Chicago Coalition for Interreligious Learning Recognizes AJC Board Member Esta Star

Board Member Esta Star (pictured at right) was honored this week for her integral role as founding chair of the Chicago Coalition for Interreligious Learning, an organization created by a group led by AJC Chicago.

An investigation into how Christians and Jews were portrayed in English language textbooks used in Muslim schools spurred AJC – led by board member Esta Star – to reach out to a Chicago-based Muslim publisher and seek change. Seven years later, the Chicago Coalition for Interreligious Learning: Catholics/Jews/ Muslims Working Together, which emerged from the group AJC convened, is undertaking its next major challenge: becoming a separate organization. Core members of the coalition met earlier this week to discuss that change but also to honor Esta Star for her seven years of leadership.

Esther Hicks, new chair of the coalition, thanked Esta for her vision and guidance and AJC for its support. Under Esta’s leadership members of the coalition were engaged in the examination, recommendation and revision of various textbooks used in Catholic, Jewish and Muslim schools.

Continuing to meet on a regular basis, coalition members recognized the need not only for positive text books, but for teacher training and resource development. The coalition developed a Statement of Principles for Interreligious Learning which has been widely shared with local and national religious-education organizations.

The coalition developed a website www.ccirl.org. Coalition members met with religious leaders, developed and participated in teacher training and workshops to engage teachers and school administrators in new ways of thinking about interreligious education.

CCIRL continues to create resources for professional growth, support educational networks for interreligious understanding and learning, and encourage dialogues and other interreligious learning projects for students not only in religious schools but in public schools as well. At Tuesday’s meeting, coalition members expressed their deep appreciation for AJC’s past involvement and support. While Esta is stepping down at chair of the group, she will continue to be involved.