Bethlehem University : A Symbol of Dialogue Between
Muslims and Christians

5 September, 2007

On Wednesday, 5 September, 2007, Brother Daniel Casey, Vice Chancellor of Bethlehem University, welcomed more than 150 international and local guests, including Bethlehem University faculty and students as well as local high school students and seminarians from the Latin Patriarchate Seminary, during the opening session of the International Religious Conference entitled “Exploring Christian-Muslim Relations in the Middle East and the West”.

Brother Daniel reminded the participants of the vital role that universities around the world play in exploring relations on many levels and in many arenas. Noting that “dialogue is at the heart of every human relationship” and that “inter-religious dimensions cannot be covered up with smooth talk,” Brother Daniel congratulated the conveners of the Conference and its participants for their engagement of these matters, emphasizing the desire of Bethlehem University to continue in its daily efforts in fulfillment of its mission.

Brother Daniel thanked all who organized and sponsored the conference, particularly Father Jamal Khader, the Cardinal Hume and Cardinal de Ferstenburg Endowed Chair of Religious Studies at Bethlehem University, the Friends of Bethlehem University in England and Wales (FoBU), the International Federation of Catholic Universities (IFCU), Catholic Relief Services ( CRS ), and an anonymous donor for their support of this three-day Conference.

In his introductory comments to the Conference participants, Archbishop Fuad Twal, President of Bethlehem University , said that “ Bethlehem University is a symbol of dialogue between the faithful of the two religions.” Professor Vincent Hanssens, past General Secretary of the International Federation of Catholic Universities, also stressed the importance of the role of academic institutions in educating and training citizens to live peacefully in a multicultural society.

 “Sharing each others' experiences as they relate to Christian-Muslim dialogue all over the world is the most unique component of this conference,” Fr. Jamal concluded. “We aim to create a peaceful environment where Christians and Muslims not only live in peace but collaborate together and share values.”

The Conference speakers for the first day included:

•  Fr Rafiq Khoury , Director of the Office of Catechism, Latin Patriarchate, Jerusalem

•  Dr Sami Aldeeb , Legal Adviser  for Arab and Islamic Law, Swiss Institute of Comparative Law

•  Dr Bernard Sabella , Member of the Palestinian Legislative Council ( PLC )

•  Shireen Awad, a 2005 graduate of Mathematics graduate of Bethlehem University

•  Khalil Fawadkeh , studying English Language and Literature at Bethlehem University .

•  Shatha Daqaq, studying Business Administration at Bethlehem University

•  Moh'd Jubran, studying Arabic Language and Literature at Bethlehem University

•  Fr Jamal Khader, Cardinal Hume and Cardinal de Furstenberg Endowed Chair of Religious Studies, Bethlehem University

•  Mr Yousef Hreimi , Professor in the Religious Studies Department, Bethlehem University

The Conference will continue for two more days with the following speakers:

•  Fr Henri de La Hougue , Vice-Director of ISTR (Institut de Science et de théologie des religions), Institut Catholique de Paris

•  Dr Sami Aldeeb , legal adviser for Arab and Islamic Law, Swiss Institute of Comparative Law

•  Dr Geries Khoury , Director of Al-Liqa' Center for Religious and Heritage Studies in the Holy Land

•  Dr Werner Wertgen, Professor of Theology, Katholische Fachhochschule, University of Applied Sciences

•  Ms Els Vanderwaeren , Researcher, Antwerp University , Centre for Migration and Intercultural Studies

•  Dr Göran Gunner , Researcher, Church of Sweden

•  Fr Jean-Jacques Pérennés, Secretary General, Domincan Institute for Oriental Studies IDEO

•  Fr Christian Van Nispen, SJ , Professor of Philosophy and Islamic Studies, Coptic Catholic Faculty of Human Sciences and Theology

•  Dr Amer al Hafi , Professor of Comparative Religions and Chairperson of the Islamic Studies Dept., Al Al-Beyt University, Jordan

•  Fr Rif'at Bader , Member of the International Catholic Union of Press

•  Dr John Borelli , Special Assistant to President for Interreligious Initiatives, Georgetown University

•  Dr Zahid Bukhari , Director, American Muslim Studies Program (AMSP), Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding, Georgetown University

•  Dr Eduardo Domingo , An Associate Professor, Theology and Religious Education Department, De La Salle University

Conference proceedings will be available shortly after the Conference. For more information, please contact religiousconference@bethlehem.edu