AboutLe Anne Clausen Expertise I can answer questions about interfaith relations, particularly Christian-Muslim. This includes efforts in this country and internationally, especially the Middle East. I can answer about interfaith efforts for peacemaking and social justice issues, and I can offer advice on how to begin your own interfaith dialogue or cooperation efforts. I can answer some but not all questions about Christianity's and other religion's perspectives towards engaging in interfaith relations
Experience I have an MA in Christian-Muslim relations and I was a human rights worker for four years in the Middle East, including Israel/Palestine, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan. I have also spent time in Central Asia, including Iran and Afghanistan. I am currently working to create an interfaith peace-teams based human rights organization.
Publications:
Before Abu Ghraib: Stories from a Human Rights Worker in Iraq (pending)
“Seminary Behind Bars,” Theolog, [blog of the Christian Century], June 2008
“Discovering the Hazara Shi’a of Afghanistan” The Worldly, November 2007
“A Nest For Kabul’s Street Children, and the Underside of International Aid.”
The Worldly, October 2007
“Be the Healers: Responding to Abu Ghraib.” The Lutheran, July 2004
Blog: “Journal of a Young Activist,” www.young-activist.blogspot.com (since 2000). Also www.christian-muslim.net, and www.seminaryaction.org.
Expert: Le Anne Clausen Date: 10/12/2007 Subject: Catholic-Orthodox relationship
Question I met and fell in love with a strict orthodox christian last year. I was raised catholic and practice on holidays. We met through work and had a beautiful courtship. He was willing to work out our differences, but after a few months, he was convinced that his family would never accept me. He decided that all contact with me should be cut to avoid further suffering. I was left heartbroken and filled with doubts. I wasn't able to tell him that I would consider converting. He moved back home with his parents and accepted his fate of an arranged wedding with any girl he chooses from his church.
It's been months, since he moved away and I was transferred to work in his town. He doesn't know I am here and I am afraid to contact him.
Do you think there's any chance he might reconsider now that I live closer and have learned and become so interested in orthodoxy? I am even traveling to the middle east soon to possibly be baptized. He has no idea.
Help?
Answer Greetings Maria, and thanks for your question. What a story! Well, I do think it would be wise to try and reach him before you travel and possibly get baptized. Now that you are in the same hometown as his parents, this may also be helpful--sometimes hearts soften when a person is seen face to face.
Still, it is good to also exercise caution. Is becoming Orthodox what you really want for your life, even if a relationship with this man is not possible? Are there any other reasons this man thought his family would not accept you? These are just good things to work through.
Still, these questions don't get answered alone. Do try to arrange a meeting, and tell him about your journey. Find out from him if he is still interested in pursuing a relationship. After this, try to meet his family. And only after having these pieces considered, make decisions about your faith.
Good luck! I hope this helps. Please let me know if there are any other questions I can help with.
