Maryam and Isa, Persian miniature, public domain

RSVP for the Event

How do Muslims view Mary compared to Christians? Does she provide a bridge or a barrier for dialogue and mutual theological reflection?

Both religions have traditions about Mary’s birth, childhood, the Annunciation and the birth of Jesus. Most Christians do not know that the Quran mentions Mary over 70 times and names one of its chapters after her (Surah 19). Despite differences about the nature of her son, Jesus, Mary remains a remarkable point of engagement for both faiths.

To help Christians, Muslims, and others explore these issues, we are joined by two notable experts on the topic:

Dr. Rita George-Tvrtkovic, associate professor of theology at Benedictine University in Illinois, and author of Christians, Muslim, and Mary: A History (Paulist Press, 2018), and

Dr. Younus Mirza, Scholar in Residence at Shenandoah University and visiting Researcher at Georgetown University, co-author of The Bible and the Qur’an: Biblical Figures in the Islamic Tradition with John Kaltner (T & T Clark, 2018), and director of the Barzinji Project.

The evening will include engaging presentations and dialogue between our speakers, audience questions, and a nice reception.

This is the The 10th Annual Taha Al-Alwani Event made possible by the Heritage Trust, and is is co-sponsored by the Institute for Interreligious Studies and Dialogue at the Catholic University of America. Click here for a map of the Catholic University campus.

RSVP using the form below or call 202-832-2675.