Providence, RI -- Dr. Sandra T. Keating, adjunct assistant professor of theology at Providence College, recently attended her first meeting as a member of the Vatican's Commission for Religious Relations with the Muslims.

The only American serving on the commission, Keating was appointed to a five-year term by Pope Benedict XVI in September 2005. At the first commission meeting, Keating joined scholars from around the world in Rome to discuss pressing Christian and Islamic issues.  Included in the group were professors, a human rights lawyer, and a physicist, who hail from countries in Africa, as well as Lebanon, Spain, and India.

A specialized research team for the Vatican, the commission's goal is to help to enhance relations among Muslims and Christians under the direction of the pope.

Keating--who can read and speak classical Arabic fluently--will conduct the majority of her research for the commission in Providence but plans to travel to Rome in June, as well as Washington, DC, to further her studies before reconvening with the commission in October 2006.  The majority of her research will involve translating apologetical texts--early works written by Muslims and Christians in the ninth century.

A member of the College faculty since the fall of 2003, Keating has studied Catholic and Muslim theology for approximately 20 years.  She is teaching "The Church and World Religions" this semester at the College.