Intersections and the Embassy of Kazakhstan Host an Interfaith Dinner and Dialogue at the Kazakhstan Embassy

On December 11, Intersections, in partnership with the Embassy of
Kazakhstan, hosted the first ever interfaith dialogue and dinner at the
Embassy of Kazakhstan. The Embassy approached Intersections because of
the work Intersections has previously done in interfaith dialogue, most
notable with the creation of ChangeTheStory.net.

More than twenty-five U.S. religious leaders gathered for a dinner
conversation aimed at building support in the U.S. for upcoming
international inter-religious convocations in Kazakhstan. This
gathering intentionally moved beyond the three Abrahamic faiths,
including Jains, Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, Hare Krishnas, and
Zoroastrians to highlight the diversity of religious expressions in the
U.S. More than fifteen different religious groups, with over 150
million constituents, were represented.

In 2009, Kazakhstan will hold the third Congresses of the Leaders of
World and Traditional Religions, which will take place in Kazakhstan’s
capital, Astana. Kazakhstan, a Central Asian nation of over 15 million
inhabitants, offers a broad cross section of religious and ethnic
groups, making it a logical place to host initiatives that cross lines
of faith and culture.

The following year, Kazakhstan will assume the chair of the
Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). Kazakhstan
will be the first Eurasian government to Chair this organization, and
intends to use its chairmanship to promote inter-religious dialogue.

In 2011, Kazakhstan becomes the Chair of the Organization of Islamic
Conference (OIC). This provides the opportunity for three consecutive
years of interfaith dialogue on a prominent,- global stage. According
to Intersections Project Manager Sara Reef, “This provides a unique
opportunity for a long-term dialogue that may have a real and lasting
impact on interfaith relations.” Intersections will continue to work
with the Embassy to help promote interfaith dialogue and peace.

For more information on this, please contact Sara Reef, sreef@intersectionsinternational.org or 1.646.723.7825.