GCIV recently hosted four visitors from Thailand who came to Atlanta to study religious and ethnic diversity. The group consisted of educators and advocates for the Thai Muslim community. While participating in the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, the group hoped to meet with leaders of various religious communities, learn about interfaith work, and see diverse communities working together. They were able to meet with a wide variety of professionals in Atlanta April 17-22, 2007.

After arriving from New York, the group’s itinerary kept them busy. They first had the opportunity to meet with Reverend Theron Stuart with the Atlanta Interfaith AIDS Network. They learned how AIAN provides a safe, interfaith environment for their clients. Next, the group met with Ms. Tayyibah Taylor,

Publisher and Editor of Azizah Magazine. They learned how Ms. Taylor started the magazine for the Muslim woman and how she strives to portray the diverse face of Muslims worldwide. Finally, the group met with Imam Plemon El-Amin at the Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam. He discussed Muslim involvement in the Atlanta community, as well as social and educational programs at the masjid.

During their second day in Atlanta, the group went to the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site. After reflecting on the life of Dr. King, the group met with Pastor Robert Sims of 100 People of Faith, to talk about their work bringing communities of faith together. After that they went to the Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta to see another mosque and learn about its community programs. Finally the group met with Ms. Khayyriyah Faiz of Sisters United in Human Service, to learn about the group’s efforts to bring the Muslim community together through service. At the end of the evening, Ms. Faiz hosted an interfaith potluck dinner, giving the visitors a chance to meet a diverse faith community.

On the last day of their trip, the group traveled to Plains, Georgia. They had the opportunity to meet with Mayor L.E. “Boze” Godwin III, and learn firsthand about life in a small, rural town. The following day they were able to visit the Habitat for Humanity Global Headquarters, and learn about the role Habitat is playing in rebuilding much of Southwest Georgia after the tornados earlier this year. They also met with Pastor Jim McIlrath of First United Methodist Church, who spoke about the faith community’s role in the rebuilding process. Finally, they had the opportunity to visit Koinonia Partners, a Christian community active in numerous social justice efforts.

GCIV was honored to have these distinguished visitors come to Georgia and meet with our many valuable professional resources. Their experiences here in gave them a first-hand view of the diversity of the United States and gave them some new ideas on bringing diverse communities together.