Dialogue Institute of the Southwest
Aim
Promote mutual understanding, respect and cooperation among people of diverse faiths and cultures by creating opportunities for direct communication and meaningful shared experiences.
History
Dialogue Institute of the Southwest (formerly known as the Institute of Interfaith Dialog) grew out of the need to address the question, "How can citizens of the world live in peace and harmony?" The Institute was established in 2002 as a 501-c-3 non-profit educational organisation by Turkish-Americans and their friends.
IRD Activities
- Annual Dialogue and Friendship Dinners
Guests from different cultures and religions have the joy of sharing their meal on the same table while having a warm conversation
- International Trips
The institute organizes study trips to Turkey to explore different cultures and religions through first-hand experiences
- Panels of Abrahamic Traditions
In these panels, three speakers from Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions share their insights about the panel's topic. Attendants are offered an opportunity to have first-hand interaction with scholars of the Abrahamic faiths and learn from each other by engaging in discussions
- Peace and Dialogue Awards
The institute organizes every year those awards to strengthen dialogue, respect, and peace in the society
- Peace Garden
This is a unique project to celebrate the beauty of peaceful coexistence among Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Comprising a synagogue, a church, and a mosque, the Peace Garden will host a variety of educational programs that have never been available to the Houston community before
- Education and Dialogue Institute of the Southwest
An intrinsic aspect of the Institute is to promote the study of world religions and spiritual faiths in order to gain wisdom and knowledge so that people will have a renewed sense of gratitude, and respect for the spiritual beliefs they hold closest to their hearts. By being in constant communication with other people who have different traditions from their own, we each have the opportunity to refine and appreciate our own beliefs and traditions.
Main Focus Countries of Activities
USA - Turkey - USA - USA - Houston, TX, USA - USA