Indonesian Delegation to Stay at LSTC: A Unique Interfaith Opportunity

This fall, the Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago will host an Indonesian delegation of 20 Muslim boarding school leaders for two months as they participate in interfaith events led by American Islamic College. Thanks to a collaborative grant from Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs and USAID, these leaders will engage in the “Interreligious Engagement for Peacebuilding” certificate program from October 18 through December 13, 2024.

While the program is organized by American Islamic College, LSTC will play an integral role by providing housing for the delegation. This presents a unique opportunity for the LSTC community to participate in a range of activities that promote authentic interfaith engagement. With the input and support of our own students, we are preparing to welcome the delegates with Lutheran hospitality, helping them settle into their apartments, explore the Hyde Park area, and adjust to life on campus. As Jan Frando Purba, one LSTC student welcoming the delegation has said, “As LSTC is already unique and diverse, I hope this interfaith exchange further inspires the entire LSTC community to see the beauty in differences and continue to work on its anti-discrimination work.”

This exciting collaboration offers the LSTC community a chance to engage in meaningful interfaith dialogue and extend our Lutheran hospitality to global partners in peacebuilding. As we welcome our guests, let us embrace the opportunity to learn from one another, deepen our understanding of diverse faith traditions, and contribute to the broader mission of fostering peace through interreligious engagement.

If you would like to learn how to contribute to this unique event, please reach out to Sara Trumm at strumm@lstc.edu.