Date: May 12, 2025
The Center for Anglican Communion Studies-Rumi Forum Scriptural Reasoning (SR) series for ’24-’25 has ended and we’re very happy with the results. From September- April the partnership hosted 8 monthly discussions based on the Rose Castle Foundation’s “12 Habits of Reconciliation”. Our numbers have grown this year from an average 10 – 15 participants to close to 20 at each monthly meeting. Our highest attendance was in March when the Rumi Forum generously held a beautiful iftar at the end of the session.
Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians, Jews, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain topic. Facilitated by a study leader, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives across the Abrahamic traditions. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s own scriptures, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities.
CACS also held two training sessions for SR discussion leaders this year, both in September 2024. We held one beginner’s training for people new to SR and one advanced training session for experienced members and those who have been through training previously. Hannah Larn, Head of Programs at the Rose Castle Foundation, visited personally to oversee these trainings and both sessions were well-attended. We look forward to having some of our September participants as discussion leaders in future sessions next academic year.
The Rev. A. Katherine Grieb, Ph.D. ’83
Director, Center for Anglican Communion Studies
The Meade Professor of Biblical Interpretation and New Testament