Several locations around the world have taken concrete steps toward interreligious understanding and relationship by creating communities of faith that house all three Abrahamic traditions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The House of One in Berlin, Germany and the Abrahamic Family House on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi are two such communities. Each has its own unique way of approaching its mission.

Seeking to learn more, Sheri Kling, director of Process & Faith, reached out to invite a representative from each community to join her in this presentation to the Cobb & Friends gathering. Rabbi David Rosen and Imam Osman Örs readily agreed. They’ll share highlights and images from their communities and discuss the joys and challenges they’ve experienced. Dr. Kling will facilitate the conversation.

Speakers

David Rosen serves as Special Interfaith Advisor to the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi. Rosen has been advancing understanding and good relations between religious communities for more than forty years – from the time he served as rabbi of the largest Orthodox Jewish congregation in South Africa, during his tenure as Chief Rabbi of Ireland; and throughout the last more than thirty years based in Jerusalem. In addition to interreligious representation and education, his work involves mediation and peace building and he is heavily involved in multi-religious engagement on ecological issues. Among the various awards and recognition he has received, Rabbi Rosen was granted a papal Knighthood in 2005 for his contribution to Jewish-Catholic reconciliation and in 2010 he was made a CBE (Commander of the British Empire) by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II for his work promoting interfaith understanding and cooperation.

Osman Örs holds a Masters Degree (M.A.) in Islamic Sciences, Education, and Anglistics from George-August University in Göttingen, Germany. Since 2015, he has worked as a theological advisor and imam at the House of One Foundation in Berlin. He also collaborates with Demokratie Leben in combating antisemitism and racism, conducts educational workshops, and addresses theological and liturgical aspects of interreligious unity at the House of One. In addition to his work at the House of One, Osman Örs is involved in various community roles. He has been a member of the coordinating committee of the Berlin Forum of Religions since 2016 and is a charter member of the Council of Imams of Berlin since 2021. Osman Örs is committed to fostering interfaith dialogue and combating discrimination in Berlin’s religious communities.

Sheri D. Kling, Ph.D., is the director of Process & Faith with the Center for Process Studies and interim minister of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Bradenton, FL.  Sheri earned her Ph.D. in Religion: Process Studies from Claremont School of Theology. She is a theologian, songwriter, and spiritual mentor, as well as a faculty member of the Haden Institute, adjunct faculty with Claremont School of Theology, and the author of A Process Spirituality: Christian and Transreligious Resources for Transformation. She regularly delivers dynamic “Music & Message” presentations to groups, and offers courses, concerts, and spiritual retreats. She may be found online at sherikling.com.

 

This event is co-sponsored by the Cobb Institute and Process & Faith.
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