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Christians and Muslims and Contemporary Issues

Overview

The Christian Muslim Studies Center at the University of Balamand organized the seminar “Christians and Muslims and Contemporary Issues” to mark the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, the landmark Second Vatican Council declaration on relations between the Catholic Church and non-Christian religions.

Held at the Sheikh Nahyan Center for Arabic Studies and Intercultural Dialogue, the seminar gathered academics, researchers, and religious leaders from Lebanon and across the Arab world to examine the evolution of Christian-Muslim relations and explore contemporary challenges through theological, historical, social, and educational perspectives.

The event reinforced the University of Balamand’s commitment to fostering dialogue, academic inquiry, and mutual understanding among diverse religious communities.

Objectives

  • Commemorate the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate and reflect on its impact on Christian-Muslim relations.
  • Promote scholarly dialogue on contemporary issues affecting religious communities.
  • Explore theological, historical, and social dimensions of Christian-Muslim coexistence.
  • Strengthen academic networks and collaboration among researchers and religious leaders.
  • Encourage constructive approaches to citizenship, social justice, human rights, and peaceful coexistence.

Project Activities

Opening Session

  • Welcome address by Dr. Hanna Al Nakat, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Sciences.
  • Keynote presentations by:
    • Dr. Mohammad Samma on the image of Islam before and after Nostra Aetate.
    • Fr. Dr. Guy Sarkis on the theology of religions and interreligious relations.
    • Dr. Elias El Halabi on the role of ecumenical movements and Lebanon’s contribution to Christian-Muslim dialogue.

Academic Sessions
Participants explored themes including:

  • Christian-Muslim dialogue in contemporary society.
  • Religious diversity and coexistence.
  • Religious education in Lebanon.
  • Memory, identity, and sacred places.
  • Citizenship and social justice.
  • Human rights and community engagement.
  • The role of women in society and interreligious relations.
  • Religious responses to violence and extremism.
  • Theoretical and critical approaches to interfaith dialogue.

Historical and Documentary Studies

  • Examination of Christian-Muslim relations through Ottoman documents.
  • Analysis of historical waqf records.
  • Discussion of contemporary Lebanese and Arab experiences of coexistence.

Interactive Discussions

  • Open dialogue sessions among scholars, researchers, and participants.
  • Exchange of experiences and best practices in promoting interreligious understanding.

Outcomes

  • Increased academic engagement with Christian-Muslim relations in the Arab world.
  • Greater understanding of the legacy of Nostra Aetate and its contemporary relevance.
  • Strengthened collaboration between academic institutions and dialogue centers.
  • Enhanced awareness of the role of religion in promoting coexistence, citizenship, and social responsibility.
  • Development of new research perspectives and partnerships focused on interreligious dialogue.

Project Duration :

  • January 22–24, 2026