Tri-Faith Dialogue Seminars
Building mutual understanding across Judaism, Christianity, Islam, and the Eastern traditions
In partnership with
Founded in 1968, Catholic Theological Union - one of the largest Catholic theology graduate schools – offers a dynamic, ecumenical environment for lay and ordained ministry that emphasizes academic excellence, social justice, interfaith dialogue, and advancing interreligious understanding. Notably, Pope Leo XIV is among its distinguished alumni and studied at CTU from 1977 to 1982 as a seminarian for the Augustinian order.
The Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago offers core religious services and education that nurture Islamic faith, ethics, and civic responsibility; it also builds mutual respect through interfaith dialogues, social visits, and public lectures that highlight Islam’s peaceful values and shared Abrahamic heritage.
North Shore Congregation Israel is a vibrant Reform community that welcomes people of all backgrounds, offering innovative religious education, service opportunities, and inspiring worship, with a deep commitment to inclusion across identities and abilities, and to advancing interfaith dialogue.
Divine Mercy Parish is a vibrant Catholic faith community serving Chicago’s North Shore, encompassing two worship sites: Sacred Heart Church in Winnetka and St. Philip the Apostle Church in Northfield. Rooted in the Archdiocese of Chicago, the parish is committed to inspiring disciples of Jesus to share God’s love and transform the world. This mission is reflected in their comprehensive programs, including faith formation for all ages, outreach ministries, and a strong emphasis on interfaith collaboration.
The purpose of this program is to build mutual understanding among individuals of different faiths. In today’s polarized society, it’s easy to generalize the actions of a minority to an entire faith community, and there is often a natural apprehension towards unfamiliar experiences. Engaging with individuals from diverse backgrounds, however, builds understanding and fosters more positive attitudes toward them. By creating opportunities for personal interactions, we can cultivate stronger, more empathetic connections across communities.
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For over twelve years, First Analysis Institute, in collaboration with the Catholic Theological Union, organized and sponsored the impactful In Good Faith seminars. Through these candid exchanges, participants deepened their respect for the religious practices of others. While there may not always be complete agreement, the program fostered meaningful connections and insights into Jewish, Christian, and Islamic perspectives.
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Today, the First Analysis Institute continues to support this approach through the Tri-Faith Dialogue seminars, in partnership with the Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago, the North Shore Congregation Israel, and the Devine Mercy Parish. We remain dedicated to bringing together members of the Chicagoland community to meet others of different faiths, engage in meaningful dialogue, and listen to a diverse array of speakers and topics.
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An overview of past programs in the Tri-Faith Dialogue series and on the historical program Conversations in Good Faith is available below.
Overview
Tri-Faith Dialogue seminars
First Analysis Institute’s Tri-Faith Dialogue seminars foster mutual understanding across faiths by creating space for personal, face-to-face conversation, bringing Chicagoland neighbors together to engage with a diverse slate of speakers.
MAY 2025
Religion and
Politics
Speakers: Dr. Gary Porton, Michael P. Murphy PHD, Prof. Omer Mozaffar
Location: Sacred Heart (Winnetka, Illinois)
APRIL 2024
Respecting the other with Love, Charity, & Justice
Speakers: Dr. Robin Ryan, Rabbi Shoshanah Conover, Sheikh Kifah Mustapha
Location: Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago
NOVEMBER 2024
Speakers: Rabbi Anna Levin Rosen, Karen Ross, Shaykh Yousef Wahb,
Location: North Shore Congregation Israel and the Chicago Theological Union
NOVEMBER 2023
In Good Faith: Religion in Domestic Politics
Speakers: David Goldenberg, Steven Millies, Sh. Noman Hussain
Location: Islamic Cultural Center of Greater Chicago
Overview
Conversations in Good Faith
For more than a decade, First Analysis Institute and Catholic Theological Union hosted the Conversations in Good Faith seminars - candid interfaith dialogues that deepened respect and forged connections across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.
NOVEMBER 2024
Speakers: Rabbi Anna Levin Rosen, Karen Ross, Shaykh Yousef Wahb,
Location: North Shore Congregation Israel and the Chicago Theological Union
APRIL 2016
Setting the Captives Free?
Incarceration and Liberty in Judaism, Christianity and Islam
Speakers: Rabbi Victor Mirelman, Imam Frederick Thaufeer al-Deen, and Rev. David Kelly CPPS
Link seminar recording: learn.ctu.edu/in-good-faith-4-16-15
MARCH 2021
(Re)Imagining Faith & Worship during and after the Pandemic
Speakers: Dr. Steed Davidson, Dr. Steven P. Millies, Dr. Syed Atif Rizwan, Dr. Mal Z Simkovich
Link to seminar recording: learn.ctu.edu/in-good-faith-2021
MARCH 2016
"The Rise of the Nones": Spiritual but Not Religious
Speakers: Rabbi Evan Moffic, Rev. Edward Foley, O.F.M. Cap., Ph.D., Hind Makki