More Than a Cup of Coffee and Tea: A Generation of Lutheran-Muslim Relationships

Islamophobia continues to rise among Americans even within progressive mainline churches, creating a poisonous and dangerous atmosphere for interfaith relations. American Lutherans, however, have been engaged in dialogue with Islam for over a generation. Originally, like other Protestant churches, Lutherans studied Islam as a monolithic religious system for the purpose of proselytizing the Christian faith. Over the years and with experience, American Lutherans came to know Islam as a faith tradition of believers in different cultures and contexts. By developing relationships with Muslim neighbors, some ELCA Lutherans and their international partners have learned that it is possible to witness to the Christian faith and listen to Muslim neighbors for the purpose of understanding and to work for a common cause of justice. More Than a Cup of Coffee and Tea documents the “Focus on Islam” that began in the 1980s among ELCA Lutherans and then reflects on more than a generation of engagement with Muslims in various domestic and international contexts. This volume documents where the ELCA has been, what it has learned, and encourages others to continue to develop positive relationships with Muslim neighbors and communities as a Christian activity and to combat Islamophobia. “The chapters in this volume help us better understand the relationships Lutherans have had with Muslims, both in the United States and around the world. It is a welcome addition to the literature on Christian-Muslim dialogue.”—Amir Hussain, Loyola Marymount University“A grand tour across Lutheran-Muslim relations. From theological exploration to grassroots engagement, from ELCA history and policy to lived experiences, this book is a wonderful collection of chapters by Lutheran luminaries who illustrate Lutheran-Muslim interaction locally, nationally, and globally. Through deep reflection and personal narratives and journeys, this volume communicates a true ‘dialogue of life’ in the midst of real challenges, offering insight, hope, and guidance.”—Peter Makari, author of Conflict and Cooperation: Christian-Muslim Relations in Contemporary Egypt“This volume by scholars and church leaders with deep experience in interreligious dialogue reflects the bold actions the ELCA has taken since 9/11 to advance Lutheran-Muslim relations. It is a valuable resource for Lutherans, but also for Christians of all denominations and scholars seeking to understand present-day Islamophobia and efforts to cultivate strong Christian-Muslim relationships in the United States and around the globe.”—Deanna Ferree Womack, author of Neighbors: Christians and Muslims Building Community“I grew up learning to drink coffee and tea from my Muslim sisters and brothers in Senegal. . . . In a time of continued discord and misunderstanding between Western and Islamic-majority worlds, More Than a Cup of Coffee and Tea is an invitation to listen, to learn, and to be inspired toward making an intentional impact in the distinct contexts in which we live.”—Paul-Gordon Chandler, bishop of The Episcopal Church in Wyoming and founding president of CARAVAN Read more