Samir Selmanovic (born 1965) is a Christian minister who is known particularly for his work in interfaith dialogue. He is the founder of "Faith House Manhattan", an interfaith community of Christians, Muslims, Jews and humanists/atheists. He also leads a Christian community named "Citylights", and serves on the Interfaith Relations Commission of the United States National Council of Churches.[1]
When the pastor of Church of the Advent Hope in New York City, he was honored by the group Muslims Against Terrorism for his assistance following the September 11, 2001 attacks, which included holding a Christian-Muslim discussion at the peak of tensions.[2] He has been praised by many other religious leaders.
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Selmanovic grew up in the former Yugoslavia. While his father was Muslim and mother Christian, he was essentially brought up an atheist. He completed compulsory service in the army, becoming a Christian at age 18. He moved to the United States in 1990, where he completed several degrees. He is a Seventh-day Adventist,[3] yet believes no organized religion is perfect, and seeks to affirm aspects of other faiths.