This is a video documentary project that will, God willing, be distributed in DVD form. Currently, the plan is to offer three short videos, approximately 20 minutes each, on the DVD.

Why are you doing this?

Although videos about Francis of Assisi are available, none of them focus on the meeting between him and the Sultan in Egypt. Nor do they examine Francis as a peacemaker. Our goal is to fill that vacuum.

Also, interfaith dialogue communities constantly ask for videos to supplement the books and instructional material available to them. So far, no videos examine the legacy of the Damietta encounter in the light of actual encounters between Muslims and Christians of goodwill. In the spirit of St. Francis, who prayed for greater understanding in order to be an “instrument of peace," we aim to promote greater honesty and understanding by analyzing actual encounters, past and present.

How will this be used?

The DVD will be an excellent resource for groups that gather to explore new paradigms for interaction among people of various religions or diverse backgrounds. It will stimulate discussion and offer material for reflection and action. A companion Study Guide will facilitate group work.

Authors George Dardess and Marvin Mich also view the DVD as an essential part of their interfaith dialogue module produced by JustMatters, In the Spirit of St. Francis and the Sultan: Catholics and Muslims Working Together for the Common Good.

What are the three episodes?

THE FIRST EPISODE: A Most Unusual Encounter in Damietta
This episode outlines what is known of the meeting, and what is a matter of justifiable speculation, including the place of spirituality in interfaith dialogue

THE SECOND EPISODE: The Legacy of the Encounter
This episode outlines various responses to the encounter and how the encounter has been visualized and interpreter during the past 800 years.

THE THIRD EPISODE: Present-day Encounters in USA and Abroad
This episode will examine Francis' approach to dialogue as service. We will show concrete situations in the U.S. and in the Middle East where Muslims and Christians interact according to the vision and intention of Francis – using power to serve others rather than to dominate others.