Global Interreligious dialogue: Kazakhstan

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

On 11 December 2008, 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, please contact Sara Reef, sreef@intersectionsinternational.org or 646.723.7825.