Abrahamic Initiative
For information about current programs, please call the Abrahamic Initiative's director, Canon Greg Movesian at the Cathedral, (303) 577-7711.
Mission and Objectives
The mission of the Abrahamic Initiative is to provide a forum for dialogue among Jews, Christians and Muslims and to foster mutual understanding and appreciation for the faith perspectives of the three traditions.
As the world becomes more interdependent, it is critical that people of good will come together. Knowing each other and understanding the foundations of each tradition will help dispel false images and stereotypes that thwart positive relationships and generate conflict. Healthy and constructive relationships will emerge from mutual understanding and appreciation of each tradition.
Abrahamic Initiative Commends Decision on Islamic Community Center in New York City
The Abrahamic Initiative, a Colorado community organization dedicated to providing a forum for dialogue among Jews, Christians and Muslims and to fostering mutual understanding and appreciation for the faith perspectives of the three Abrahamic traditions:
Abrahamic Initiative commends the municipal authorities in New York City for their approval of the proposal to build an Islamic community center, known as the Park51 complex, in Lower Manhattan;
Abrahamic Initiative affirms that the United States stands as a place where people of all faiths are welcome, a place where the faith traditions of our world can and should live in peaceful community with one another;
Abrahamic Initiative appeals to all to recommit ourselves and our communities to all that is generous, courageous and compassionate in Judaism, Christianity and Islam;
Abrahamic Initiative expresses its deep compassion for all who suffered as a result of the attacks on September 11, 2001 and to all who continue to suffer as a result of those attacks;
Abrahamic Initiative recalls that numerous Muslims were among the casualties of the attacks on September 11, and they and their survivors are among the community of those affected; and
Abrahamic Initiative notes that the community center project reminds us all that the overwhelming majority of Muslims in the United States are good neighbors and good citizens who are and seek to remain a vital and valuable part of our local and national communities.
By: The Steering Committee of the Abrahamic Initiative
Monir Ludin, Chair
Saint John’s Cathedral
1350 Washington St.
Denver, CO 80203
303-831-7115
Abrahamic Initiative Calls for Civility in Public Discourse
Abrahamic Initiative Calls for Civility in Public Discourse
Without taking any political position or endorsing any individual, the Abrahamic Initiative's Steering Committee has issued a statement calling for civility in political discourse and debate, especially by political candidates and their supporters. It is part of the mission of the Abrahamic Initiative to help strengthen civil society by fostering respect, cooperation and understanding among people of different religious traditions and we are pleased to endorse through this statement the efforts of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation and the Colorado Muslim Council to encourage responsible and civil debate in a local Denver election and an end to the islamophobic attacks on a Muslim candidate for political office.
Statement Regarding Recent Islamophobic Statements In The Political Arena:
The Abrahamic Initiative in Denver, Colorado, whose mission is to provide a forum for dialogue among Jews, Christians and Muslims and to foster mutual understanding and appreciation for the faith perspectives of the three traditions, joins with the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation and the Colorado Muslim Council in urging that candidates for political office and their supporters present their political positions through statements and debate in a civil manner that shows respect for all persons, refraining from the use of inflammatory language, gratuitous insults, and rhetoric that attacks political opponents on the basis of their religious affiliation.
For example, we are concerned that Islamophobic rhetoric has been used in the District 6 campaign for the state legislature, in blogs and by other means, which degrades the level of political discourse and thereby weakens our civil society. Even sharp and serious disagreements in the political arena can and should be aired respectfully. The Abrahamic Initiative does not take political positions nor can it endorse any individual running for political office. We do take the position that a just and peaceful society can only exist when its citizens and their political leaders respect the dignity and worth of every member of that society, including any person seeking to engage in public service.
The Muslim American Society (MAS) Freedom Foundation and The Colorado Muslim Council (CMC)
Condemn the Recent Religious and Ethnic Attacks Targeting a State House candidate, Rima Barakat- Sinclair.
We express serious concern regarding the ethnic and Islamophobic attacks launched against a candidate who is running for the seat in State House District 6.
Holding to the ideals of our country and our faiths, we believe it is imperative that we, Colorado faith communities, send a strong message of rejection to those voices of extremism. It is deplorable to make bigoted statements against individuals on the basis of their beliefs, be they Jewish, Christians, Muslims, Buddhist, or any other faith or religious group. We stand in opposition to those who advocate intolerance. And, we condemn those individuals who insist on perpetuating destructive stereotypes that aim to divide the Colorado community and create suspicions and hate among members of different faiths and races.
We call on leaders of all faiths to join us in denouncing personal attacks based on religious and racial bigotry.
We call on Political leaders to reject such ploys that aim to spread strife among our local faith communities.
We call on Colorado citizens to be aware of such divisive tactics and we ask that they withhold their support from individuals who resort to personal attacks and character defamation based on racial and religious prejudice.
It is especially important that we, Colorado citizens, maintain dialogue and build good relationships between people of diverse racial and religious background. Understanding and respecting our diversity is a key to building bridges and working together peacefully for a better America.