Margaret Karram, President of the Focolare Movement, is a member on the Board of Promoters of “Within Your Gates: The Forum for the Universal Vocation of Jerusalem”, the new interdisciplinary forum promoted by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, and developed in collaboration with the academic centre of the University of Notre Dame in Jerusalem.
The forum was officially launched in Jerusalem on 7 September 2026 and was created to bring together scholars, religious leaders, representatives of civil society, and professionals from diverse traditions, communities and disciplines. Through applied research, meetings and public initiatives, it aims to explore the universal vocation of Jerusalem and its significance not only for those who live in the Holy Land, but for the entire human family.
“Within Your Gates” seeks to create a space in which to realistically address Jerusalem’s wounds and complexities, while also promoting reflection capable of opening new perspectives for the future. The Forum’s work will center on the common good of the Holy City’s inhabitants and will address issues such as the language of conflict and reconciliation, the theological and human significance of Jerusalem, and the possibilities for action in a context hindered by severe constraints and limitations.
“In this painful moment for the Holy Land and so many other places in the world,” says Margaret Karram, “we need spaces where people of different backgrounds and beliefs can meet, listen to one another, and seek new paths together. I am deeply honoured to be part of this Forum, and so is the entire Focolare Movement. We wish to support its purpose through our experience and our daily commitment to building peace. It is a difficult journey, but we believe that every authentic gesture of dialogue and fraternity can contribute to making it possible.”
Chaired by Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, the Board of Promoters also includes philosopher and writer Sari Nusseibeh, former president of al-Quds University, and Sarah Stroumsa, professor emeritus of Arabic Studies and former rector of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The Forum is led by Daniel Schwake of the University of Notre Dame.
Margaret Karram’s presence on the Board reflects the Focolare Movement’s commitment to fraternity, dialogue, and building peaceful relationships, even in contexts marked by division and conflict.
More information: www.withinyourgates.org
Stefania Tanesini
Article source: https://www.focolare.org/margaret-karram-nel-board-di-within-your-gates/
Photo credit: © Interlax by Pixabay
See Vatican News: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/church/news/2026-09/within-your-gates-jerusalem-pizzaballa-forum-vocation-peace.html
