As we look ahead to 2026, the NCCMR family extends its heartfelt wishes to all our members, partners, and friends for a new year hopefully marked by peace and shared purpose. In a rapidly changing world shaped by conflicts and uncertainty, our commitment to Christian–Muslim understanding remains stronger today, than ever before.
Throughout 2025, NCCMR worked to foster dialogue, scholarship, and collaboration across Africa, Asia, and the MENA region. Despite global challenges, the Network achieved meaningful progress thanks to the dedication of its members and partners. With gratitude for what has been accomplished, we move forward with renewed determination to deepen cooperation and promote peace through dialogue and education.
Contextual Dictionary of Christian–Muslim Relations
NCCMR’s flagship project for 2025 is the Contextual Dictionary of Christian–Muslim Relations. Over the course of more than a year, NCCMR coordinated the collection, review, and editing of more than 100 scholarly entries, written by 45 Christian and Muslim contributors from 23 countries across Africa, Asia, and the MENA region.
Focusing on the perspectives and views of scholars and practitioners from the Majority World, where Christians and Muslims live side by side, the Dictionary challenges Western-dominated narratives and offers a culturally grounded and academically rigorous resource. The English edition is now being prepared for publication, with the French and Arabic editions scheduled to appear in 2026.
CMR Webinars
As part of its ongoing Webinar Series on Christian–Muslim Relations, NCCMR hosted three distinguished scholars in 2025:
- Professor Azza Karam (January 2025) explored Interreligious Engagement and Social Cohesion in Troubled Times, emphasizing the importance of informed engagement beyond dialogue alone.
- Professor Adnane Mokrani (May 2025) addressed Islamic Theology and Religious Pluralism, highlighting divine justice and mercy as the foundations for religious coexistence.
- Professor Joseph Cumming (September 2025) examined Christian–Muslim Theological Dialogue, advocating rational engagement and openness as pathways to mutual understanding.
These webinars provided members with academic insight and offered practical frameworks for interreligious engagement.
NCCMR–Domuni Universitas Diploma
In partnership with Domuni Universitas, NCCMR assembled the faculty members for its Diploma in Christian–Muslim Relations; to launch in January 2026.
The fully online program consists of eight courses designed to provide students from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East with a solid foundation in Christian–Muslim relations, theology, philosophy, and lived interfaith experiences. The program brings together an international faculty from the two faiths and reflects NCCMR’s commitment to high academic standards and accessible education.
CMR Microgrants
In 2025, NCCMR launched its Microgrants Program, supporting grassroots initiatives that foster Christian–Muslim cooperation.
The Network received 15 project proposals from 17 members, including joint initiatives.
- 7 projects were successfully completed during the current year
- 8 projects will be completed in 2026
Projects were implemented in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East and addressed themes such as prayer, scriptural reasoning, youth engagement, peacebuilding, and interreligious education. These initiatives demonstrated how modest support can generate meaningful and lasting impact.
NCCMR Symposium
The NCCMR Annual Symposium, planned for June 2025 in Amman under the patronage of HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal, was postponed due to the outbreak of war in the region shortly before the event.
The war reinforced NCCMR’s conviction that dialogue and cooperation are essential responses to conflict. The Network now looks forward to convening the symposium in Amman in summer 2026, and to fulfill its mission of bringing scholars and practitioners together for networking, exchange of experience and, ultimately, the pursuit of peace.
NCCMR Steering Committee Meeting
In November 2025, NCCMR held its annual Steering Committee Meeting in Cairo, bringing together committee members and the NCCMR team.
Discussions focused on strategic planning, future priorities, and emerging challenges in Christian–Muslim relations. The meetings were complemented by visits to leading religious and interfaith institutions in Egypt, strengthening relationships and opening avenues for future collaboration.
NCCMR Website
In 2025, NCCMR successfully launched its new multilingual website, available in English, French, and Arabic.
The platform showcases the Network’s initiatives, including the Dictionary, Diploma, Webinars, Microgrants, and member activities.
A key feature of the website is the dedicated profile page for each member-center, offering a direct access to their missions, visions, work, achievements, publications, and more.
NCCMR New Members
The NCCMR Network continued to grow in 2025 with the addition of eight new member centers, bringing the total to 29 centers across 19 countries in Africa, Asia, and the MENA region.
The new members strengthen the Network’s regional diversity and collective expertise, reinforcing NCCMR’s role as a leading platform for Christian–Muslim engagement worldwide.
As we reflect on 2025, we do so with deep gratitude for the trust, collaboration, and commitment of our members and partners. The year’s achievements testify to the resourcefulness of the NCCMR Network and to the beauty and power of Christian–Muslim cooperation.
With hope and a renewed sense of purpose, we look forward to the year ahead and to continuing this journey together.
Please click here to download the PDF version of the 2025 Newsletter.