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On 2/4/2008 10:59:07 AM Chaplain David Colwell wrote
A few months ago, while in Mali, several U.S. military chaplains and I had the opportunity to visit numerous religious leaders in various forums for dialog. Often after initial opening comments by the participants there was a period set aside for questions and answers.
Some of the questions directed to us involved the on going U.S. involvement in Iraq, the role of military chaplains, and the status of Muslims in America. Our questions often dealt with how the various religious leaders in Mali helped facilitate harmony among the various tribes, the status of Christians in a largely Muslim country and the role of the Imam.
Toward the end of each discussion one of us would make some concluding statements of thanks. For me, however, the pivotal moment came when a member of our team made the comment that, although we may have differences that separate us on political issues, which were not the substance of our conversations, what unites us is the understanding that the hope for humanity lies in our ability to follow God's will better, as Christians or Muslims. The genuine and positive response in the room was always the same. Eyes widened, smiles became more apparent, heads nodded in affirmation and the embraces after the meeting were based on a mutual goal and greater understanding. Doctrinal differences are largely insignificant compared to the deeper commitment to seek and find the holy.
Differences in beliefs that people hold will always be part of the world in which we live. These differences often make life more interesting and more challenging. Neither my religious colleagues in Mali or I insisted we become more like each other in terms of faith. There was simply no need or desire to do this. Perhaps the differences were largely superficial at best anyway other than matters relating to doctrine. Clearly, the source of this countrys harmony between its people must be honored in light of the freedom, peace and kindness that exist in Mali. For me, this lesson in dialog was well worth the trip and I look forward to seeing my friends again in the future.
(A colonel in the U.S. Army, Chaplain David Colwell is the chaplain for U.S. Africa Command. Chaplains are a common part of U.S. military organizations. They assist service members of all faiths and serve on the commander's staff as advisor in religious and ethical matters.)
On 2/25/2008 12:03:10 AM Maha in HQ, U.S. Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany wrote Faith, patience and Hope will enable us to build this Command and will enable us to reach out to the Africans. There are different believers, only one God links them together.
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