Dr. Kamal Abu-Shamsieh is Director of Interreligious Chaplaincy Program and Assistant Professor of Practical Theology at the Graduate Theological Union. A scholar-practitioner in interfaith engagement, he specializes in chaplaincy, interreligious dialogue, and spiritual care in diverse cultural and religious contexts. Dr. Abu-Shamsieh holds a PhD in Practical Theology from the GTU and has extensive experience in chaplaincy training, focusing on ethical leadership and intercultural competency. Passionate about fostering mutual understanding, he collaborates globally to advance interreligious collaboration and supports emerging chaplains in bridging divides through compassionate and inclusive care.
On January 3, 2025, he appeared on NPR’s All Things Considered program to discuss how the intersection of psychedelics for mental health and Quranic principles presents a complex challenge for Muslims. As he says, “We don't discuss heart transplants by going to the Islamic center, saying, can I do this? We look at the medical records. We look at the suitability of this for this person - and the same thing with psychedelics.”
Listen to the interview here.