Islamic summit to feature Carter
Former president in Detroit
8/29/2014The first convention to be held in Detroit by the Islamic Society of North America begins today at the Cobo Center, and features appearances by former President Jimmy Carter.
Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder, Michigan state Rep. Rashida Talib (D., Detroit), and Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America will be on the dais for the 3 p.m. opening session, along with ISNA officials.
At 4:30, “Fiqh of Culture” will address how sharia, or Muslim law, and the ways of modern culture interact, and give some guiding principles.
A “Generations Rise” session, using the theme of the convention, looks at young Muslim leaders who are influential in Muslim-American culture.
At 9 p.m., “Why Culture Matters” continues the discussion.
This is the 51st annual ISNA convention, running through Labor Day.
The highlight day is Saturday, with Mr. Carter as the keynote speaker talking on the subject of his latest book, A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power.
The former president will speak at a Saturday luncheon and a nighttime session, again centered on the “Generations Rise” theme, with the outgoing president of ISNA, Imam Mohamed Magid, and four additional Muslim speakers offering ideas for Muslim-American advancement over the next five years.
A “secret special guest” is also on the schedule. U.S. Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.), the first Muslim member of Congress, also will be speaking Saturday.