We are a world-wide fraternal and spiritual society of diplomats, consular officials and other international affairs professionals.
Our Patron Saint is St. Gabriel the Archangel, recognized by the Abrahamic faiths of Christianity, Islam and Judaism as “God’s Messenger.”
Historical examples of interfaith diplomacy can be found
in the works of Francis of Assisi when he traveled to Egypt in
1219 to speak with Muslims in a spectacular attempt to broker peace with
the sultan and his followers. He made such an impact with his preaching,
that the sultan rebuffed some of his own religious advisors, the imams, who
were insisting that Islamic law required that Francis must be beheaded. The
Sultan in particular professed amazement at meeting a Christian who was also a
person of peace and goodwill. Francis offered to be set on fire as a no-lose
test — if he lived, it would be proof of the merits of the Christian religion
but if he died, it would be because of his sins. Instead, the Sultan let him
tour the historical sites in the Holy Land.
St. Maximilian Kolbe is a 20th century example of selfless Christian
love for the dignity of all human life. He is also a great example of
interfaith dialogue between our Catholic faith and our Buddhist and
Jewish cousins. Maximilian Kolbe ministered to all of the individuals he
encountered in the horrific unfolding of the Second World War, regardless of
race, creed or culture. Additionally, as believers in a world of peaceful
coexistence, Maximilian Kolbe should serve as the pinnacle example of our desire for peaceful coexistence throughout all mankind.
