Daring to Cross the Threshold : Francis of Assisi Encounters Sultan Malek Al-kamil

Description: September 11, 2001, highlighted the urgent need for greater understanding among religious traditions. Specifically, the lack of acceptance and appreciation between Muslims and Christians was suddenly catapulted into headlines around the world. Now, in the aftermath of war in Iraq, the need for understanding and respect among religious traditions and various cultures becomes ever more important. It is my hope that this book might nurture that mutual respect that fosters peace and justice, for they are God's desire for us, and gifts that all races and religions seek. Endorsements: ""Kathy Warren's insight into the possibilities contained within the famous encounter between Francis of Assisi and Sultan Malek al-Kamil in the sultan's tent resulted in this masterful volume that we all now have the privilege of reading, meditating upon, and, hopefully, translating into actions 'worthy of penance' in our own lives as we face the challenges to peace today. My hope is that her penetrating analysis of the encounter of Francis and the sultan may help each one of us cross the many thresholds of fear, misunderstanding, and hate that we have learned and been taught so as to enter upon the holy ground of understanding, peace, and right relationship which is nothing short of God's intentions for us all. --MICHAEL F. CUSATO, OFM About the Contributor(s): Kathleen Warren, OSF is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of Rochester, Minnesota. She has served as Coordinator for Continuing Education for the Franciscan Institute of St. Bonaventure University, as a member of the Executive Council for her Franciscan Congregation, and on the National Board of the Franciscan Federation. She holds an MA in Religious Education from Loyola University, Chicago; a Master's in Franciscan Studies from the Franciscan Institute, St. Bonaventure University; and a Doctor of Ministry from the Graduate Theological Foundation, South Bend, Indiana. Her doctoral course work was completed at the Gregorian University in Rome (2004) at the Institute for the Study of Religions and Cultures. The title of her (2006) dissertation is: ""Muslims, Christians and Jews Encounter Francis of Assisi and Each Other: A Paradigm for Doing Peace and Rebuilding the World.""