Update (September 24th, 2013). This story is getting more traction two years on. Post by Andrew E. Larsen. Every week I receive a standardized email from Jawad, inviting me to featured events relevant to Muslims in the greater Seattle area. He also includes specific programs in his mosque, a scheduleContinue Reading
Beauty Contest, originally uploaded by papalars. I’ve been invited by Covenant pastor, Chris Brueninger, to join him with a regional religious leaders group to pursue inter-religious dialogue. More opportunities like this are increasingly coming into my orbit. In a way, this is what I engage in each time I stepContinue Reading
I was talking with my pastor, Eugene Cho, recently and he asked me what I thought about joining Muslims for prayer, especially during Ramadan. Apparently, Brian McLaren was getting some intense fire on the Blogosphere for joining Muslims during Ramadan for prayer. [Two helpful links to give more context: “Driscoll: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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