Introduction to Speeches by Rabbi Eric Yoffie and Dr. Ingrid Mattson

Abstract

Long before 9/11, Muslim-Christian dialogues and partnerships were flourishing at the local and national levels. The Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) developed a close relationship with the National Council of Churches (NCC). The two organizations cooperated like twins, one as the umbrella organization of thousands of mainstream Protestant-affiliated churches and the other as the umbrella organization of hundreds of mosques across the United States. Similarly, ISNA and the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) were working together both at the local and national levels. I was personally invited to speak to the NCC and USCCB executive boards, while ISNA invited the secretary general of the NCC and a number of bishops from USCCB to address our national conventions and our regional conferences. After the 9/11 tragedy, relations between ISNA and these Christian organizations only grew stronger and more visible.