Crowds gathered in Red Hall in central Prishtina, Kosovo, for the first public Muslim-Christian dialogue – an unusual event sponsored by the evangelical Protestant churches of Kosovo. Photo by: Brikena Morina

The Muslim-Christian dialogue was sponsored by the evangelical Foundation of the House of Hope and organized by Artur Krasniqi, pastor of the Fellowship of the Lord’s People, and by workers with Eastern Mennonite Missions (EMM).

Around 600 Muslims and Orthodox and evangelical Christians from all across Kosovo filled the Red Hall in central Prishtina. The presenters, Xhabir Hamiti, professor of Quranic and Arabic studies at the Prishtina University, and David Shenk, global consultant with EMM, spoke on “Different Journeys for Peace: The Hijrah of the Prophet Muhammed and the Cross of Jesus the Messiah.”

Professor Hamiti’s reputation among the Muslim and Christian communities in Kosovo contributed to the surprisingly enthusiastic attendance. The book A Muslim and a Christian in Dialogue, which Shenk had co-authored with Badru Kataregga (a Muslim), had been widely advertised across the region as an example of the kind of dialogue anticipated.

For the first hour in front of the largely Muslim audience, Hamiti and Shenk presented differing understandings of peace, demonstrated in the path chosen by Muhammed in his migration from Mecca to Medina, and the journey of Jesus to the cross.

Then for another hour the presenters received written questions from the floor. Hamiti emphasized the tolerance of Muhammed toward his detractors, especially in his Meccan experience (before he became a political/military leader in Medina after the hijrah). Shenk kept returning to the theme of suffering love and forgiveness for the enemy, as revealed in the life and ministry of Jesus.

After the dialogue Krasniqi commented, “It was obvious that this was not a theoretical theological exercise. The wars that ravaged Kosovo from 1997-99 have wounded every family and person across this region. Many who came to this dialogue, some from miles away, seemed to be searching for a healing touch of grace. The challenges are daunting, but the spirit of this event was a sign of hope.”

An EMM worker added, “The national media disseminated the themes of the dialogue widely across Kosovo, and the ripples touched many. The event was especially encouraging to the small evangelical Protestant community here that is seeking a voice in the public arena as the constitutional process for an independent Kosovo unfolds. This was an encouragement to many who are committed to a pluralistic Kosovo that embraces religious freedom.”

EMM workers also arranged for Shenk to lead three seminars in different venues for national and expatriate church leaders. Seminar participants snatched up Shenk’s books and many asked that he return soon for a longer stay.

The EMM workers said, “Amidst all the turmoil, bloodshed, and hatred [the nation has experienced], people clearly heard [at the dialogue and other events] of the hope we have in Jesus – and they were captivated. Many responded positively. It was truly a holy moment.”

-Jewel Showalter


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