Shia Scholars Meet Archbishop of Washington to Strengthen Interfaith Dialogue

Shia Scholars Meet Archbishop of Washington to Strengthen Interfaith Dialogue
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A delegation of Shia Muslim scholars from the Washington metropolitan area met with Cardinal Robert Walter McElroy, the newly appointed Archbishop of Washington, to discuss ways to enhance Islamic–Christian relations and promote shared moral and social values, ABNA24 reported.

According to the Council of Shia Muslim Scholars of North America, the meeting took place at the Archdiocese of Washington’s Pastoral Center and was marked by an atmosphere of mutual respect and spiritual understanding. The delegation included Seyyed Kashmiri of I.M.A.M., Seyyed Sulyman Ali Hassan of Masjid Al-Asr, Sheikh Jalil Nawi of Idara-e-Jaferia Center, and Seyyed Ali Qazwini of Masjid-un-Nabi.

Both sides emphasized the importance of collaboration between faith leaders to address contemporary challenges such as social division, immigration issues, and the preservation of religious values among youth. The Cardinal expressed deep concern over these matters and engaged in a constructive dialogue on strengthening faith and community ties.

The delegation also presented the Cardinal with a plaque commemorating the historic 2021 meeting between Pope Francis and Grand Ayatollah Sayyid al-Sistani in Najaf, underscoring their shared commitment to peace and coexistence. The meeting concluded with warm exchanges and a commemorative group photograph.