Program & Event Highlights: 2006

Northwestern Students Arrive
From the 20th of December to the 5th of January 2007, AAC hosted ten students and their sociology Professor from Northwestern College as part of a course they are taking. The 'Oman experience' for our visitors included trips to historical sites, museums, camping in the desert, learning about Oman's heritage, culture, and religion, and getting a glimpse of the great development that is taking place. Hopefully, these young 'ambassadors' will return to the U.S. with a better understanding of this beautiful country and its people, culture, and religion.

Post-modernity & Interfaith Relations
In November the Director participated in a conference sponsored by leading parishes in the Episcopal Church, which is part of the worldwide Anglican Communion. The theme was how post-modern influences are impacting the way people conceive of faith and community life. One of the central issues highlighted was the need for greater emphasis on interfaith relations. Leaders from South Africa, Pakistan, and New Zealand were present to offer their perspectives on the issues being discussed. The Director's visit was in preparation to host an Anglican delegation to Oman in January.

Envoy Visits Oman
The AAC hosted the General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), who was making his first visit to Oman to meet with government and religious leaders to explore opportunities for cooperation in Christian-Muslim relations. The MECC partners with the International Islamic Forum for Dialogue to promote peace in the region.

Swedish Diplomacy in the Middle East
Last year, the AAC hosted guests from the Church of Sweden in Oman, and in September, the Director visited with Church of Sweden officials in Stockholm and Uppsala to look at next steps in promoting interfaith initiatives. The Church of Sweden has helped start the Swedish Institute in Alexandria, which is the result of the cooperation of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs for Sweden and Egypt. The institute works among the diplomatic community to promote interregional cooperation in societal, cultural, and religious affairs.

New Initiatives in Christian-Muslim Relations
In September, the AAC was part of the inauguration of the new Center of Christian-Muslim Engagement for Peace and Justice at the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago (LSTC). LSTC is a pioneer in dialogue and has begun hosting Muslims from overseas for Masters and Doctorate degrees. They are interested in connecting their program to Oman.

Workshop on Islam & Dialogue
In July the Director was in Chicago, IL (USA) to lead two sessions for fifty personnel from the Lutheran, Presbyterian and Reformed Churches. It was an opportunity to speak on "Tools for Interfaith Dialogue" and "Understanding Islam." After the presentation on Islam, the group was hosted by several mosques in the community.

Muslim-Christian Relations Highlighted at General Synod
At the June meeting of the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, the Director of the AAC led a forum on Muslim-Christian relations, which was attended by 70 delegates. Much interest was generated in this area as a result of the visit and speech HE Sheikh Abdullah Al Salimi, the Minister of Endowments and Religious Affairs, gave to the General Synod in 2005. He was the first Muslim leader to address the Synod.

Director Joins Delegation to Kuwait
The Director of the AAC joined a delegation in Kuwait headed by the General Secretary of the Middle East Council of Churches (MECC), who is based in Beirut, Lebanon. It was an opportunity to establish relationships with Muslim and Christian leaders in Kuwait and explore possible means of cooperation in the future.

Religious & Cultural Engagement Program for Chaplains
This was the third educational event that the AAC hosted in cooperation with the U.S. and Omani government. Participants included a group of senior U.S. military chaplains and Muslim leaders and scholars from Oman. The purpose of the program was to increase mutual understanding and encourage the exchange of ideas on the role of religion in public life. Some of the presentations made as part of the program will be published in the academic journal Al Tasamoh (Tolerance).

Reformed Church in America Delegation Visits Oman
The Centre hosted a Reformed Church in America (RCA) delegation, headed by its General Secretary, Wesley Granberg-Michaelson. One of the highlights of their trip was an audience with His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said. It was an opportunity to affirm the historical relationship between Oman and the RCA, express the RCA's gratitude for the religious tolerance that Oman demonstrates, and offer its commitment to work together to promote peaceful relationships between religious communities through its partnership with Al Amana.

Western Theological Seminary Sends Students
The first week of January saw AAC welcoming ten graduate students from Western Theological Seminary (USA) for a short-term experience. We were honored to have had the President of the Seminary, Dr. Dennis Voskuil, accompanying the group. Apparently, this experience has generated so much interest that the enquiries are greater than can be accommodated! From all accounts, this was a beneficial visit and we have received very encouraging feedback from the students following their return. We feel privileged to be able to help in the formation of future religious leaders and expand their vision for cooperation between faiths.