Walid meets with OIC reps to discuss interfaith dialogue and the Darfur crisis

CAIR-MI MEETS WITH OIC REPRESENTATIVES

(SOUTHFIELD, MI, 6/29/2007) - The Michigan chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-MI) yesterday met with representatives from the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) in Detroit to exchange information about interfaith dialogue and social justice issues.

The meetings, which were coordinated by the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, were held at the Muslim Center in Detroit, Michigan and the Islamic Association of Greater Detroit in Rochester Hills, Michigan.

OIC representatives inquired into the demographics of the Detroit Muslim community, religious programs of local mosques and interfaith activities.

The representatives also discussed the organization's efforts to confront Islamophobia as well as its analysis and intervention in the current humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan.

"We commend the U.S. State Department's efforts to cultivate better relations between America and the Muslim world through its activities with the OIC," said CAIR-MI Executive Director Dawud Walid. "The meeting was not only an educational opportunity for the OIC delegates, but also an opportunity for American Muslim leaders to share their common interests and concerns with OIC representatives."

CAIR, America's largest Islamic civil liberties group, has 33 offices and chapters nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.