I am currently taking World Christianity in Intercultural and Interreligious Perspectives class at the Catholic Theological Union (CTU). This class explores how Christianity interacts with other religions and cultures worldwide. It emphasizes the importance of understanding other belief systems, recognizing the common ground between them, and cultivating respectful dialogue. One class assignment is to visit a place of worship of a religion other than Christianity. I saw this as a fantastic opportunity to learn more about a faith I was not familiar with, and I decided to visit a nearby mosque to experience Islam firsthand.
As I planned my visit, I wanted to share this experience. I invited Sisters Annie Bremmer and Veronica Wood to join me, hoping they also would be interested in learning more about Islam. I was grateful when they agreed to come along, especially since they were open to dressing modestly, a customary practice when entering a mosque. Engaging in the experience together created a sense of unity and made the visit even more meaningful.
When we arrived at the mosque, we were warmly greeted by a man and a woman who would be our guides for the visit. They were incredibly kind, patient, and eager to share their knowledge. As they spoke, it became clear that their intention was not only to educate but also to foster mutual respect and understanding. Their openness and humility made it easy for us to ask questions and engage in thoughtful conversation.
The experience was eye-opening and enriching. I learned not only about the practices of Islam but also the values that shape Muslims’ lives. As I listened to their explanations, I was struck by the many similarities between Islam and Christianity — values like charity, humility, and reverence for God. This reminded me of the words in Matthew 22:39, where Jesus commands, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” This is the heart of our Catholic faith and the foundation for how we should approach people of all religions. I realized that engaging with Muslims, or followers of any faith, in a spirit of love and respect is part of living out this commandment.
What I learned during this visit was not just intellectual but deeply spiritual. It deepened my empathy and understanding of people who follow a different path of faith. It reminded me that every religion carries with it a search for truth and a desire to live in peace with others. As Catholics, it is essential that we engage in respectful dialogue with people of all faiths, seeking common ground where we can work together for the common good. This is particularly vital in our ministry, where the goal is not to convert others but to build bridges of understanding, compassion, and mutual respect.
This visit has reinforced my belief that interfaith dialogue is not only an academic exercise but a way to live our faith by loving our neighbors as ourselves. In seeking to understand others, we can foster peace, unity, and deeper relationships. It was an enriching and transformative experience, one that I believe will help me in my ministry and in living out the values of the Catholic faith.
–-S. Maisie Ng (January 24, 2025)
