The colors, sounds, and emotions of the Ashura begin for our group in Baghdad this evening by visiting the Shrine of Imams Kazim and Jawad (the 7th and 9th Imams, or historic leaders) within the Shia tradition. There will be a crescendo through this week and next as we buildContinue Reading
This won’t be too profound because my brain keeps trying to shut down out of physical exhaustion. Today we had a layover in Cairo. Oh my gosh! Such beauty mixed with lots and lots of sunshine and history and people!!! I’m beginning to collect some thoughts but it’ll take aContinue Reading
Salt Lake City. Toronto. Sleep. Join the Ziyārah group to Cairo. Visit the pyramids and a Muslim shrine. Sleep. Depart for Baghdad . It’s going to be 122⁰ in Iraq next week. Caramba! Word to self…hydrate and rest and look for cooling spots. DM if you want to subscribe toContinue Reading
Hans Küng formulated that “there will be no peace among the nations without peace among the religions; there will be no peace among the religions without a dialogue among the religions” (Küng 1990: 171). What do you think? Comments are welcome but please be kind.Continue Reading
What a hope-filled and inspiring day standing with people who care about what is going on in Palestine. Cari and I found ourselves tearing up as we approached Westlake Plaza and saw the crowds and energy. We joined around 2 thousand people to remember the Nakba, or catastrophe of 1948,Continue Reading
A Local Church Pastor
“Through personal storytelling, biblical preaching, and literally getting us out of the church and into a mosque, Andy walked alongside our church with the question, “Compelled by God’s love, what does it mean to love our Muslim neighbor?” Wise, gentle, and prophetic, Andy doesn’t just talk about peacemaking–he lives it.”Website
Lay Church Leader
“Andy spent a weekend at our church recently speaking about his bridge building relationships with Muslims. This approach resonates in contrast with so much media attention to extremists. It was a new message for a lot of our members, but they seemed willing to listen and be open because of Andy’s gentle and non-threatening presence. Now we can discuss this topic more freely and see our Muslim neighbors in a new light, building friendships as God leads.”
Professor of Reconciliation Studies
“We recognize you as an agent of change for reconciliation and an influential community leader. We’d like to invite you to influence the next generation of community leaders here at Seattle Pacific University.”
Pastor
“Andy Larsen recently gave a presentation and engaged our congregation around the question, “Who is our neighbor?” His knowledge and experience as a bridge-builder and peacemaker was evident as he encouraged us to look outside our normal circles of friendships. Andy is well-suited for this ministry as he travels effortlessly between Muslim and Christian communities and invites us to do the same.”
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