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: 12/4/2007 Subject: Is it okay for a pastor to be married to a non-believer?
Question Let's say that a person is attending a biblical school and aims to be a pastor. However, he is involved with a person who is Muslim. Both people are strong believers, I am just wondering if this is a big deal since that person wants to be a pastor? Will other church members despise this pastor? Or will they accept him? Do you know of anyone who is in similar situation?
Answer Greetings Diya, and thanks for your question. I think these days it is getting easier to be in such relationships. My best recommendation is to look up on the internet Harold and Mai Vogelaar, who are a recently-retired couple; he is a pastor and seminary professor; she is a Thai Muslim. I don't have a current contact for them, but you may be able to find it.
