Iranian president talks faith with church leaders
NEW YORK, NY--Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad came to New York with a request: a meeting with religious leaders to continue a conversation that began one year ago.
Twelve Canadians were among the 100 faith leaders at the September 26 inter-faith meeting organized by the Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). The dialogue was a follow-up to a meeting with Ahmadinejad organized by MCC last year.
"As people of faith, we have the opportunity and the obligation to encourage dialogue," says Don Peters, executive director of MCC Canada. "We see the potential for a military confrontation. It is our responsibility to do what we can to engage in conversation."
The meeting began with a 15-minute presentation by Ahmadinejad. He emphasized monotheism and outlined the history of the prophets, touching on Adam, Abraham, major Jewish prophets, Jesus and Mohammed. Following the law of God leads to peace and prosperity, said the Iranian president, and religious faith teaches the dignity of human life.
"It was very helpful for me to understand Islam in this way," says conference delegate Bruce Clemenger, president of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada. "It gave me insight into how Islam shapes his role as president."
After the presentation, five people asked questions.
Karen Hamilton, general secretary of the Canadian Council of Churches referred to the divine imperative common to the religious traditions of Christianity, Judaism and Islam--that of caring for the poor and vulnerable. She asked Ahmadinejad what he and his government planned to do about hunger, famine, disease and AIDS.
"I wanted to ask a question that would elicit a different response than the typical political rhetoric" she says. "I wanted to plant the seed that Iran has the potential to bring healing to the world."
Ahmadinejad responded by describing Iranian medical facilities around the world that serve the poor, and offering to share his country's research on preventing and treating AIDS with other nations.
Other questions were more pointed, challenging Ahmadinejad on controversial statements about the Holocaust, Israel and nuclear weapons.
"It was a conversation that demonstrated respect for ahead of state, but did not mince words when addressing the issues," says Peters.
Clemenger says there were no clear answers to direct questions. "I found it frustrating that he did not really clarify his controversial statements," he says.
But Peters is encouraged that the issues were discussed. "It is when disagreement exists that dialogue is most important," he says.
Bert Lobe, interim executive director of MCC, closed the meeting by presenting Ahmadinejad with a dove-shaped lapel pin and the gift of a children's book. "This is a children's story about peace. I would like you to read it to your grandchildren," he told the president.
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