LYNC INTERVIEW

Ep. 8: Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi - Grassroots to Global Change for Religious Freedom

Love Your Neighbor Community — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

LYNC INTERVIEW Elsanousi

Jessica: You are watching LYNC interview. I'm Jessica Eturralde. In a world increasingly divided by differences, how do we create lasting peace and understanding across faith communities? Today we'll hear from someone who has dedicated his life to that mission. mission. We are honored to welcome Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi global leader in peace building. Multifaith dialogue and a current commissioner of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom. Freedom. As the executive director of the Network for Religious and traditional peacemakers, Dr. Elsanousi bridges grassroots efforts with international initiatives to foster sustainable peace. Welcome, Dr. Elsanousi.

Dr. Elsanousi: Thank you.

Jessica: Dr. Elsanousi, you are known for bridging religious divides, advising on international religious freedom policy, and supporting grassroots peace efforts, and with a background

In Islamic law and Interreligious engagement, you combine theological insight with diplomatic skills, prevent conflict, and strengthen religious freedom worldwide. So to begin, may you share how your personal story and faith each shape the way you build religious freedom?

Dr. Elsanousi: Thank you so much and thank you to you Jessica, for this interview as well as of course to the LYNC audience. I'm familiar with LYNC the organization and the good work that you do.

So we definitely appreciate that. It's always I say that my personal. Upbringing and story shaped my way of not only thinking but also the way that I continue to engage in advancing and promoting religious freedom for everyone, everywhere all the times.

I grew up in, in a family that's very devout my faithful mother and fathers and siblings and the whole village that I was raised in, they were, are very committed believers. And I think that. Commitment and the believing in God and love of neighbor and all of that actually contributed significantly in my upbringing as well as in my interest in not only pursuing, I.

Theological studies, of course in Islamic faith, but also looking into how I can implement the teaching of the sacred of the scripture in term of extending and building bridges with others who are not necessarily affiliate with your own faith.

We have a clear teaching from the Islamic sources that telling us that we have to build bridges. We know that from our own teaching that if God wills, he would have brought he would have, made all of us in the same shape and the same language in the same culture and religions, but I.

For for God himself. That is he made us as different, right? And that is just to further know the science of God and his existence. And that's why all of these teachings actually helped me as I continue to pursue my education. I, as I continue to build bridges and and that basically developed to my interest in further working on this field of religious freedom and interfaith their lock.

Jessica: I see. Thank you for sharing that, Dr. Elsanousi. As someone with the builders approach, what has it been like to serve on us on an institution legally mandated for advocacy?

Dr. Elsanousi: I'm blessed to be serving on USCIRF right now - United States Commission on International Religious Freedom.

It's a commission that's an independent. It is bipartisan. It is a commission that basically provide recommendations to policy makers to work with countries so that we can further advance and promote religious freedom. It is a challenging, of course to look into violation of religious freedom and to work with different countries around the world.

To help them, how they can improve religious freedom in their countries. In the same time, we also wanted to support those marginalized communities, those persecuted communities on the ground. So we continue to dialogue with the, with countries around the world, with our own government here in the United States.

States how we can help those countries to improve religious freedom. So it's a, a blessing to work with my colleague commissioners. And it is a blessing also to work with civil society organizations. And it's also a blessing to work with governments as well. So it is challenging to balance.

The policy aspects as well as understanding the local context and realities on the ground of some of these countries. When we visit them just Jessica yesterday, which is March 25th, we actually release. Our 2025 report of the Serv. It happened yesterday at the Congress and huge interest.

The room was packed as well as we had about 10 senators and us house of Representatives members. They came to show their bipartisan support to serve. And to the movement of religious freedom or belief. So I think all of this give me really encouragement as we continue to find the best ways to advance religious freedom.

Jessica: Yes, I saw that the report came out, and how exciting to hear about this bipartisan support and

interest. You mentioned something just a minute ago about the difficulty and balancing. Could you give an example?

Dr. Elsanousi: I think there are a number of examples. I could share with you and Jessica, I want to just let you know that I always enjoy when I travel, I. And meet with persecuted communities or minority communities in majority context. Because what that does is that it gives them, empowerment they feel that people are coming to stand in solidarity with them.

They feel that, they have, people that live so far, but still they are thinking about them all the time. We, my example, I traveled to Uzbekistan, January of last year, of 2024 with my close friends that I mentioned. Their names here, Dr. Chris Sippel as well as wait, za and my sister Nadine Menza.

We went to Pakistan. And just to as a civil society to look into the state of religious freedom, to meet with government, to meet with the religious communities, to meet with civil society, and to assess and see how we could be helpful in in, in a collaborative manner.

So one of the, one of the examples that we visited a number of cities in Uzbekistan, and we visited the famous city called Boha, which is an icon of Islamic civilization, right? But in that city, they are Christian communities also living in the city. There are Jewish communities living in the city and we visited with them and, one of the Christian communities that we visited is is a Baptist BA pastor, and we visited with him, and the meeting with him was in a community center. It was not in his church. And but that basically brought to my attention why it's not in the church. So I ask the pastor, I, where is the church?

I would like to come and visit you in the church, and tomorrow is Sunday. I would like to also join you in service. So he basically mentioned to me that, the church probably might not be ready. The church undergo some water damages and things like that, and it's not ready right now. But I said to him, pastor, how you are dealing with that situation and how you are catering.

To the believers that they come to your church, particularly the elderly people. They said it is difficult for me. I try to visit people in their homes and all of that. Then given the background that I have in Islamic teachings and Islamic theology, I know that Christians always, lived with the Muslim communities, and particularly during the time of the Prophet of Islam, prophet Muhammad, peace p upon him. They were Christians in that peninsula, and the Christians were welcomed by the prophet, not only in the city and worship freely, but he welcomed them even in his own mosque. And give them a portion of the mosque to practice and to pray.

And so that is the Prophet of Islam did that now, 1400 years later. Why not? We are not welcoming the Christian communities and accommodating the Baptist community in Boha in one of the mosque. To worship until their church is fixed. So I brought that to the authorities in Stan and I told them, this is an Islamic practice.

You will be doing not only service to your own citizens who are Christians, but also you are actually. Upholding one of the principles of Islamic theology as well. They really took it seriously. The authorities on Ostan and they, collaborated and work with the pastor and they decided to build a church brand new.

I. And they came actually to Washington here a few months ago to show us the old church and the construction is going on right now to build that church. So we definitely thank them and appreciated that. This is really a classic example I gave always from my experience. There are a number of other examples that I can talk about, but this one really stand out.

You know how we, our visits. And standing within solidarity with the minority communities is sometimes is really rewarding.

Jessica: Yes. I really like that example that you gave at the beginning of your comment, speaking about majority faith coming to stand in solidarity with a minority faith that encourages them. Not too long after you all returned from Uzbekistan and LYNC had our event in Washington at the Army Navy Center, I remember you talking about that. You seemed to be so excited about that, and I can only imagine how encouraging it actually was on the ground in Bukhara, so thank you for bringing that up again with this detail. How do you see the role of government and civil society, multi‑faith and multi‑sectorial collaboration in advancing religious freedom, and what lessons have you learned from engaging diverse religious communities?

Dr. Elsanousi: Yeah. No, thank you so much, Jessica. This is really an excellent question. You are bringing up, I always say that it is important to know the facts. It's important that we can research and analyze and it's important to bring reports like ours you serve to light.

We want to bring and to speak truth to power. It's very important to describe what's happening on the ground. Particularly in in, in the violation of religious freedom a fundamental human rights religious freedom, which is when it is uphold, it reflects in the entire, basically, aspects of life.

And we have seen that happening. On the ground when countries that uphold religious freedom always there're prosperous, always there is social cohesion that you mentioned is there, but the absence of which basically it gives the opposite, results as well. So that's why I say that, it is good to to know what's happening the realities, but also it's important not just to continue naming and shaming.

It is important to engage in a dialogue, in a collaborative manner with government, with civil society, with religious communities, for the sake of improving. The condition of those prosecuted communities. So I personally believe that dialogue and engagements will provide minority communities on the ground with religious freedom.

Will impact their progress much better, that have a good impact in the progress and will also strengthening them on the ground when you have a dialogue with them. And they feel that actually empowered when we visit them on the ground and those government, they know that we're visiting those communities, right?

And then engage in a dialogue. Engage in a dialogue. We have seen that, and it reflected posi positively in some of the context where registration of houses of worship is challenging, right? But when we have that dialogue the result, we see that the registration is improved, right?

There are people that prisoners of conscience, right? Which we engage with government in a dialogue. It also reflect we just celebrated last month the release of a Christian believer in Egypt, right? And that happened after. Almost three years in prison. And that happened because of the dialogue and discussion and negotiations and all of that.

We also seen the release of Mubarak Bah from Nigeria after a number of, years in prison as well. That also happened last month. Also is the result of a collaborative efforts between government, civil society and many other people. So that's why dialogue and collaboration is very important.

So we can't do this work alone as civil society. Government cannot do them alone. And as a USCIRF, we cannot do that alone.

Jessica: Thank you for that.

Who do you look to for inspiration and partnership? Both in the US and globally.

Dr. Elsanousi: In the United States we are blessed in this country. I. We have a strong interreligious collaboration and understanding, which reflects positively in our social cohesion.

Of course, we're not perfect. We have our own problems, right? But it still, when you look into the way that we work together as people of different. Faith, collaborating and addressing issues that basically impacting everyone regardless of any, religious affiliation or color or background.

So the interfaith movement and the interreligious collaboration in the United States is quite rewarding and that always give me encouragement, particularly in addressing, a number of issues, whether it is anti-Semitism or Islamophobia, or. All sort of discriminations and all of that. So there is that spirit of working together.

And of course, we also address some of the issues that we are facing here at home. Interfaith collaboration to address issues of poverty issues of homelessness. Or all of these kind of issues, we do them in the interfaith way, in, collaborating with religious communities.

And also we see that religious communities stand with solidarity as well. It's it's something that is really very nice to see. Just yesterday after the launch of our report I was invited to speak at the celebration of the no rules. NRU is a, it's a, it was in the Congress and it's brought Christians and Muslims and Uyghurs and everybody else in the room, right?

So these kind of events and this kind of solidarity and collaboration definitely continue to inspire us and it's a model for us to encourage us as we continue this work globally. Also I get inspiration and encouragement. And from those committed believers on the ground still continue to practice their faith, to do the work to do the good work in spite of the challenges that they're facing on the ground.

So when I visit with those people, they're always a source of inspiration, right? As a model, actually, we're blessed in this nation, in the United States. We have just abundance of resources and all of that. But when you go to these countries and with the limited resources that they have, but still they're very committed.

Committed believers committed, helping the others committed, standing in solidarity with each others and all of that. So I think all of this give us really a good source of encouragement as we continue this work,

Jessica: Your comments are very encouraging, and we were we're talking about inspiration. We're talking about solidarity, we're talking about collaboration. What could be better better in the US and globally?

Dr. Elsanousi: Yeah. I think what I would like to see is that I would like to see.

More collaboration, more partnership between government and civil society. And more basically engaging in a dialogue that may lead to a result. I think that what I wanna see happening because because. My personal experience on, in the field and around the world, it is working.

So if it is working, why not continue to do that and increase the efforts so that we can help those who are still looking for support from us and all of that. So I think that's what I would like to, what I would like to see. Also I would like to see and hope that currently in the United States we are in new administration, that I think they're more committed to advancing religious freedom.

And I personally, I see religious freedom is a fundamental human rights that could bring. So many positive things. So I think investing in more in religious freedom I think is something that important. So we need to continue doing that around the world.

Jessica: I see.

Going back to your experience. How has your experience bridging grassroots, peacemakers, and global policymakers within the network for religious and traditional peacemakers shaped your approach to religious freedom and diplomacy?

Dr. Elsanousi:

Yeah, no, thank you so much. I think it is really a blessing to lead this network.

And the network was created to support and to increase the capacity of religious. Leaders and actors on the ground and to support them as they continue to work day in and day out. Bringing that added value for thousands of years. These groups, religious communities are doing the work.

And I always say that, we need to strengthening our relationship and increasing our support. To grassroots communities, particularly religious communities. Why that? Because they are there to stay. For thousands of years, political establishments could come and go, but they're there to stay. And we have seen that functioning during disasters, right?

You have eight distributions. Happened from churches and houses of worship and mosques and synagogues. We have seen eradication of diseases has happened because of the engagement of religious communities. I. Just to mention, the polio eradications, for instance, we work with religious communities in Nigeria and Afghanistan and back Pakistan border to help eradicate polio because the religious communities, stood up.

We have seen what the church has done to address hiv aids, right? In West Africa and other places. So I think because these institutions are there to stay, these religious institutions has a direct connection to the grassroots that you were talking about earlier. The political institutions probably lacking these things.

And then above all, communities at the grass root levels actually trust religious institutions. Trust religious institutions, which is something that is very critical. So that's why at the network we are working with them day in and day out. And I think, and they are making difference as well.

And in our work as well, we want to make sure that we do it in the way that women are included. In the work youth are included as well in the work. Make sure that their participation in what we do is very critical as well. Particularly when we engage in peace mediation and dialogue because they are just, enough evidence to show that when women's involved.

In dialogue and mediation, peace agreements always the likelihood of peace agreement to hold is very high. So that's why we, one of the thing that we focus on to make sure that the table is really included, those influential and dynamic and effective women there as well.

Jessica: I imagine having the collaboration at the grassroots level, like you mentioned, women as well as youth, really gives this opportunity for a cohesive community feel - that everyone is contributing and that you're passing that down to the next generation. I imagine that trickles down at the family level, and then on and on with each generation.

Dr. Elsanousi:

Absolutely correct. You know we had a training for youth. In religious and me religion, we call it YRMC, youth Religion and Mediation Course. And the story of Joseph from South Sudan right, is a Christian. He was, he applied, and he was selected, and he attended training that we did in Roman.

And I was just having lunch with Joseph, just talking to him. He's in his late...

Ep. 7: Carter Brown -A Church and Mosque Unite for Multi-Faith Engagement in Miami

Love Your Neighbor Community — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Transcript

Jessica: You are listening to LYNC Interview. I'm Jessica Eturralde. Building bridges across faith communities isn't always easy, but it can lead to unexpected friendships and deeper understanding. In this episode of LYNC Interview, we sit down with Carter Brown LYNC's Project manager for the Covenantal Pluralism Initiative in South Florida.

Pastor at Crossbridge Brickle Church in Miami, Carter shares his journey of engaging with a neighboring imam and the moss. He leads the challenges and breakthroughs along the way and how these multifaith relationships have shaped his congregation. Welcome Carter Brown. So last year, LYNC co-hosted the first ever multi-faith picnic with Crossbridge Brickle and the Islamic Center of Greater Miami.

I was fortunate to be able to attend that, and I recall how unique that was on the mosque grounds. Christians and Muslims gathered in a market style atmosphere and we shared delicious Mediterranean food and there were bouncy houses and even a petting zoo for the children. But that was not the first multi-faith discussion in Miami Between your church and attendees at the mosque.

The picnic, as I understand it was a result of a relationship that began a few years ago between yourself and Dr. Abdul Hamid Samra, the Imam and director of religious services at the mosque. So now, what initially motivated you to establish a relationship with a neighboring mosque and Imam Samra?

Carter: So I would say that it goes all the way back to my formation of faith when I became a Christian.

College and then felt called to be a pastor, which was surprising to me. But when God has a call on your life, you listen and follow. And when I felt called to be a pastor, I immediately like actually the next day changed my major from business to religion. I went to Florida State University and I studied and focused my religious studies on Islam primarily.

And that was because I felt called to to learn what other people believe is true. What other faith traditions hold so that I might be able to speak in and engage with love, those that are of another faith. If I'm going to commit my life to preaching and teaching that Christianity is the way, the truth and the life, how could I do it if I don't know what other people believe?

That started a journey for me of establishing relationships with people of other faith traditions. And so once I got connected with Wade Cusack, the founder of LYNC, he and his wife Helena started attending Crossbridge Brickle many years ago. We dreamed about partnerships in Miami, and a connection was made with myself and Imam Samra.

Where we had lunch together and that was brought together by Wade and we just started to connect and share stories of what it was like to lead congregations or be in the city of Miami with all of the different struggles and difficulties that it poses men of faith, even though our faith traditions are different.

It opened up a relationship that started from that lunch that blossomed into having dinner with our wives at each other's houses. And from there we decided to host an event at our office in downtown with Crossbridge. We, I spoke with Imam Samra and I said, listen, a lot of the concerns that you shared has just been the fear that it is to be Muslim in America.

The prejudice that happens. And I said, I would love to have the opportunity to host you where you could share your faith and you know your story. And we could have questions that our people from our church could ask you. Maybe they've never been able to ask questions of a Muslim neighbor or friend.

Certainly not an imam. And we held that event and it was really amazing. Just a time of conversation about 40 people attended. I think what established really on that event was neither myself nor Imam Samara believe in a unitarian view of faith and religion. I believe that the Christian Gospel is the truth, and Jesus is the way, the truth in the life.

And we even jokingly have shared before that I want ai. I want the people that attend your mosque to become Christian. He's I want them to become Muslim. And that has been interesting because we've been able to hold to conviction of our faith and not sway at all in the purpose for me of the gospel and the great commission and make disciples of all nations.

But we've been able to build a friendship based upon love and listening to each other. And part of that, you know what blossomed out of that was this desire to link our congregations or our, the mosque and the church to have shared relationship. Because, one of the things that I said to our church and I continue to repeat to Imam Samara is that, Jesus gave us a pattern.

And he called us to recognize two things, very important. He was only asked for one, and he gave two. He was asked What the greatest commandment is? The love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. And Jesus says The second is like it. Love your neighbor as yourself. And we have positioned ourselves to been convicted that our Muslim neighbors in Miami are in fact our neighbors.

Our neighbors are not just those people that maybe. Grew up in the church or have been disenfranchised with the church or are you know, of a, maybe a more comfortable environment for many that are maybe used to certain traditions and cultures? Our Muslim neighbors are our neighbors and Jesus calls us to love them, and we cannot love them if we don't know them.

And so that was really where the Multifaith picnic came from, was a desire to get to know each other. From our side, it was so that we could get to know them so that we could love them with the love of Jesus. And that's where it came from and the time together was absolutely amazing. And we have more things on the horizon to connect together.

Just show love to one another across religious lines and oftentimes barriers that have been established often out of fear.

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Jessica: At a time when our environment is. So polarizing. It's really inspiring to hear you say that both you and Imam Samara collectively decided that you wanted to share your congregations, you wanted your congregations to engage one another. Were there any hesitations or challenges in engaging in these relationships or?

Carter: So I would say there's two things.

One thing is just. Having a sensitivity toward the different cultures. There is a different level of acceptance with certain things. There are certain restrictions in particular from our side to engaging and collaborating with the mosque and the Muslim community. There are restrictions and boundaries and certain things that they have and hold to that we do not.

And I'm certainly on the other side as well. So there, so navigating that is a delicate matter. It just takes that relationship to talk it through and to make sure to be sensitive. And when someone, once your friend, you can have those conversations openly and now have to be afraid of saying, Hey, help us navigate this.

We want to be sensitive. And they say the same thing in reverse. Secondly, there is a hesitation or there has been. I wouldn't say pushback, but there have been questions about, this is the fear component I talk about what if people go and they catch a vision for Islam and they convert to, to become a Muslim.

And what I have said time and time again is that I think truth wins and I believe that Jesus is the truth. I'm not afraid. I remember when I went into, I. Study religion at Florida State. Almost every single person that was a mentor of mine or a friend told me not to because they were afraid that I would get convinced that Christianity was not true because everyone in my major was an atheist.

And the professors were very hostile towards Christianity. And I would remember a feeling, a deep sense was I have the power of the Holy Spirit in me. I have the conviction and assurance of truth in my salvation. I don't need to be afraid to love the people and engage the people that Jesus has charged me to love and care for, and to engage with and to have debate and discussion.

And we've had those debates and discussions. Part of that time that we had with Imam Samara, there was the sharing of different views on matters. And so we engage because of the commandment, to love knowing that the Holy Spirit is our guarantor of salvation and the assurance of our faith. We don't shy away for fear.

And so that's really how we've navigated that concern and people have really resonated with that and said that makes a lot of sense because why would we respond out of fear when Jesus has given us a commission to love? And so that's what we're going to do. How has your congregation grown or benefited from these multi-faith connections?

I think cultural awareness and cultural agility is a big part of it. I think it has deepened their faith to to not only learn about another faith tradition that is opposite of ours, different from ours, but also to act out and live out the faith that Jesus commands them to, has mobilized them for mission.

In their own context, it has brought, brought down some walls for many of them where they maybe felt like nervous to share their faith with a coworker for fear of what might happen. And so when you put, when you bring them into environments that maybe previously they would've been uncomfortable or nervous around, and they see that there's nothing to fear when you're living out the commandment that Jesus has given you, then it opens up, missional mindset and a courage to live out their faith in other aspects of their life. And it has also just opened up a pathway for people to be more willing to be friends with people that are different from them. And I think that's been really beautiful. We at Crossbridge have a saying which is belong before you believe.

And that has deepened that culture because. We want people to belong to the church before they believe. We want them to feel safe to share their questions and doubts. And so exporting that mentality into this relationship with the mosque has deepened that sentiment of we want people to belong and be friends with people.

And there, through that relationship, the opportunity of gospel ministry and the proclamation of Jesus has opened up.

Jessica: It sounds to me like it, and possibly this doesn't always happen, but it sounds to me that there is opportunity for some people to actually deepen their faith through doing this. That by contrast or expanding who they speak to and eventually their love for people who are different than them.

Would cause them to want to anchor in their faith and really sift through what they believe. With that being said, and you touched on this a little bit, but have you ever faced concerns within your church about engaging with the Muslim community particularly, and you did speak on this a little bit, perhaps you have some more to add, but particularly regarding the possibility of members converting to Islam, and if so, how have you navigated those discussions?

Carter: Yes, like I mentioned, we have had some, it has not been a major pushback because we fought really hard for a long time to establish a culture of mission and belonging in our church. But there were questions certainly and concerns raised by different people in one-on-one conversation. Nothing in terms of a corporate nature, but one-on-one conversation.

I would say just as a side, overwhelmingly, there was excitement and enthusiasm behind the engagement. But what I would say is that, and what I've told a lot of people is that we don't get to decide who we engage in friendship, who we love, and the people that. We should befriend as being made in the image of God and pray for gospel opportunities.

Oftentimes in the church world, you will have in from a sermon or from the pulpit or in a small group, an encouragement to speak with your coworkers about Jesus or befriend your neighbors and to pray with and for your family. That is far from God. This context is it's accepted. It's, there's never a conversation.

What if your coworker who's, unchurched or an atheist or into some new age practices, which are, blossoming and growing in North America, or what if they convince you that God isn't real? Or what if they convince you that you need to subscribe to some, Buddhist?

No one's ever saying that. They say it with Islam. They don't even say it with Judaism. So to me I was like, why? Why have we decided that Muslims are the people that we should be fearful of engaging because they might convert our people. It is just as likely of atheist. De-churched Catholics and Christians Buddhist, spiritualist, astrologists, whatever you could fill in the blank.

And I said, and I always tell people, Jesus has called us to love all people and we don't get to choose. And if there's someone that has been, if there's a people group that the church has not done a good job of reaching, they're really an unreached people group. In the United States, the Muslim community, because there's fear of engaging them.

Those are the very people that we should be engaging with love and not out of some side way of with any other agenda, but to love them as image bearers of God, to listen to their story, to build friendships with them, and to pray that God would open up gospel conversations and the Holy Spirit would move and give us wisdom and discernment.

That's what we do. And I think people understand that and they receive that when they consider it in that framework, and they move from a posture of fear to a posture of mission and love. Thank you for that. Looking back on last year's multifaith picnic, what were the most meaningful takeaways?

I think just the image in my head of the mixing of culture and people like you shared, sharing delicious food and our kids playing together on the bounce houses and in the petting zoo and the conversations that are coming forward or around the market. That was really a powerful experience.

And what it has led to is, a deeper desire for engagement and not just with continuing to do work and to connect with the mosque, but also to say, Hey, how are we reaching our neighborhood? So I'll give you an example. There's been this kind of, desire to say we need to do a better job of loving the neighborhood in which we're situated.

And that, and I th I believe that the multi-faith picnic was a big part of that. And so that has led to now us launching mo free movie nights or people in the Brickell area to come bring a blanket with their family and friends. Watch on a big 30 foot screen tv, a free movie night, and to get to know their neighbors.

And that was born out of a desire to bring different people from different cultures with different beliefs together for the sake of getting to know one another and for the sake of learning how to love each other. We're believing that's also going to open up opportunities for people to experience the love of Jesus as well.

So these are some of the tangible fruits that we didn't expect that are coming out of this friendship and this partnership.

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Jessica: As you prepare for the upcoming event. As I understand it April 26th, you're having the next multifaith picnic, so this will be the second one. What changes or progress do you hope to see?

Carter: Honestly, I want it just to be exactly like the last one. So I hope that we can replicate that. But this time it's going to be at our church. So in last time we went to the mosque, this time the mosque is going to come to the church.

And so I, I am just praying right now that the Lord gives us wisdom of how we can create the most hospitable environment. 'cause we recognize that a lot of. Those that come from the mosque to the events will probably have never gone to a church or on a church property before. And just like our people had never gone to a mosque, it the same will be in reverse.

And we want to show the same level of hospitality and sensitivity that they did to us. And so we're in that process of planning that and make and trying to ensure that they feel the same level of comfort and acceptance. As we felt when we came.

Jessica: I do recall that now that the plan was to take turns each year, one year, the mosque host, and the next year the church host and then repeat, right?

Carter: Correct. Correct.

Jessica: I'm excited to see how it will pan out this year when I attend because I imagine now that it has conspired one time that. People have a general idea of what to expect, although it's a different location and it probably comes with its own new things, as you indicated for a lot of attendees.

But I would imagine that people have a little bit of understanding of what to expect. I'm interested to see I that turn out. I want to go back to something earlier you were talking about, when you were discussing about the Muslims in our country being an unreached group. I thought that was a really powerful statement and I will share with you that at the end of last year, I was speaking to some Muslims in my community and we were actually talking about, the possibility of interviewing some people for a radio program that we have been experimenting with. It's called LYNC Square. And the whole idea is that you ask people just general public, people in the public square, the same questions like foundational questions around their perception of.

Let's say terms like religious freedom of what social cohesion means to them of when was the last time they spoke to someone who had different beliefs than them, things like that. But the, we only did it one time as a pilot, and we found that the towns that we did it in, I had a few correspondence in a couple of different states and different towns, but they still fell under.

Either being Christian, atheist or agnostic mostly. And we were looking for some diversity, but I found in talking to the Muslims in my community some that I've had somewhat of a dialogue with, that there is a lot of fear on their end. Especially as things develop across the world globally that the gap is widening.

Yeah. Christians who have a burden to just have a conversation with them, to show them that they care about them. What advice would you give them?

Carter: I would say

I would say find opportunities to walk into contact with them. And don't be afraid of asking questions. I think for those that are Christians, if someone comes up to you that's an atheist or not agnostic and says, Hey, I I heard you're a Christian, or, I know you're a Christian, can you tell me why you think like this?

Or can you explain to me what you believe about this? Most Christians would say That would be amazing. I would love it if someone asked me. To share what I believe or why I believe what I believe or why I practice some certain thing, or why do you go to church every Sunday? If we would love to share, then those that are of the Muslim faith, they're human beings too.

And they would love to share their experiences, their feelings. You don't have to be afraid of asking, Hey, tell me, what is it like to be a Muslim in our city? Tell me your story. How did you, where, where are you from and how did you get connected and what has your experience been?

Those questions are questions that open up, friendship and conversation. I always think about Jesus and John four when he goes to the woman at the well. And we always think about that sermon...

Ep. 6 Nadine Maenza - The Intersection of Advocacy and Relationship-Building in Religious Freedom Efforts

Love Your Neighbor Community — Fri, 10 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Join Jessica Eturralde as she engages with Nadine Maenza, a leading advocate for religious freedom, in this insightful episode of LYNC INTERVIEW. They explore strategies for advancing religious freedom through advocacy and collaboration, reflect on challenges and triumphs in Uzbekistan, and discuss the global movement for religious liberty.

*0:00* – *Introduction*

Jessica introduces the episode's focus on religious freedom advocacy, relationship-building, and trust.

*0:42* – *Guest Introduction*

Jessica introduces Nadine Maenza, highlighting her leadership roles and extensive on-the-ground experience in advancing international religious freedom.

*1:20* – *Dialogue in Uzbekistan*

Maenza reflects on her assessment (along with other experts invited to visit the country specifically for the delegation) in Uzbekistan in 2024, discussing how advocacy and trust-building created meaningful partnerships with government officials, civil society, and religious leaders.

*5:16* – *Insight into Cooperative Engagement*

Maenza explains the importance of constructive dialogue, tailored recommendations, and collaborative engagement for fostering social cohesion and religious freedom. She shares a personal perspective of addressing sensitive issues with government leaders and the value of balancing public and private advocacy efforts.

*5:45* – *A Case for Advocacy and Relational Diplomacy*

Maenza discusses the importance of fostering cohesive societies and advocating for all religious communities, emphasizing the strength of collective action among minority groups.

*12:00* – *Lessons Learned from Working as USCIRF Chair*

Exploring the complementary roles of advocates raising awareness and builders implementing on-the-ground solutions to advance freedom of religion and belief.

*13:57* – *Call to Action*

Nadine encourages listeners to get involved in the religious freedom movement through advocacy, building, research, and/or amplifying stories of success and persecution.

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*Resources Mentioned:*

*Report:* Assessment of Religious Freedom in Uzbekistan: Progress and Perspectives – [Read Here] https://lyncommunity.org/report/asses...
*IRF Secretariat Website:* Visit: https://irfsecretariat.org
*IRF Roundtable Website:* visit: https://irfroundtable.org

Follow Nadine on Twitter (X) @NadineMaenza

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*Connect with Us:*

If you enjoyed today’s program, please like, subscribe to our YouTube channel, and share this episode on your social media to spread the message of religious freedom. For more stories, case studies, and resources, visit [lyncommunity.org](https://lyncommunity.org).

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*Thank You:*

Thank you, Nadine Maenza, for your dedication to fostering freedom, collaboration, and understanding worldwide! Your insights inspire us to build a better future together.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioujWtuSFtM&t=43s

Ep. 5 Dr. Eva Witesman - Untapped Opportunity: Businesses Drive Social Impact + Advance Religious Freedom

Love Your Neighbor Community — Fri, 06 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0400

In this episode of LYNC INTERVIEW, Dr. Eva Witesman from BYU’s Marriott School of Business explores how businesses can transcend profit-driven motives to become active players in fostering social impact, advancing religious freedom, and building resilient communities. She delves into the complexities of business ethics, including the challenges of addressing child labor in global supply chains, highlighting the importance of socially responsible solutions.

Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00 - 01:25] Introduction

Host Jessica Eturralde introduces Dr. Eva Witesman, professor at BYU's Marriott School of Business, and sets the stage for a discussion on how businesses can go beyond profits to foster social impact and religious freedom.

[01:26 - 04:45] Defining Religious Freedom in Business

Dr. Witesman explores how religious freedom intersects with corporate culture, emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive workspaces where employees can express their whole selves.

[04:46 - 08:15] The Role of Corporations as Social Actors

Corporations are not just economic entities—they are public and social spaces, says Dr. Witesman. She discusses how businesses can use their influence to promote religious pluralism and shape public discourse.

[08:16 - 13:40] Addressing the Complexities of Child Labor

Dr. Witesman delves into the ethical challenges businesses face in global supply chains, particularly child labor. She explains how simplistic solutions often lead to unintended consequences, such as pushing families into greater vulnerability, and advocates for holistic approaches.

[13:41 - 18:30] Bridging Civil Society and Business for Global Challenges

The conversation shifts to collaboration between businesses, NGOs, and governments. Dr. Witesman underscores the need for intersectoral dialogue to address pressing global issues like religious freedom and social cohesion.

[18:31 - 23:15] Examples of Businesses Driving Positive Change

Dr. Witesman shares real-world examples of corporations that have successfully aligned their operations with moral and ethical values, demonstrating how business ethics can drive peacebuilding and social impact.

[23:16 - 27:45] Markets as Tools for Public Good

The discussion highlights how markets, when designed ethically, can reduce poverty, promote peace, and address societal challenges while respecting cultural and religious diversity.

[27:46 - 32:10] Practical Steps for Businesses to Engage

Dr. Witesman provides actionable recommendations for businesses looking to integrate religious freedom and pluralism into their operations, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement and value-driven leadership.

[32:11 - 35:50] Closing Reflections

Dr. Witesman reflects on the transformative potential of businesses when they embrace their role as moral actors. Jessica wraps up the conversation by encouraging viewers to rethink the role of corporations in fostering global change.

Links & Resources

Watch the full episode: LYNC INTERVIEW Episode 5

Visit our website for more episodes: LYNC Community

Learn more about Dr. Eva Witesman: BYU Marriott School of Business

Ep. 4 Dr. Dennis Hoover - The Grand Bargain of Religious Freedom and Religious Responsibility

Love Your Neighbor Community — Fri, 15 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0400

The Grand Bargain of Religious Freedom and Religious Responsibility w/Dr. Dennis Hoover

In this episode of LYNC INTERVIEW, host Jessica Eturralde sits down with Dr. Dennis Hoover, Senior Fellow at Love Your Neighbor Community and at the Institute for Global Engagement, and Editor-in-Chief of The Review of Faith & International Affairs.

Dr. Hoover explores themes from his recent speech in Doha, Qatar, titled "The Grand Bargain of Religious Freedom and Religious Responsibility" where he examines the balance between religious freedom and responsibility.

Through a compelling case study on the Mennonite and Amish communities in the U.S., Dr. Hoover discusses how these groups have maintained high levels of religious freedom while upholding social responsibility through law-abiding behavior, economic contributions, and humanitarian work. He highlights the essential “grand bargain” that both governments and religious groups must honor—engaging with mutual respect, making reasonable accommodations, and sharing responsibility for the common good.

Tune in to hear Dr. Hoover’s insights on creating a sustainable environment for religious freedom, the role of governments in protecting minority rights, and the importance of covenantal pluralism in fostering mutual respect and social cohesion.

🔗 Link to Dr. Hoover’s full written article: https://globalengage.org/portico/the-...

🌐 For more information on religious freedom building, visit: lyncommunity.org

Topics Discussed:

_Balancing religious freedom with social responsibility

_Case study: Mennonite and Amish communities

_The role of governments in supporting religious freedom

_The impact of religious repression on society

_How covenantal pluralism supports sustainable freedom

Ep. 3 Dr. Chris Seiple - Religious Freedom & National Security: Building Peace, Preventing Extremism

Love Your Neighbor Community — Fri, 04 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Links:

Read Seiple’s Op Ed: https://religionnews.com/2023/01/25/advocates-and-builders-advancing-religious-freedom-together/

Learn more about the two-day civil society program taking place in Berlin, Germany Oct 8 - 10 in connection with The 2024 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief: https://irfsecretariat.org/berlin-pro...

Guest: Dr. Chris Seiple, Senior Fellow at Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC), Head of Sagestone Group

Introduction: In this episode of LYNC INTERVIEW, host Jessica Eturralde interviews Dr. Chris Seiple, who speaks on the vital connection between religious freedom and national security, focusing on how protecting religious rights can promote peace and mitigate extremism. The conversation concludes with recommendations for the 2024 Ministerial Conference in Berlin.

[MAIN TOPICS]

Religious Freedom and National Security:

Dr. Seiple highlights that religious freedom isn't just a moral imperative but also a practical solution for peace. When people protect those with different beliefs, they ensure mutual security, fostering stability and attracting foreign investment.

Restrictive Policies and Their Consequences:

Policies that repress religious groups, even with good intentions, can fuel extremism. Dr. Seiple explains how blanket repression of entire religious communities often alienates those who could otherwise help prevent radicalization.

Key Concept: Repression leads to resentment, while inclusion fosters peace. Working with religious leaders within communities can counteract extremist narratives.

Role of Religious Leaders in Peacebuilding:

Religious leaders are often trusted more than politicians in many societies. However, they must balance maintaining credibility with both their community and the government.

Challenges: Leaders must navigate the pressures from both sides—aligning with the government may weaken their trust with the public, while appearing to side with extremists can make them a government target.

The Importance of Building Trust:

Dr. Seiple shares examples from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, where LYNC has brought religious leaders and government officials together through cross-cultural religious literacy programs. These efforts foster dialogue, trust, and practical actions to address grievances and prevent extremism.

Key Concept: “Talk, trust, and tangible actions” form the process that moves from self-interest to lasting peace.

Complexity of Mitigating Extremism Locally:

Dr. Seiple underscores that preventing extremism on the ground can be as complex as maintaining relationships in a marriage or family. Understanding people’s diverse perspectives requires patience and active effort.

Key Concept: "Mirror imaging" is a natural human tendency—projecting our own thoughts and values onto others. This is why it’s vital to engage communities in their own language and context, loving them as "neighbors" in a way that makes sense to them.

The Power of Trust:

In these complex dynamics, trust plays a pivotal role. Local religious leaders may not fully trust each other, but they trust the outsiders who facilitate dialogue.

Key Concept: It’s about creating a safe space for open communication between the government and religious communities, helping to bridge gaps in trust.

Religious Freedom and Marriage Analogy:

Dr. Seiple uses an analogy to emphasize understanding in international relations, comparing it to a marriage: the moment you realize the person next to you is not you. In both relationships and diplomacy, understanding the other's perspective is crucial.

The Upcoming Berlin Ministerial Conference:

Dr. Seiple provides recommendations for the October 2024 Ministerial Conference in Berlin, emphasizing the need to include majority world voices in discussions about religious freedom and national security.

Key Points: Religious persecution isn't just a "foreign" issue—it’s happening globally, including in places like Europe, where extremist groups are on the rise. Addressing grievances and including minority communities in a country's larger story of citizenship can prevent oppression and extremism.

The Threat of Fascism and Communism in Germany:

Dr. Seiple references the resurgence of groups like AFD (Alternative for Germany) and BSW (Communist sympathizers) in recent German elections, illustrating how extremism can re-emerge even in societies with histories of overcoming oppression.

Closing Thoughts: Dr. Seiple calls for humility and equal platforming during global discussions on religious freedom. He advocates for the majority world (Central Asia, Africa, Latin America) to share their own perspectives on religious freedom and extremism, rather than being lectured by Western nations.

Conclusion: LYNC, the IRF Secretariat, and Templeton Religion Trust are holding events from October 8–10, 2024, in Berlin to facilitate these vital conversations. Visit lyncommunity.org for more information and resources on religious freedom.

Ep. 2 Wade Kusack - Why Should We Care About International Religious Freedom?

Love Your Neighbor Community — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Host: Jessica Eturralde, Communications Director at LYNC

Guest: Wade Kusack, Founder & CEO of Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC)

In this episode, Jessica Eturralde interviews Wade Kusack about the importance of international religious freedom and why it's not just an idealistic pursuit, but a matter of self-interest for all. Together, they discuss the role of religious freedom in global security, democracy, economic growth, and cultural exchange.

Key Points:

[01:35] – Why International Religious Freedom Matters

Wade explains that promoting religious freedom globally is in everyone's best interest, as it creates more stable, peaceful societies, which benefits not only the people in those societies but also contributes to global safety.

[03:50] – Religious Freedom and U.S. Leadership

Religious freedom is not only a moral principle but also a cornerstone of democracy. Wade highlights how U.S. leadership in religious freedom strengthens global alliances and promotes stable democratic governments worldwide.

[06:15] – Religious Persecution and National Security

Wade addresses how religious freedom helps reduce extremism and contributes to national security by weakening the conditions that lead to radicalization.

[08:10] – Economic Benefits of Religious Freedom

Countries that uphold religious freedom create open, inclusive environments conducive to economic growth and foreign investment. Wade discusses how religious freedom supports stable markets, benefiting U.S. businesses and global trade.

[12:00] – Diplomatic Ties and Cultural Exchange

Promoting religious freedom strengthens diplomatic relationships and fosters greater global understanding through cultural exchange, ultimately benefiting international relations.

[14:45] – Learning from Global Experiences

Wade explains how efforts in promoting religious freedom abroad, such as LYNC's work in Central Asia, also teach valuable lessons that can strengthen the U.S.'s own approach to religious tolerance.

Conclusion:

Wade recaps that supporting international religious freedom is not just about standing up for principles—it protects national security, strengthens economies, builds global relationships, and fosters a more inclusive world.

Call to Action:

For more information on LYNC’s work and resources related to religious freedom building, visit lyncommunity.org.