestinian Christian experience, culture, and education.

Rabbi Brant Rosen is the founding rabbi of Tzedek Chicago, a Jewish congregation grounded in values of justice and solidarity. Ordained by the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in 1992, he later served as Midwest Regional Director of the American Friends Service Committee. He co-founded the Jewish Voice for Peace Rabbinical Council and is the author of Wrestling in the Daylight: A Rabbi's Path to Palestinian Solidarity.

Dr. Afra Jalabi is an Affiliate Assistant Professor in the Department of Religions and Cultures at Concordia University in Montreal and a board member of the Metta Center for Nonviolence. Her work focuses on dialogue, comparative religion, and nonviolence, and she has helped develop curriculum on strategic peacebuilding and conflict resolution at George Mason University. She wrote a weekly column in the Arab press for about twenty years and is among the first Arab women to lead a public Muslim prayer.

Sponsored by the Department of Peace, Human Rights, and Cultural Relations

Co-Sponsored by the Abdul Aziz Said Chair for Peace and Conflict Resolution

By registering for and attending this event on American University’s campus, I agree to comply with all applicable American University policies, protocols, and directives. I understand that if, in the University’s reasonable judgment, my conduct violates University policy or poses a disruption to the event or a risk to the safety or operations of the University community, I may be directed to leave campus and my access to University premises may be limited or revoked at the University’s discretion. I understand that the University does not assume responsibility for any loss, injury, or damage to person or property in connection with participation in the event which results from causes beyond the control of and without fault of the University.

If you require any accommodations to fully participate in this event, please contact us at [email protected] at least 10 days in advance, and we will be happy to assist you.