In late February 2007, FCNL Executive Secretary Joe Volk traveled to Iran as part of a delegation of U.S. religious leaders. The 13-person religious delegation traveled to Iran to encourage a dialogue in the hope of averting war. The group met with Muslim and Christian leaders, government officials, and other Iranian people. The final day (Saturday) included a meeting with former President Khatami and current President Ahmadinejad. The
meeting with President Ahmadinejad lasted two-and-a-half hours and covered a range of topics, including the role of religion in transforming conflict, Iraq, nuclear proliferation, and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Below are Joe's diary entries from the trip.
(Credit: Mark Beach for all photos on this page.)
Saturday, February 17
