The Open Letter Project started as a simple act of kindness between a Muslim Woman and a Christian Pastor.  Because of the sacrificial act of love that I was shown, I knew only too well that Muslims in general were not hateful and that their religion, though often portrayed through various out-of-context `proof-texts' as one of hatred, rather traces its origins back to Christianity and the gift of a loving God.  To make matters worse the Muslim leadership, whether through fear or intimidation, remained silent in the days after 9/11; adding all the more to America's suspicions of their religion and motives.

It was for this reason that in 2006 I sent out a letter to the Muslim leadership; found on this web site and also at www.cmdialogue.com. My publicist, Helen Cook got extensive coverage of the letter and I was asked to be a guest on numerous radio and television programs.  In 2007 Helen and I traveled to the "National Religious Broadcaster's Convention" in Orlando, Florida. there I was allowed to speak on the subject of opening dialogue with Muslims. Shortly afterwards I was contacted by a number of Muslim groups who both printed the letter in their journals and allowed me to address various members of their leadership.  I met Imam Kamal Nawash, President of the Free Muslim Coalition AGAINST Terrorism, and he arranged for me to address their leadership at a luncheon in what proved to be a very positive interaction. 

We are thankful to Domonic Webster and the great folks at Elev8 Web Productions for the fine job that they did in filming the dialogue.  They have posted several videos of our talks as well as links to other books I have published. We hope you find our information informative and helpful.

Blessings,

Rev. Howie Gardner