In 2006, an Imam of the Sahrawi people asked us a question which had haunted him for many years. He had never met a Follower of Jesus before, and had never been able to ask his question, “Who is Christ?” This led to the establishment of a Religions Dialogue between Christian Bible scholars from the US and Islamic scholars from among the Saharawi and Algeria. In a people group who had met very few Christians, and within a country like Algeria, this has been a courageous step on the part of the Saharawi. The Dialogue has become an annual event in the refugee camps, growing in respect and awareness each year. The government of the Saharawi people has deemed it an official government sanctioned event and this has sent a clear message to those with ears that it is right and good to learn from “People of the Book” (Followers of Jesus) about Jesus and what the Bible teaches.
Time and Location
The Dialogues are conducted in the fall of each year, in the Saharawi refugee camps.
Participants
Eight to ten Christian Bible scholars and ten to thirty Islamic scholars have participated each year. NFI in partnership with Christ the Rock has invited the Bible scholars, while the Saharawi government (UJSARIO) has invited the Islamic scholars.
In attendance are American Christ-Followers who have been drawn to the suffering and long-time injustice of the Saharawi people. Government leaders from the camps and Algeria also attend the Dialogues. Other interested observers can also attend, depending on the seating availability of the facility.
The Dialogues are facilitated by Saharawi leaders. Arabic and English translators who have extensive experience and knowledge of the Bible and the Qur’an are able to provide excellent translation of all the content.
Key lectures are broadcast throughout the camps to the general public on both radio and TV. Thus, the information has the potential of being accessed by the general population.
The Format
A topic for discussion is chosen early in the year. The Islamic scholars and the Bible scholars then prepare teachings based on their faith’s Holy Book. Some of the topics that have been taught on in the past are:
- Who is Christ?
- Peace
- Women in the Holy Book
- Human Rights in the Holy Book
The Dialogues are intended to be a dialogue – not a debate. The Saharawi, who have proven to be a people of peace, hold high the value of sitting together and talking with respect and dignity, eagerly willing to learn from one another. This attitude has carried through to the Dialogues.
Relationships are of highest importance to the Saharawi. Through intentional informal social gatherings between Dialogue participants, ancient walls of hostility have broken down and friendships birthed. This has further enhanced the ability to relate with one another in respectful ways, and being able to speak with one another in truth and honesty.
Why Do This?
As Followers of Jesus, we not only want to follow His teachings, but to follow His example of stepping into foreign cultures, relating with people of all ages, from all walks of life, many cultures, and from all levels of society. He did this out of a heart of love and compassion. And He proclaimed the Good News through actions and words, in obedience to what God directed. We are committed to following Jesus’ model, and know that God has placed the Saharawi in our hearts, as they are in His.
What has been the outcome of the Dialogues?
We have only held 5 Dialogues at this point, but the impact has been great:
- Ancient walls of hostility have broken down;
- Understanding and respect has grown;
- Attitudes of friendship have made it possible to speak openly and honestly about the Message Jesus proclaimed on earth;
- We are all learning a lot.
One of the most influential participants said it well:
I have spent my life fighting this evil religion of Christianity. I had never seen a good face to it. But, now that I have, I want the rest of the Muslim world to see and experience this good face of Christianity. We must take this to every continent.
How Can You Help?
- Financial donations to cover the costs of printed materials, refreshments, and other expenses required to host the Dialogue;
- Financial donations to cover the travel costs for key Dialogue participants;
- Commit to praying for the Dialogue itself and for all the participants.
