The Dialogue Institute is inspired by the vision of our new president, Barack Obama, in his stirring inaugural address. He affirms that God calls on "men, women and children of every race and every faith" to join in shaping destiny, and urges a rededication to dialogue and cooperation with the religions and ideologies of the world, recognizing that "What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly."

These duties emerge from our collective multicultural heritage and legacy, as our new leader reminds us that: "… our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth…as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself." President Obama vows that America "must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace," and this work demands "an even greater cooperation and understanding between nations."  In a very special way, he boldly extends his hand in friendship, as he proclaims "To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect."

The Dialogue Institute invites you to celebrate together with us as we gladly seize these duties, and recommit to engaging in the efforts that honor the human spirit in each of us. We hope that you will join us in this fervent rededication to interreligious dialogue and cooperation, creating a movement of global proportions.

January 20, 2009

Prof. Leonard Swidler, Founder and President

Dr. Racelle Weiman, Executive Director