Rumi Forum works towards strengthening the culture of peace, religious pluralism, and social harmony among faith communities as well as individuals of diverse beliefs, ethnicities, and backgrounds. The Forum strives to achieve this overarching goal by building, informing, and mobilizing an active interfaith dialogue community.
A traditional component of Rumi Forum’s endeavor is to recognize the lifetime dedication of inspirational public figures who have championed its cause. Rumi Forum Dialogue Award honors successful practitioners with outstanding track records in interfaith engagement, community service, human rights, and education.
Thank you for joining us and many distinguished guests as we reconnected and renewed our commitment to interfaith work!
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2022 Rumi Forum Dialogue Award Honoree
Rev. Mansfield “Kasey” Kaseman
Interfaith Community Leader
Pastor Emeritus, Rockville United Church
Rev. Mansfield “Kasey” Kaseman is the former Interfaith Community Liaison for the Office of Community Partnerships in Montgomery County, Maryland. Since his student days, he has been engaged in ecumenical and interfaith ministries aimed at creating “a beloved community”. His engagement in the Civil Rights Movement included providing security for the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and helping to implement “Racial Justice Now”.
Award presented by
Josephine Garnem
Executive Director, The Khalil Garnem Foundation
National Council, Pax Christi USA
Josephine Garnem is the Program Manager for the Gilchrist Immigrant Resources Center for the East County region. She is responsible for developing and managing the basic computer literacy program and acts as the subject matter expert in the field of workforce development for the center. Her passion is to strengthen links between communities through partnerships, in order to improve their health and well-being. She joined the Gilchrist team from the international non-profit sector where she has served as the Strategic Outreach and Partnership Coordinator.
MC of the Night
Noa Baum
Speaker, Storyteller, Author & Coach
Born and raised in Jerusalem, Noa offers a unique approach to storytelling in communities and organizations. Since 1982, she has inspired and educated audiences of all ages with her performances, keynotes, and workshops. Her one-woman show for adults, A Land Twice Promised, received a grant from the National Storytelling Network. She has also received several Individual Artist Awards from the Maryland State Arts Council and the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County Maryland. Noa’s recently published book, A Land Twice Promised – An Israeli Woman’s Quest for Peace, is a winner of the Anne Izard Storytellers’ Choice Award. With her storytelling, Noa captures the drama of a nation at war and her discovery of humanity in the enemy.