Projects

The Project

The project comprised of six separate groups having monthly meetings for six consecutive months. Each group was made up of four Muslims and four Christians.

The First Project - Ryde/Strathfield & Auburn Region

Our first project was completed in the Ryde/Strathfield and Auburn Region. For more information about this project see Ryde/Strathfield & Auburn Region.

The Second Project - Western Sydney & Hills District Region

The second round of Home Encounters was held in the Western Sydney and Hills District region. For more information about this project see Western Sydney & Hills District Region.

The Third Project - St George Area Region

The most recent Home Encounters was held in the St George Area. For more information about this project see St George Area Region.

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The Project Structure

A facilitator directed each meeting, which covered a set topic from a Christian and Muslim perspective in each meeting. For more information about the topics covered see Discussions.

After a particular faith's perspective was presented, a respondent from the other faith tradition summarised the presentation in their own words and as they understood it. This was followed by an informal discussion and question and answer session.

The key to success was the establishment of an atmosphere of trust in an informal setting of a house, training each participant in listening skills and having a willingness to understand. The right atmosphere, the right skill set and right attitude produced a unique community-based educational approach in Muslim-Christian relations.

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The Project Outcomes

The initial organising committee for the Ryde/Strathfied and Auburn Region was authorised to formulate and execute the project to ensure that the following outcomes were met:

  • People who would be willing to take part in the project were found.
  • The format of the gatherings was formulated.
  • The topics of discussion would be identified and agreed to the satisfaction of both Muslims and Christians.
  • The meetings were carried out with full participation.
  • The project was video taped from start to end and then an edited documentary tape was produced.
  • The writings from both Muslim and Christian perspective addressing the common topics were compiled into a book Sustained Dialogue: Close Encounters of the Christian-Muslim kind

Please explore our website to gain a deeper insight into this innovative community-based initiative and explore included links, information and access to papers and issues that are of interest to the Home Encounters Network (HEN) group.