(WHAS11) -

Saying political efforts have not led to enough understanding, a Louisville religious leader is in the Middle East seeking a better understanding of Islam by the American people and a better understanding of America by Muslims. 

"The time has come for the leaders to get out of the way and let ordinary people interact and get to know each other and solve the problems because the leaders are not successful in that," said Terry Taylor of Interfaith Paths to Peace.

Despite decades of political peace efforts in the Middle East, fundamental and often violent differences persist.  What does America know of Islam, especially in the echoes of 9-11?  Islamic extremism is regarded as one of the biggest threats to America.

"As people learn more about this, they're going to find out mainstream Muslims are just as peaceful and God-loving as Christians are in this country," explained Taylor.

It's against that backdrop that the six member delegation travels to Egypt and Syria -- three Christians, two Jews and a Muslim discussing religion's role in societies. 

They are going with open minds -- but unsure how - as Americans - they'll be received by prominent Muslims.

Taylor says he has been admonished to expect that they will "be challenged about our beliefs and ideas, about what happens in the United States, and to be prepared to challenge the people we're meeting with, don't just take anything at face value but have really engaging and sometimes difficult conversations."

Taylor says one delegation member is a Dallas clergyman who has had defections from his congregation because of this trip -- with one disgruntled person comparing Muslims to Nazi's.