Interfaith Engagement in Milwaukee

Book excerpt: This book offers a brief history of Christian¿Muslim as well as multifaith relations in Milwaukee, Wisconsin begun in 1980 when two Franciscan Sisters teamed up with a Muslim professor of a local university to begin a journey of dialogue, friendship, and activism that had a lasting effect on their group and the community. They launched one of the first ¿Islamic Christian¿ dialogues in the country, which soon became internationally known. This book brings together their stories of encounter and collaboration alongside those of other interfaith actors. The initial Christian-Muslim dialogue inspired the next generation of leaders to continue the work of building trust and mutual understanding through educational programs and social activism. This book is in part based on qualitative research highlighting the importance of interfaith dialogue and documenting the social and communal benefits derived from interfaith interactions and partnerships.