Care for Our Common Planet: A Catholic-Muslim Earth Day Conversation
The COVID-19 global pandemic has shattered our collective complacency and accentuated widespread inequality. It reminds us of the need to cooperate as we confront shared threats to our global human family—at the forefront of which is ecological breakdown.
How can we create a truly “green” recovery that prompts continuing dialogue and joint action among faiths and communities? How might our response to ecological and societal challenges draw on compassion and justice, recognizing the valuable contributions of religion? And how can believers across the world join hands to create a global culture of peace, fraternity, and reverence for both the Creator and creation?
In this conversation, recorded on Earth Day 2021, hear from leaders, scholars, and faith practitioners from the Muslim and Catholic traditions. Learn how multifaith engagement can lay the foundation for mutual understanding between traditions and communities, creating common ground and inspiring joint action as we work together for peace and human flourishing on the planet we share.
English transcripts are available for remarks delivered by Sheikh Ali Gomaa, former Grand Mufti of Egypt, and Dr. Mohamed Bechari, Secretary-General of The World Muslim Communities Council. Both Gomaa and Bechari delivered their remarks in Arabic.
Transcript of Sheikh Gomaa's remarks
Transcript of Dr. Bechari's remarks
This event was presented by the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion and The World Muslim Communities Council and co-sponsored by the World Religions World Church graduate program, part of the University of Notre Dame’s Department of Theology.
Opening Remarks
Scott Appleby
Marilyn Keough Dean
Professor of History
Keough School of Global Affairs
University of Notre Dame
Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi
Chair
The World Muslim Communities Council
Keynote Speakers
Sheikh Ali Gomaa
Former Grand Mufti of Egypt
Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence, Al-Azhar University (Egypt)
Most Rev. Kevin C. Rhoades
Bishop
Diocese of Fort Wayne-South Bend
Panel 1: Scriptures and Sustainability
Islamic and Catholic Perspectives on Humanity and the Planet
Rev. Terrence Ehrman, C.S.C.
Visiting Assistant Professional Specialist
Department of Theology
University of Notre Dame
Fachruddin Mangunjaya
Environmentalist, Author and Senior Lecturer
School of Graduate Programs, Universitas Nasional (Indonesia)
Panel 2: Green Faith and Green Recovery
Theory and Practice of Climate Commitment and Sustainable Development
Syed Iqbal Hasnain
Pro-Chancellor, Jamia Hamdard University (India)
Managing Director, Desert Side Training Institute (UAE)
Former Vice Chancellor, University of Calicut (India)
Former Professor of Environmental Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (India)
Carol Mullaney
Senior Director
Office of Sustainability
University of Notre Dame
Moderators
Shaojin Chai
Senior Researcher
The World Muslim Communities Council
Charles Powell
Affiliated Faculty Member, Ansari Institute
Adjunct Professor of Muslim-Christian Dialogue, Holy Cross College