By pointing to the primacy of friendship in religions and religious ethics, the initiative seeks to explore how different religions have defined friendship in their doctrines, suggesting models of friendship and mutual respect that provides an alternative to ideological narratives that lead to conflict and tension.

Format: Each session will have one scholar and one practitioner of friendship, such as leaders of organizations promoting civic engagement. Scholars will elaborate on their respective religion’s discourses on friendship and how we can incorporate friendship as a moral concept. Practitioners will elaborate on their experiences about how friendship has impacted their community’s outreach to other communities of faith and culture.

Civic Friendship Webinar Series 2021-2022

Christianity & Islam: Friendship & Contemporary Challenges

Brought to you by our partnership with Luke 10 and the Baskerville Institute.

Religion has often been used to separate people and demonize those of another faith tradition. We believe, however, that a deep understanding of both Christianity and Islam will lead to the rejection of violence and extremism and affirmation of peace and coexistence. This webinar will explore these paths that Muslims and Christians can walk together in friendship to build the peaceful world that God had intended. Our distinguished panelists of academics and religious leaders from Iran and the US will lead us in this important discussion at this critical moment: Christianity and Islam, Friendship and Contemporary Challenges.