Muslim and Christian scholars and faith leaders from more than 30 countries across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, and North America came to Yale Divinity School July 24-31 to explore interfaith commonalities and unite in a shared mission to cultivate peace through global dialogue.
Dalia Mogahed, Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, presented World Poll findings that refute common misperceptions between Christians and Muslims and emphasize beliefs held In common by members of both religions, including the importance of faith in daily life and rejection of extremism.
Appeals for tolerance, unity, and dialogue among Christians and Muslims echoed throughout many of the event's speeches and presentations, including the keynote address of Sen. John Kerry. The workshop and conference were the first in a series of worldwide events conceived by the Common Word group of prominent Muslim clerics and scholars to promote understanding between Muslims and Christians with a focus on the principal commandments at the core of both religions -- love of God and love of neighbor.