Ecumenical Week – Coming together – An Interfaith Gathering – Guest Speaker Azza Karam

Azza Karam, guest speaker at our interfaith gathering:

I believe we are in dire need of transnational solidarity, and we need to consider how to do it generally, but most especially, with non-traditional partners. We speak of faith based and interfaith a lot. We see and hear of activities, meetings, etc.. While our interfaith spaces are good, they are not enough – and right now, as we are facing the worst crisis of legitimacy, democracy, truth integrity and even planetary survival, collectively. Our faith based spaces are struggling with the same challenges of non-faith-based entities. And I believe this is a huge crisis. Because, as believers, we each look to our faiths for sustenance. So, if those leaders, and organizations, which represent our faiths, either cannot figure out how to stand in solidarity with one another, or do not wish to because of diverse political and/or financial considerations, this weakens all of us. But even if religious actors are working miracles, it is, and will not be, enough. We need to think and realise new forms of partnerships. I wish to speak to some of those aspects and provide some concrete suggestions for the kinds and shapes of partnerships.

Azza Karam is an Egyptian scholar and leader in the field of international development and interfaith dialogue. She has worked extensively with various international organizations, including the United Nations, focusing on issues such as human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development. Karam is known for her efforts to promote peace and understanding among different religious and cultural groups.