Interfaith Education Programs

Abrahamic Roundtable

Washington National Cathedral’s Abrahamic Roundtable was initiated by Bishop John Chane, who hosts and invites several scholars and congregational leaders to meet with him, to explore what the sacred texts of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam each tell us about a particular topic that is challenging the practices of all traditions at this time. Membership is limited to five representatives of each of the three Abrahamic religions—a total of fifteen voices. The hope is that the group forms an interfaith community that is a reconciling voice among themselves that will offer the moral guidance and hope that is urgently needed in each of our faith communities.

Given the complexities of the global community that have followed since September 11, 2001, and the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, an academic dialogue such as this one is essential in understanding the impact of the Abrahamic traditions on political events that shape our global community.

The first series of the Abrahamic Roundtable initially convened in December 2003 and met six times before concluding their discussions in spring 2006. The discussions focused upon what each tradition’s scripture says about the reception of the stranger and produced a useful educational document, The Abrahamic Family and the Other. By examining only the texts, the members discovered where the teachings of each religion converged around issues of public concern. The final document is intended to be used, along with a study guide, in “grassroots” interfaith dialogues or in one faith community’s adult education.

The topic for this year’s discussion that began in November 2007 is The Abrahamic Family and Creation—how each faith tradition understands God’s role and our responsibility in creating and caring for our environment, the land, and all of God’s creatures. The Rev. Dr. Carol Flett, interfaith programs coordinator, convenes and facilitates the discussions.