The Interfaith Institute team attended the recent Interfaith America Leadership Summit in Chicago! August 6-9, thousands of educators, higher education staff, students, and donors from across the country attended the summit to connect, share inspiration, and strengthen bridge-building skills. This year’s theme, A Road Forward, invited attendees to reflect on America’s 250th year and our shared commitment to cooperation across difference.
Augsburg’s Interfaith team attended plenary sessions from engaging speakers like the Inheritance Theater Project and activist Loretta Ross. One recurring theme was practicing getting comfortable with discomfort, recognizing there will still be unanswered questions and opposing opinions when people team up to make good things happen together. The Interfaith team also participated in training sessions on how to increase pluralism on campus. Professor Syeed co-led a series of sessions for professionals entitled “Campus Culture Starts with Me.” It was also a great opportunity for networking with colleagues from other schools!
Thanks to funding from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, we were able to bring 8 EMBLEM (Emerging Muslim Leaders Engaging the Midwest) grantee campuses from across the midwest to the summit! Students and advisors from Augsburg, Augustana College (IL), Carleton College (MN), Concordia College – Moorhead (MN), Gustavus Adolphus College (MN), University of St. Catherine (MN), University of Michigan, and Lewis University (IL) attended a special gathering to make connections and celebrate their EMBLEM projects. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the summit.
Ian Avers of the University of Michigan reflected; “The main thing I will be taking back from the summit is the stories I heard from others. I can say with confidence that I am more comfortable having ‘uncomfortable’ conversations after everyone’s vulnerability and honesty.” Farah Abdalla, of Concordia College, highlighted the importance of listening, with the reminder that “Interfaith conversations don’t always need to be an argument.” Students and advisors expressed gratitude for the chance to connect with interfaith leaders from different campuses. It was an energizing gathering and we look forward to sharing more about EMBLEM in the weeks to come!
