Berkley Center

Richard Cizik, founder and leader of the New Evangelical Association for the Common Good, led a discussion on the strength of common ground and shared interests that unite both Morocco and the United States and Christians and Muslims. This common ground relates both to global challenges like nuclear threats and climate change, along with a commitment to rights and freedom. The discussion included a robust exploration of issues around varying interpretations of religious freedom (especially when it involves proselytizing), American perceptions of Muslims (with shared concerns on negative attitudes in the United States and vice versa), and the significance of stability versus social change. The event was both a capstone and a report on a three-day meeting at Eastern Mennonite University (EMU) that began on February 10, as well as a continuation of the discussion with a broader audience.