
The Importance of Interfaith Understanding
In April, the three Abrahamic faiths will each observe important religious events. Jews observe Passover; Christians observe Easter; and Muslims observe Ramadan. Our distinguished panel, which includes Mahjabeen Dhala, a religious motivational speaker and humanitarian who is pursuing a doctorate in Islamic Studies from Graduate Theological Union (GTU); Sam Berrin Shonkoff, an assistant professor of Jewish studies at GTU who earned his doctorate at the the University of Chicago Divinity School; and the Rev. William Swing, president and founding trustee of the United Religions Initiative, will discuss the importance of interfaith understanding. They will emphasize connections among the three Abrahamic faiths and the unfortunate, general lack of knowledge of the other's histories, cultures and beliefs. They will also discuss how increased understanding, tolerance, acceptance and respect among all faiths could help bring about a more peaceful world.
MLF: Middle East
The Commonwealth Club
110 The Embarcadero
Toni Rembe Rock Auditorium
San Francisco, 94105
United States

Mahjabeen Dhala
M.A., Islamic Studies

Sam Berrin Shonkoff
Ph.D., History of Judaism

The Rev. William Swing
Former Episcopal Bishop of California