Macdonald Center Offers Resources in Response to War in the Middle East

With the present war in the Middle East, Americans need accurate information to better understand the region, the Muslim world, and American Iranian relations. HIU's Macdonald Center for the Study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations is a trusted resource for community organizations and religious groups, led by a faculty dedicated to interreligious and intercultural dialogue . 

The effects of the current war are felt not only overseas but within our own communities. American service women and men are put on alert and called up, leaving their families with uncertainty. Anger and frustration over the economy and immigration have created an atmosphere where some Americans harbor a growing resentment toward Muslims, who are often perceived as un-American. Along with the war in Gaza and media coverage of the Somali community in Minnesota, studies have shown an increase in “Islamophobia” among the public. The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) has noted that anti-Muslim bigotry is pervasive and systemic. One of the most important ways to combat hate of any kind is to create opportunities for individuals of different backgrounds and religious traditions to meet together.  

Since 1973, the Duncan Black Macdonald Center (MC) has focused on academic and public education in the study of Islam and Christian-Muslim Relations. At various times throughout its history, the Center has provided public leadership in response to real or perceived turmoil in the Muslim world by providing educational events in churches, synagogues, schools, businesses, and civic organizations. 

A partner to the Macdonald Center is the Muslim Coalition of Connecticut (MCCT). Founded in 2004 to respond to "the negative illustrations of Muslims,” MCCT’s membership have been active and effective in creating and maintaining relationships with "educational institutions, faith-based organizations, government entities, corporations, and local healthcare facilities.” 

As part of our common mission, MCCT and the Macdonald Center are partnering specifically to dismantle anti-Islamic views and bigotry that threatens the livelihood of Muslim citizens and members of the American society to 

If you would like to find a faculty or HIU alum to present to your group or community, provide resources for further knowledge, or to help plan an interreligious program or guided dialogue with Muslims, please see the Macdonald Center Faculty Resource Page. You may also email or call the Rev. Dr. David D. Grafton at dbmc@hartfordinternational.edu, or 860-509-8538. 

OR, if you would like to find a Muslim presenter from a local Muslim community, please visit the MCCT speakers’ bureau.