History:

CI celebrates life by cultivating the unlimited unity of the good, the true, and the beautiful in religious, cultural, intellectual, artistic and ecological diversity in Lebanon, the East Mediterranean, Asia, and the whole world. Overlooking the Holy Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, CI’s headquarters are nestled neatly beneath the shadows of the ancient, biblical Cedars of Lebanon, the Cedar Forest, also a World Heritage Site, in the district of Bisharee, North Lebanon, the birthplace and home of the famous Lebanese poet, Gibran Khalil Gibran.

Mission &Vision:

Committed first to preserving and nurturing the vast spiritual and material treasures of Lebanon, beginning with CI’s symbol, the Cedar Tree itself, CI seeks to promote life in all its abundance as it unfolds in religious, cultural, intellectual, artistic and ecological diversity in Lebanon and the region. CI seeks to overcome both the spirit/matter dualism and the faith/reason dualism that characterize the thought of so much of the modern world and which has led to dire consequences for the human being and the earth with the emergence of novel and violent fundamentalisms in science and religion.

CI’s cultural, intellectual, artistic and ecological activities are held together by its religious and philosophical activities, which include seminars, retreats, exhibitions, and publications focusing on three major areas: (1) Eastern Christianity, East/West Christian relations, and Christian/Muslim relations; (2) Environmental Studies and (3) Migration, all three of which emphasize healing and healthy living together in the local, regional, and international arenas.