Apr 15, 2009 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Experts: Dolan Right Man For Inter-Faith Issues
Scholars, Jewish & Muslim Leaders Are Thrilled With New Archbishop's Positive Approach To Reaching Out
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Archbishop Timothy Dolan during his Installation Mass on April 15, 2009 at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Manhattan.
CBS
During his homily Wednesday, Archbishop Timothy Dolan reached out to the Jews and Muslims of New York in the spirit of inclusion.
This new leader will have no choice but to navigate the religious landscape of the city.
"I think that he's such a successful communicator, and such a people person, that he's going to fit right into New York," St. John's University Rev. Pierre Ruiz told CBS 2 HD.
The early reviews for Archbishop Dolan are glowing -- and not just from the city's Catholic leaders.
"We need religious leaders who are positive, who are upbeat -- and that's basically Archbishop Dolan," said Park East Synagogue Rabbi Arthur Schneier said.
Rabbi Schneier has long been involved in inter-faith outreach. He said the archbishop is sending out the right signals.
"Inter-faith dialogue is not a luxury, it's a necessity, particularly at this time of economic upheaval," Schneier said.
The Arab American Association of New York's Dr. Ahmed Jaber said he expects the archbishop to reach out early and often.
"And say, 'I'm here to be with you, and have sort of, cooperation -- and connection, you could say, with all different faiths,'" Dr. Jaber said. "We share the same concerns -- as well as the same hardship."
And Catholics, like the Rev. Ruiz, expect big things from the archbishop.
"I think he's going to preach the gospel clearly. I think he' going to reach out to the wide variety of people in New York. I think he's going to listen to them closely," Ruiz said.
"As complex as New York is, as busy a place as New York is, as complicated a place as New York is, with all of the challenges that face leaders in government, in education, healthcare, leaders in religion education, if we can do it in New York then maybe there's hope."
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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