FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For more
information contact Evan Hunter,
evan@cisf.org or 847.295.9308
Dr. Salim Munayer Named
Christian International Scholarship Foundation’(CISF) first-ever
Scholar-Leader of the Year
DEERFIELD, Ill. – CISF
(www.cisf.org)
today announced that Dr. Salim Munayer, founder of Musalaha Reconciliation
Ministries and faculty member at Bethlehem Bible College, was selected as
the first annual CISF Scholar-Leader of the Year. Dr. Munayer, an Arab
Christian, earned this prestigious distinction because of his effective
biblical teaching and his unique ministry of bringing longstanding
adversaries together in powerful reconciliation experiences that unite
hurting and fearful people. The CISF award recognizes excellence in
leadership, scholarship, and faithfulness to the mission of the Gospel.
According
to Chuck Orrestad, CISF’s president, “Dr. Munayer embodies just the kind of
Christian leader CISF has supported over its 25 year history. His growing
influence as a voice for reconciliation is a striking example of the
application of Christ’s teachings in one of the most complex regions of the
world. At a time when the vast majority of Arab Christians have fled their
homeland, Dr. Munayer has chosen to stay and utilize his advanced
theological training in the very land of his forefathers.”
Photo:
Chuck
Orrestad &
Dr. Salim Munayer
Regarding his work,
Munayer states, “I came to
the conclusion that the theology of reconciliation was the best theology to
deal with all these issues, and that more than anything else, Jewish and
Palestinian believers needed to be brought together, face to face. Anything
less would not work, because of the dehumanization and demonization going on
from both sides.”
About Dr. Munayer:
Salim Munayer has served on the faculty of
Bethlehem Bible College since its founding in 1979. He was Academic Dean for
almost twenty years, helping it grow into the leading evangelical school
preparing pastors for Arabic speaking churches in Israel/Palestine.
Munayer is also the founder
and Executive Director of Musalaha Reconciliation Ministries. He began the
work in 1990 in the context of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, working
with a group of Messianic Jewish and Arab Palestinian Christians. Since
then, Musalaha has become a world recognized model for the promotion of
reconciliation and understanding, utilizing teaching, conferences, and
desert encounters to bring together groups of women, children and young
adults for the purpose of reconciliation. Participants continue to make an
impact throughout their communities for the sake of healing and forgiveness.
Munayer earned an MA
in Intercultural Studies at Fuller Theological Seminary and his PhD from
Oxford Center for Mission Study and University of Cardiff in Wales. He has
authored five books and a number of articles on reconciliation, the
Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and Christian Palestinian identity. He
continues to teach and write on issues related to a Theology of the Land,
justice and peace.
CISF supports
prominent Christian leaders from the Majority World to attain advanced
theological education at leading seminaries worldwide. After finishing their
studies, they return home to make significant contributions to the church
and society. Dr. Tite Tiénou, Academic Dean of Trinity Evangelical Divinity
School and chairman of the CISF Board explains, “CISF exists to help develop
highly trained, Christian leaders. This is the greatest need in the church
around the world today.”
Photo: CISF Board &
Dr. Salim Munayer
About CISF:
CISF is a nonprofit ministry that
supports proven Christian leaders from Africa, Asia, Latin America, Eastern
Europe and the Middle East primarily at the doctoral level. These scholars
attend seminaries such as Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield,
Ill.; Fuller Seminary, Pasadena, Calif.; Regent College, Vancouver, B.C and
several institutions in the United Kingdom, Africa, Hong Kong and South
America. More than 150 CISF-supported, gifted women and men have founded
seminaries, serve as presidents and executives for leading schools and
Christian non-profit organizations, and continue to develop grass roots work
on such issues as widows and orphans in Africa, reconciliation work in the
Middle East, promoting dialogue and peaceful solutions between Christians
and Muslims in Africa, and addressing harmful cultural practices from a
Christian perspective.
