Interfaith Encounter Association

The Interfaith Encounter Association is dedicated to promoting peace in the Middle East through interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural study. We believe that, rather than being a cause of the problem, religion can and should be a source of the solution for conflicts that exist in the region and beyond. In the years since its inception, the IEA has been successful at staying true to its principles while beginning to realize a part of the society it hopes to create.  In acknowledgement of the IEA’s work, UNESCO has recognized the IEA as an organization that is contributing to the culture of peace and as an actor of the global movement for a culture of peace, a United Nations initiative. Values: Our vision is a society in which the “otherness” of “the other” is not only accepted, but truly understood and respected. We wish to make a significant contribution to the fulfillment of this vision through this organization.  We will be guided by the following basic principles and goals: Equal representation of all faiths in the Association Equality of the genders in the decision making processes and activities of the Association Outreach to individuals from all faiths, age groups, walks of life and levels of society Outreach to individuals across the religious-secular divide and political spectrums Continual recruitment through committed activists on the local and regional levels Implementation of interactive programs that effectively change outlooks and attitudes, such as extended weekend seminars and ongoing study groups Continual development of new interactive models for effective encounters Ongoing evaluation of all strategies and programs The IEA is dedicated to promoting coexistence in the Middle East through cross-cultural study and inter-religious dialogue.  We believe that, rather than being the cause of the problem, religion can and should be a source of solution for the conflicts that exist in the region and beyond.  We do not believe in the blending of all traditions into one undifferentiated group, but in providing a table where all can come and sit in safety and ease, while being fully who they are in their respective religions.