US Delegation of religious and academic leaders returns from Indonesia 
Six U.S. delegates worked together during a three week trip to Indonesia to exemplify the power of interfaith cooperation  and tolerance in the democratic context.  The US delegates visited the cities of Palembang, Yogyakarta and Jakarta. They presented and engaged in dialogue with a wide range of people and organizations, including former Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid, representatives from the Ministry of Religious Affairs, university professors, U.S. Embassy Staff, the Head of Indonesia’s’ Buddhist Community, the Indonesia Ulema Council, and other religious, academic, and political figures.

Delegates learned a great deal about contemporary issues in Indonesia and enjoyed their time with religious and secular leaders.  All delegates expressed that the Indonesian voice needs to be heard.

“Indonesian society is a laboratory for ethnic/religious co-existence.  Its diversity puts her in a unique position and her people could emerge as an example of religious tolerance and co-existence.”

The delegation included:

Dr. Abubaker Al Shingieti – International Institute of Islamic Thought
Sister Marianne Farina Ph.D. – Graduate Theological Union
Milia Islam – Islamic Society of North America
Dr. Sulayman Nyang, Howard University
Dr. Racelle Weiman – Dialogue Institute at Temple University
Mary Helmig  - Legacy International

“We were able to communicate that pluralism as it is practiced in US has its ebbs and flows. Democracy requires vigilance.  The separation of church and state is a balance and necessary. The Indonesian context ties religious identity close to communal identity which has held the country together however there will be a shift in order to secure democracy in the future and people should be prepared with programs on tolerance starting now.”

Indonesian delegation prepares for trip to the US in April 2008