Inter-religious dialogue at Indonesian Mosque in New York

New York, NU Online
The management of the Indonesian Al Hikmah Mosque  organized a dialogue among representatives of the Moslem, Jewish and Christian faiths here on Sunday afternoon.

As reported by Antara news agency, the dialogue was led by Syamsi Ali, head of the mosque; Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe of  New York’s Central Synagogue  and Father Arthur Caliandro of New York’s Marble Church.<>

Syamsi said the dialogue was designed to promote harmonious relations, mutual understanding and respect among the different religious communities.

"We do not intend to change eacher other’s beliefs as it is not our right to do so. But we do have the right to inform our neighbors who we are," he said.

He said the dialogue was an effort to realize the Indonesian Moslem community’s commitment to cultivate good relations with other religious believers in New York.

"I am sure what we are doing could be model for other countries, even for people back home," he added.

Also present on the occasion were Indonesian Consul General in New York Trie Edi Mulyani and Indonesian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Rezlan Ishar Jenie.

In his speech at the meeting, Trie said Indonesia was the biggest  moderate Moslem country which recognizes  the existence of other religions at home and thus it had an interest in intensifying inter-faith dialogues to ensure  harmony and peace among all its people. 

"Indonesia has known for a long time that differences can be settled peacefully through dialogue," he said.

Meanwhile, Syamsi said members of the Indonesian and American Moslem communities in New York would meet with members of the Christian community at their church in June and with followers of the Jewish faith at their synagogue in August. (dar)