Conferences

Keynote Address

Mr. Eiman Abdel-Moneim, Ms. Sheila McLaughlin, Rabbi Michael Sternfield

The terrible events of September 11, 2001 opened our eyes to many things. Since that morning, it is hard to view the world the same way. It is interesting that religion has played such a big role both in the events of that day and subsequently. You might have asked yourself, “How could anyone claim to be doing terrible things like that and praising God at the same time?” Sadly, “religious” people can do some of the most awful evil in the world. Is that the will of God?

Enough of that!

We invite you to listen and learn as leaders from the Muslim, Catholic, and Jewish faiths proudly tell us about their God. Their God gives life to the world.

Mr. Eiman Abdel-Moneim is a first generation American born Muslim from Egyptian immigrant parents. Eiman works as a consultant and is a member of the executive committee of the Nawawi Foundation, an educational foundation that focuses on building bridges of understanding between Islam and the West. Eiman is a native of Chicago where he currently lives with his wife and 2 children.

Ms. Sheila McLaughlin is director of the Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Center for Theology and Ministry at Catholic Theological Union (CTU). She is also the former director of the Office for Divine Worship, Archdiocese of Chicago. She holds a master’s degree in Pastoral Studies from CTU. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions and the Georgetown Center for Liturgy.

Rabbi Michael P. Sternfield has been a Rabbi for over 25 years, most recently with the Chicago Sinai Congregation. His credits include 19 years as senior rabbi of Congregation Beth Israel in San Diego, and Durban Progressive Jewish Congregation in South Africa. He is a graduate of UCLA and currently resides in Hyde Park with his wife, Cantor Deborah Bard.