Amb. Rabbi David Saperstein, Prof. John Azumah, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, Pastor Dr. Bob Roberts
In a timely meeting at the Jubilee House, the Presidential Palace of Ghana, the Ghanaian Vice President, His Excellency Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia stood watch as the leadership of the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network and The Sanneh Institute signed a Framework Agreement outlining a partnership to strengthen religious freedom, religious literacy, and multi-faith engagement, to include scholarship, in West Africa such that relationships between Christians and Muslims deepen and expand in a manner that protects and promotes the well-being of all.
This Agreement was signed because we understand that Islam and Christianity will make up a majority of the world’s population by the end of the century, and that these two world religions currently make up an overwhelming majority of the population of West Africa. We understand that global stability and peace is, to a large degree, dependent on these different faith communities working together in mutual respect for each other’s common dignity, while acknowledging irreconcilable theological differences, as well as common values such as peace, mercy, justice, compassion, and love. We agree that people of all faiths and none, beginning with Muslims and Christians, should seek to build bridges of peace and harmony—according to the best of their faith traditions, rooted in their holy scriptures—serving as instruments for that work, to the degree that each are equipped and able to do so. We acknowledge that all knowledge comes from God, and that good scholarship is essential for sustainable action, especially joint scholarship conducted by Christian-Muslim teams.We desire to build peace, rooted in our respective traditions, seeking common values that serve all citizens.
The document was signed by Pastor Dr. Bob Roberts, Amb. Rabbi David Saperstein and Dr. John Azumah. Also in attendance were Dr. Chris Seiple, Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Ruth Addo, Dr. Emmanual Bellon, Daniel Langford, Micah Fries, Khaled Aldagestani and Naif Alshammari.
The Agreement is rooted in some essential principles of cooperation. These principles include, respect for one another’s faith traditions and the histories and heritages associated with them. Respect for the distinct yet complementary mission of each organization. Respect for the rule of law and each country’s legal system wherever the work may occur. And finally, respect for the need for timely consultation and engagement.