WIE sent its staff to Barcelona, Spain to attend the 2004 Parliament of the World's Religions. First held in 1893, this periodic gathering brings together thousands of religious leaders, teachers, activists, and scholars from every corner of the globe in a veritable explosion of dialogues, seminars, panel discussions, and presentations. WIE went to get the inside scoop on just what the future of the world's religions might be.

Islamic scholar and author Tariq Ramadan was named by Time magazine as one of the 100 most important spiritual innovators of the 21st century. His chosen mission is to create an independent European-Islamic identity. Tariq is uniquely qualified to the task. He is, in his own words, "a European who has grown up [in Europe]. I don't deny my Muslim roots, but I don't vilify European culture either."

Tariq's interest in dialogue between Islam and the other faiths is exceeded only by his passion to promote intrafaith dialogue within Islam itself—to bridge the gaps between Islam's past, present, and future, and across continents, generations, and cultures.

Tariq spoke with WIE editor Carter Phipps about the challenges modern Muslims face as they strive to retain traditional values yet keep pace with a rapidly changing world—to encourage self-criticism within Islam and also combat the negative misconceptions so prevalent in the non-Muslim world.

more about: