MCC has a long tradition of reaching out to people of other faiths to build a relationship based on mutual understanding and respect with people of all faiths. This goal is written in our Bylaws, Section 2: “To promote friendly relations and understanding between the Muslim community and the public.” In compliance with this objective, we have been building friendships with a number of faith centers in our region.

At present, the interest in Interfaith relations and dialogue, already substantial, is building momentum. Many faith centers as well as persons in their individual capacity want to meet us to exchange information and to build understanding. This is known to some in MCC but it may not be known to many others.

We invite you to take part in this effort. Please join in this important activity either by becoming member of the Interfaith Committee of MCC or just participating in the activities of your choice.

Background

MCC has been a member of the Interfaith Conference of Washington for a long time. We frequently cooperate in joint programs with area Churches , Synagogues and Temples . Recently, we held an Interfaith dinner at MCC on March 8, 2009 in which 6 Churches, 4 Synagogues, 2 Hindu Temples , 2 Sikh Temples and Baha’i individuals were invited and participated.

Currently, we are taking part in Muslim-Jewish Dialogue (last two meetings were held at MCC on June 14 and July 26.  Next meeting on August 16 will be in a Synagogue in Damascus ); similar efforts are underway for Muslim-Christian Dialogue. We are planning another Interfaith dinner at MCC in the later part of October 2009, that will be followed by a similar event at Tikvat Israel Synagogue in Rockville in January 2010.

We need you to participate in these activities and hope that you will participate in large numbers.

Please contact the MCC President, Ishtiaq Chugtai, at president@mccmd.org, or Interfaith Committee Chair, Sabir A. Rahman, at sabirrahman@mris.com or by phone at 301-260-9452.