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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Rumi Forum
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250706T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250706T201500
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250626T143027Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250902T172232Z
UID:22698-1751828400-1751832900@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Partner Event: "Faith and Freedom" Through Prayer and Reflection
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum partnered with Braver Faith to host a 75-minute\, national\, online gathering of witnesses\, prayer\, and music for Independence Day weekend. This event featured representatives from various religious traditions and political perspectives. Braver Angels’ Music and Arts team also provided inspirational patriotic hymns. \nParticipants joined us in healing our nation through worship as we began the year-long countdown to our country’s 250th anniversary.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/partner-event-faith-and-freedom-through-prayer-and-reflection/
LOCATION:ONLINE EVENT
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-46.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250605T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250605T213000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250528T162014Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250617T174545Z
UID:22649-1749144600-1749159000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Partner Event: Jerusalem Youth Chorus (JYC) Washington\, DC Concert
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum is honored to once again partner with the internationally acclaimed Jerusalem Youth Chorus (JYC) — a trailblazing ensemble of Israeli and Palestinian youth from East and West Jerusalem who raise their voices for peace\, equity\, inclusion\, and justice. JYC will perform as part of the Meridian Culturefix: “Taste of a Shared Future: A musical-culinary journey” on June 5\, 2025\, at 5:30pm and 8pm at the Nabiha DC restaurant. \n \nSongs and Stories from the Frontlines of Hope is more than just a transformative concert; this tour is an experience of music and personal testimony\, woven together by young changemakers who refuse to give up on each other—or hope. These young singers continue to meet\, sing\, and speak their truths amidst war and tension. Through powerful\, trilingual music performances and intimate storytelling\, JYC invites audiences into a living dialogue across divides\, challenging what we believe is possible in pursuing a shared future. \nFeatured on America’s Got Talent\, TED\, and stages worldwide\, the Jerusalem Youth Chorus has become a global symbol of resilience and unity. Now\, they bring their message directly to you\, not of easy answers\, but of courageous connection. \nCome listen. Come witness. Come be part of the movement.\nBecause when young voices sing from the frontlines of hope\, the world listens.\nJoin us.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/partner-event-jerusalem-youth-chorus-jyc-washington-dc-concert/
LOCATION:Nabiha DC\, 1624 U St.\, NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20009\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-45.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250528T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250528T210000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250510T143218Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250527T184316Z
UID:22618-1748455200-1748466000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Book Talk: "The Motorhome Prophecies" with Carrie Sheffield
DESCRIPTION:Join the Rumi Forum\, the Institute for Religion and Democracy (IRD)\, and the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) for a book talk with journalist and broadcaster Carrie Sheffield. Her recent memoir\, “The Motorhome Prophecies: A Journey of Healing and Forgiveness\,” recounts and explores her relationships in her communities and her family\, and her explorations through the development of her faith across religious communities\, toward the ultimate peace and healing she found in her relationship with God. In a time of great political divisions with deep religious and spiritual undertones reaching from the political to the personal\, we hope to explore how family reconciliation and personal conversion might help us think about our national public life with Carrie. \n \nAuthor \n \nCarrie Sheffield is a columnist and broadcaster in Washington\, DC. She earned a full-tuition Harvard scholarship\, managed billions of dollars in risk at Wall Street firms\, and competed in a Miss USA system beauty pageant. A journalist and former White House correspondent\, she challenged the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and testified as an economic expert before the US Congress. Carrie achieved all this while overcoming a life of extreme poverty and psychological\, spiritual\, and sexual abuse. A recovered agnostic\, Carrie eventually found peace and anchoring in Christianity. \nCarrie shares insights on networks like CNN\, MSNBC\, Fox News\, CBS News\, CNBC\, and BBC. From ABC’s Good Morning America to HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher\, PBS\, and C-SPAN\, she uses her dynamic voice to resonate with audiences of millions. Carrie\, a traveling enthusiast\, visited every continent—including Antarctica—before age 30. She ran the Marine Corps Marathon and won the National Press Club 5K thrice. Named a “Most Inspiring New Yorker” by the popular connection app Bumble\, Carrie is passionate about instilling resilience and joy in others. \nModerator \n \nLuke Nathan Phillips is a writer\, tour guide\, and MC based in Northern Virginia. He has extensive experience in policy\, civic engagement\, and public discourse and has worked with nonprofits\, civic organizations\, magazines\, and research institutions in bipartisan\, reformist\, and conservative spaces since 2017. Luke has organized\, hosted\, and facilitated numerous panels\, debates\, and workshops across the U.S.\, engaging policy experts\, activists\, and young professionals. He also provides customized tours in Washington\, D.C.\, tailored for student and civic groups. \nHis writings have appeared in American Affairs\, The National Interest\, The Dispatch\, The American Conservative\, and RealClearPolicy\, among others. A Braver Angels volunteer since 2017\, he served as Publius Fellow for Public Discourse (2021–2024) and was David Brooks’ scheduler (2019–2021).
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/book-talk-the-motorhome-prophecies-with-carrie-sheffield/
LOCATION:The Institute on Religion and Democracy\, 1023 15th Street NW\, Suite 200\, Washington\, DC\, 20005\, United States
CATEGORIES:Book Talks,Speaker Series,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/People-of-the-Book-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250515T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250515T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250624T181021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T181021Z
UID:22691-1747333800-1747339200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Spring 2025: "Breaking Social Norms"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Spring 2025 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on May 15\, 2025. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur Spring 2025 Quarterly Social theme was “Breaking Social Norms.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \n\nWhat social norms shape your day-to-day life\, community\, or culture?\nDo you agree with them\, or find yourself pushing back?\nHow do responses to social norms differ between Gen Z and other generations?\nWhat are the pros and cons of preserving vs. challenging these norms?\nAnd how do we decide which to uphold and which to leave behind?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-spring-2025-breaking-social-norms/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/new-designs-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250428T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250428T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250408T153738Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250512T222322Z
UID:22537-1745841600-1745859600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:CUA Conference-Passing Down Religious Identity: Faith Community Experiences
DESCRIPTION:On April 28\, 2025\, Rumi Forum\, Center for Faith\, Identity\, and Globalization (CFIG)\, Wise Institute\, The Catholic University of America`s School of Theology and Religious Studies and McLean Center for the Study of Culture and Values organized an enlightening conference dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities of teaching religion and passing down religious identity in the contemporary United States. This event gathered educators\, scholars\, religious leaders\, and community members at the Catholic University of America to discuss innovative methods and strategies for imparting religious knowledge and values in a diverse and rapidly changing society. \n \nThrough keynote speeches\, panel discussions\, and interactive workshops\, participants engaged with topics such as interfaith dialogue\, the role of technology in religious education\, and the balance between tradition and modernity. Together\, we sought to understand how to effectively nurture and sustain religious identity across generations\, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth in today’s globalized world. \nEvent Video \n\nEvent Photos \n\n		\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nOpening Remarks \nWilliam A. Barbieri\, Ph.D.: CUA\, School of Theology & Religious Studies\, Ordinary Professor of Ethics \nKeynote Speaker \nMerylann “Mimi” J. Schuttloffel\, Ph.D.: CUA\, Dept. of Education\, Professor Emerita and Brother Patrick Ellis Chair & Center for Faith\, Identity\, and Globalization (CFIG)\, Senior Fellow \nScholars Panel \nModerator: William A. Barbieri\, Ph.D.: CUA\, School of Theology & Religious Studies\, Ordinary Professor of Ethics \n\nJewish: Benji Davis\, Ph.D.: GMU\, Israel Studies\, Teaching and Research Fellow\nMuslim: Fevzi Saraç\, Ph.D.: LSU\, Political Science Department\, Lecturer\nCatholic: Jem Sullivan\, Ph.D.: CUA\, School of Theology & Religious Studies\, Associate Professor of Practice\n\nPractitioners Panel \nModerator: Ibrahim Anli: Rumi Forum\, Executive Director \n\n\n\nJewish: Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky: JCRC\, Director of Intergroup Relations and Rabbi in Residence\nMuslim: Ayse Selma Yilmaz: CORE Education Services\, Mentor\nCatholic: Susan Timoney: CUA\, School of Theology & Religious Studies\, Associate Professor of Practice in Pastoral Studies\n\n\n\nEvent Program \n12:00 – 1:30 pm: Opening Remarks & Lunch \n1:30 – 3:00 pm: Scholars Panel \n3:00 – 3:30 pm: Coffee Break \n3:30 – 5:00 pm: Practitioners Panel \n5:00 – 5:10 pm: Closing Remarks \n5:30 – 7:00 pm: Dinner (Pryzbyla Center\, Great Room C)
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/cua-conference-passing-down-religious-identity-faith-community-experiences/
LOCATION:The Catholic University of America\, Happel Room\, 100 Caldwell Hall\, 620 Michigan Ave.\, NE\, Washington\, DC\, 20017\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Religious Literacy,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/CUA-Conference-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250424T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250424T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250328T153918Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T214041Z
UID:22464-1745519400-1745524800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Hospitality”
DESCRIPTION:The Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on April 24\, 2025\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Hospitality” with Hazzan Asa Fradkin\, our study leader from Congregation Beth El.\n \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) enables Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to engage in a collaborative study of each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s own scriptures\, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n  Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                           Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n      Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nHazzan Asa Fradkin has been the Hazzan at Congregation Beth El since 2017. Raised in Baltimore\, Hazzan Fradkin spent his younger years on an ashram outside of Philadelphia\, where he learned yoga and meditation\, practices that he continues to incorporate into and blend with traditional worship. Hazzan Fradkin holds an undergraduate degree in Vocal Studies from the Indiana University School of Music. While at IU\, he became involved in Hillel and graduated with a Certificate in Jewish Studies. In 2007\, he was ordained by the H.L. Miller Cantorial School at JTS\, earning the degrees of Hazzan and Master’s in Sacred Music. He also has extensive experience as a song leader and teacher. He previously served as Hazzan at Temple Shalom in Greenwich\, CT. \nAccording to Hazzan Fradkin\, the most rewarding part of his job is building community and being actively involved in congregational life. He places substantial value on establishing relationships with members of all age groups\, with those experiencing joyous life cycle events and with the sick and bereaved. He strives to “rouse the soul\,” to make prayer a moving and spiritual experience for all congregants.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-hospitality/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Scriptural Reasoning,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2025-SR-Hospitality-small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250406T143000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250406T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250318T133201Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250501T213830Z
UID:22404-1743949800-1743958800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Panel Discussion: "Jewish Luminaries of the 20th Century"
DESCRIPTION:On April 6\, 2025\, the Rumi Forum\, in partnership with the Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS)\, explored some of the influential modern voices in Judaism\, the oldest tradition in the Abrahamic family that continues to thrive today. \nWe began with reflections from local rabbis on key 20th-century Jewish thinkers who have profoundly shaped contemporary Jewish thought: \n\nRabbi Charles Feinberg on Abraham Joshua Heschel\nRabbi Amelia Wolf on Moshe Shmuel Glasner’s non-political writings\nRabbi Robert Levy on Martin Buber\n\n\n		\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nFollowing these presentations\, Rumi Forum`s Executive Director\, Ibrahim Anli\, offered a response\, providing an interfaith perspective. The evening concluded with time for Q&A and\, as always\, the opportunity to engage in meaningful small-group conversations\, learning\, reflecting\, and deepening your understanding of the Jewish faith and its connections to the broader Abrahamic family.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/panel-discussion-tradition-embracing-modernity-jewish-luminaries-of-the-20th-century/
LOCATION:American Turkish Friendship Association\, 1420 Newbrook Dr.\, Chantilly\, VA\, 20152\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Speaker Series,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-42.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250320T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250320T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250303T195706Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T162916Z
UID:22320-1742493600-1742502600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Vulnerability"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum will hold its monthly circle on March 20\, 2025\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Vulnerability” with Christian Veldboer\, our study leader from the Focolare Foundation.The discussion will be followed by an Iftar. \n \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n  Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                           Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n      Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nProgram Outline: \n6:00 – 7:15 pm – Scriptural Reasoning session on “Vulnerability” \n7:20 – 8:30 pm – Iftar dinner and conversations at the table \n \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nChristian Veldboer is the Executive Director of the Focolare Foundation\, bringing over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership\, strategic planning\, and project management. He has worked in various leadership roles across North America\, Europe\, Asia\, and South America\, managing international projects and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. His expertise includes organizational development\, operations management\, and program implementation. \nA longtime member of the Focolare Movement\, Christian is committed to promoting dialogue\, unity\, and social impact across cultural and religious divides. Fluent in German\, English\, and Italian\, he has led initiatives that advance inclusivity\, mutual understanding\, and global interconnectedness.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-vulnerability/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Scriptural Reasoning,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/2024-SR-Designs-5.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250319T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250319T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250314T131809Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T163820Z
UID:22376-1742403600-1742414400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:ICRD Panel: "Radicalization and Religious Responses Post-Global War on Terror"
DESCRIPTION:Studies and practices focused on active radical movements and individual interventions in the long years of the Global War on Terror have led the American national security community and various social movements originating from the Islamic world to spend decades working to understand the political sociology of radicalization and approach the conditions of social breakdown in productive and integrative ways. \nJoin the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) for an exploration of the American national security community’s and the Hizmet Movement’s approaches to social breakdown and ideological and religious radicalization for the 21st Century and their implications for various sorts of domestic political radicalization and political violence in the United States. \n \nThe ICRD will also be livestreaming the event on their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/live/8Z7UjEegH8k. \nPanelists \n \nAdam Garfinkle is the Founding Editor of The American Interest and a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies\, Nanyang Technological University\, Singapore. \nA seasoned scholar and practitioner in the American national security community\, Garfinkle served as principal speechwriter to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice (2003–2005). He is the author of several books\, including Jewcentricity: How the Jews Get Praised\, Blamed\, and Used to Explain Nearly Everything (Wiley\, 2009) and Telltale Hearts: The Origin and Impact of the Vietnam Antiwar Movement (St. Martin’s\, 1995)\, the latter recognized as a “Notable Book of the Year” by the New York Times Book Review. \nIbrahim Anli is the Executive Director of the Rumi Forum and a civic entrepreneur with extensive experience in religious reconciliation\, social entrepreneurship\, and interfaith dialogue. A longtime practitioner in the international Hizmet Movement\, he has worked in the Middle East and the United States to promote peacebuilding and conflict resolution. \nHe previously served as diplomacy coordinator at the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) in Ankara and later as Secretary General of the Abant Platform\, JWF’s Istanbul-based intellectual forum. Before joining Rumi Forum in 2019\, he was a visiting researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and taught International Relations and Diplomacy at Tishk International University in Erbil\, Kurdistan. \nModerator \n \nLuke Nathan Phillips is a writer\, tour guide\, and MC based in Northern Virginia. He has extensive experience in policy\, civic engagement\, and public discourse and has worked with nonprofits\, civic organizations\, magazines\, and research institutions in bipartisan\, reformist\, and conservative spaces since 2017. Luke has organized\, hosted\, and facilitated numerous panels\, debates\, and workshops across the U.S.\, engaging policy experts\, activists\, and young professionals. He also provides customized tours in Washington\, D.C.\, tailored for student and civic groups. \nHis writings have appeared in American Affairs\, The National Interest\, The Dispatch\, The American Conservative\, and RealClearPolicy\, among others. A Braver Angels volunteer since 2017\, he served as Publius Fellow for Public Discourse (2021–2024) and was David Brooks’ scheduler (2019–2021).
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/icrd-panel-radicalization-and-religious-responses-post-global-war-on-terror/
LOCATION:Eisenhower Institute\, 818 Connecticut Avenue NW #400\, Washington\, DC\, 20006\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Speaker Series,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/new-designs.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250301T050000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250329T193000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250404T145901Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250404T223632Z
UID:22507-1740805200-1743276600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Ramadan 2025 – An overview of Iftar programs
DESCRIPTION:Ramadan 2025 was a time of togetherness\, gratitude\, and meaningful dialogue for Rumi Forum and our valued community partners. Our Iftars once again provided a space for connection\, where old friendships were rekindled\, new relationships were formed\, and our shared commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration was strengthened. \nWe are deeply grateful to our partners\, allies\, and dedicated volunteers\, whose presence enriched these gatherings and made this Ramadan a truly special experience. Beyond the joy of breaking fast together\, we engaged in thought-provoking conversations about our collective aspirations and how we can continue working toward a more inclusive and compassionate society. \nAs we reflect on this sacred month\, we carry forward the spirit of unity and renewal\, inspired by the bonds we have strengthened and the meaningful exchanges we have shared. Thank you to everyone who made this Ramadan a time of deep connection and purpose! \nRamadan Reunion Iftar \n \n \nScriptural Reasoning on “Vulnerability” and Iftar at Virginia Theological Seminary \n \n \nMaryland Community Iftar at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR) \n \n \nBraver Angels (Fairfax & DC) “Faith and Depolarization” Panel and Iftar \n \n \nMicrosoft Innovation & Policy Center Iftar \n \n \nNorthern Virginia Community Iftar at the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA) \n \n \n2nd Annual Religious Freedom Community Iftar \n \n \nInterreligious Communities Project (ICP) Iftar at Temple Rodef Shalom \n \n \nNew America Initiative “Why the World Needs a New Approach to Peace?” Panel and Iftar
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/ramadan-2025-an-overview-of-iftar-programs/
LOCATION:VA
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Ramadan-Events-1-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250223T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250223T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250130T041142Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T164636Z
UID:22205-1740322800-1740330000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Panel  Discussion: "Inspiration from the Prophet Muhammad"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum and our partner\, Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS)\, members frequently turn to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)\, peace be upon him\, for inspiration. We submit that for any open-minded member of the family of Abraham/Ibrahim\, Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life and teachings offer a compelling object of study and contemplation. Yet\, he remains a mystery for far too many in our communities. \n \nOn Sunday\, February 23rd\, we hope to shed light on this inspiring figure. We will bring together a diverse panel to speak from the heart about why this seventh-century man continues to profoundly impact their 21st-century lives. Our speakers include Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad\, a Palestinian American polymath whose areas of expertise range from astrophysics to chaplaincy; Dr. Sevde Arpaci Ayhan\, a scholar in political economics and international development; and Kemal Taban\, who will provide the perspective of a successful young adult who grew up in the DMV. We will also make time for Q&A and small group discussions. The hope is that all in attendance will better understand this incredible person and find their inspiration to study his message independently.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/panel-discussion-inspiration-from-the-prophet-muhammad/
LOCATION:Congregation Beth El\, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd.\, Bethesda\, MD\, 20814\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Speaker Series,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-37.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250222T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250222T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250225T152509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250624T180655Z
UID:22453-1740247200-1740254400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Winter 2025: "Personal Responsibility"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Winter 2025 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on February 22\, 2025. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur theme for the Winter 2025 Quarterly Social was “Personal Responsibility.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \n\nWhat are the biggest causes of meaninglessness among young people today? (Consider factors like social isolation\, technology addiction\, financial struggles\, relationship difficulties\, and lack of purpose.)\nWhat have you seen—either in your own life or in others—that helps people overcome these struggles and find meaning? (Think about community\, habits\, faith\, mentorship\, career choices\, or other key influences.)\nHow do work\, financial stability\, and relationships shape a young person’s sense of purpose\, and what challenges make this difficult? (How do career success\, economic security\, and substantial relationships impact fulfillment\, and what barriers stand?)\nWhat does it mean to be a leader among your peers in a generation facing these struggles\, and how can young professionals support each other in finding meaning? (What practical or philosophical approaches can help young people guide and uplift each other?)
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-winter-2025-personal-responsibility/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/new-designs-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250213T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250213T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250130T031356Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T154724Z
UID:22180-1739471400-1739476800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Forgiveness”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on February 13\, 2025\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Forgiveness” with Imam Faizul Khan\, our study leader from the Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring\, MD. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n  Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                        Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n      Christian Scripture: New Testament                  Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nImam Faizul Khan is a distinguished religious leader and community advocate with over 45 years of service in social\, religious\, cultural\, educational\, and outreach initiatives. He is the founding member and Imam of the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring\, Maryland\, a growing and diverse faith community established in 1973. \nOriginally from Guyana\, Imam Khan has been actively involved in youth leadership\, serving as President of the Muslim Youth League and General Secretary of The Guyana Assembly of Youth. His dedication to interfaith collaboration and community engagement has made a lasting impact in the Washington Metropolitan Area. He was recently appointed President of the Montgomery County Faith Advisory Council. \nImam Khan’s commitment to social justice has earned him seventeen national awards in domestic violence prevention\, social services\, and volunteerism. In 2011\, Georgetown University recognized him as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-forgiveness/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Forgiveness_small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250213T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250213T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250131T165323Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250218T154933Z
UID:22220-1739462400-1739469600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:The Institute of World Politics Panel Discussion: "Abrahamic Peace Initiative"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum was pleased to partner with The Institute of World Politics (IWP) for a thought-provoking discussion on the Abrahamic Peace Initiative\, exploring faith-based approaches to conflict resolution and peacemaking. This event took place at IWP in Washington\, D.C.\, bringing together scholars\, faith leaders\, and policymakers to examine how religious traditions can serve as powerful forces for reconciliation\, coexistence\, and lasting peace. \nAbout the Abrahamic Peace Initiative \nRooted in the shared values of the Abrahamic faiths—Judaism\, Christianity\, and Islam\, this initiative seeks to present an alternative to conflict and bloodshed by fostering dialogue\, mutual understanding\, and collaboration. The discussion will highlight historical and contemporary examples of faith-driven peace efforts and offer insights into how religious communities can be active agents of conflict resolution in today’s world. \nSpeakers \n \nThomas Cromwell is co-founder of the New America Initiative and Chairman of the Abrahamic Peace Initiative. He spent 25 years in the Middle East\, 18 as publisher and editor of the Middle East Times. During his time in the region\, he conducted a series of conferences that brought together Arabs and Israelis\, Greeks\, Turks\, and Iranians to address shared challenges to their societies\, from urbanization and agriculture to education and conflict resolution. He has traveled to 130 countries to understand and promote solutions to inter-religious and inter-ethnic conflicts. He has authored several books on these topics\, including The Triumph of Good. \n \nIbrahim Anli is the Executive Director of the Rumi Forum. He was a visiting researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Ibrahim joined the Journalists and Writers Foundation’s (JWF) Ankara office as its diplomacy coordinator. He later served as the secretary general of Abant Platform\, JWF’s Istanbul-based forum of intellectuals. Ibrahim taught International Relations and Diplomacy at Tishk International University in Erbil\, Kurdistan\, before joining Rumi Forum in 2019. \nIbrahim Anli has published several peer-reviewed book chapters and articles. He holds a BA in Economics from Istanbul University\, an MA in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from Sabanci University\, and a certificate in Strategic Management for Leaders of NGOs from Harvard University. He is a member of the Braver Angels Scholars Council and also serves on the board of the Religion Communicators Council.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/the-institute-of-world-politics-panel-discussion-abrahamic-peace-initiative/
LOCATION:The Institute of World Politics\, 1521 16th St NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20036\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-38.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250204T080000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250205T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20250129T213009Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250210T191809Z
UID:22174-1738656000-1738774800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Partner Event: IRF Summit 2025
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum will once again proudly serve as a Convening Partner and Steering Committee Member of the IRF Summit 2025\, the premier global gathering of religious freedom advocates and activists. This landmark event\, set to take place on February 4–5\, 2025\, in Washington\, DC\, will bring together a diverse coalition of organizations and individuals committed to a shared and profound mission: Religious Freedom for everyone\, everywhere\, all the time. \n \nThe Summit will unite the dynamic IRF community for two days of impactful programming featuring survivors of persecution\, leading experts in human rights and religious freedom\, and government officials actively advancing this cause. Attendees will be able to engage in thought-provoking discussions\, hear firsthand testimonies\, and participate in collaborative initiatives to promote religious freedom worldwide. \nWith enhanced programming\, IRF Summit 2025 will also introduce new opportunities for networking\, strategic partnerships\, and future collaborations. The Summit will feature four unique Breakout Tracks\, each designed to address key areas of religious freedom advocacy: \n🔹 Empower – Equipping individuals and communities with tools to advance religious freedom\n🔹 Legislate – Exploring legal frameworks and policies that safeguard religious rights\n🔹 Advocate – Strengthening global advocacy efforts and amplifying voices for change\n🔹 Activate – Mobilizing grassroots movements and action-oriented initiatives \nRumi Forum looks forward to welcoming  IRF Summit participants at its booth and the two breakout sessions under the ‘Advocate’ track: \n\nFeb.4: 4:15–5 pm – Voices Behind Bars: Solutions-Based Advocacy for Prisoners of Conscience\n\nAndrea Barron (Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International)\n\n\nFeb.5: 1:–2 pm – A Bridge to Stability: Building Structural Capacity in Crisis-Affected Countries\n\nArbana Xharra (Alon Ben Meir Institute)\n\n\n\nAs a committed partner in advancing religious freedom\, Rumi Forum looks forward to contributing to this vital conversation and working alongside fellow advocates to build a more just and inclusive world.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/partner-event-irf-summit-2025/
LOCATION:Washington Hilton\, 1919 Connecticut Ave\, N.W.\, Washington\, DC\, 20009\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-40.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250109T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250109T183000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241211T035926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250110T150516Z
UID:22009-1736447400-1736447400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Gratitude”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on January 9\, 2025\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Gratitude” with Rev. Kate Costa\, our study leader from Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria\, VA.\n \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n       Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                        Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n      Christian Scripture: New Testament                  Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nThe Rev. Kate Costa is the pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (GSLC) in Alexandria\, VA. She is passionate about connection and inclusive community\, outdoor ministry\, empowering youth\, and adapting ministry to our digital and sometimes disparate world. She counsels those with personal needs\, prepares for baptism or marriage and other life passages\, and conducts other special services. She works with the congregation’s leaders to attend to Good Shepherd’s daily happenings and represents GSLC in the community. She has served on the board of Caroline Furnace Lutheran Camp and the Virginia Council of Churches and is currently the chair of the Stewardship and Mission Support Team of the Metro DC Synod of the ELCA. She graduated from the Lutheran Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and the College of William and Mary. \nShe was ordained in 2012 and previously served as pastor of St. Luke Lutheran Church in Culpeper\, VA\, and associate pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Gaithersburg\, MD. She lives in Alexandria with her husband and two children.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-gratitude/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Scriptural Reasoning,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-SR-Designs-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241205T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241205T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241203T190241Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T163910Z
UID:21957-1733423400-1733428800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Lament"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on December 5\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Lament” with Dr. Ori Z. Soltes\, our study leader from Georgetown University. \n \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n        Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                       Islamic Scripture: Quran \n  \n       Christian Scripture: New Testament                Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n  \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nOri Z. Soltes teaches at Georgetown University across a range of disciplines\, from art history and theology to philosophy and political history. He is the former Director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum\, and has curated more than 85 exhibitions there and in other venues across the country and overseas. He has authored or edited 25 books and several hundred articles and essays. Recent volumes include Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish\, Christian and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source; Searching for Oneness: Mysticism in Judaism\, Christianity and Islam; Untangling the Web: Why the Middle East is a Mess and Always Has Been; Tradition and Transformation: Three Millennia of Jewish Art & Architecture; God and the Goalposts: A Brief History of Religion\, Sports\, Politics\, War\, and Art; and Between Thought and Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gulen.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-lament/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-SR-Design_Lament-small.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241123T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241123T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241202T160859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T161227Z
UID:22557-1732384800-1732392000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Fall 2024: “Friendship”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Fall 2024 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on November 23\, 2024. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur theme for the Fall 2024 Quarterly Social was “Friendship.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \n\nHow do you define friendship? \nHow do you pick your friends? What qualities do you look for in a friend? \nWhat role does honesty play in your friendships? \nHave you or your friend ever had to be brutally honest with each other? \nHow do you handle conflicts and disagreements with friends? \nWhat does “friends become our chosen family” mean to you? \nHow do you navigate friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-fall-2024-friendship/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/new-designs-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241112T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241112T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241114T164158Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T181323Z
UID:21905-1731436200-1731443400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:2024 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum’s 2024 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony marked the Forum’s 25th anniversary. This milestone reflects a quarter-century of dedication to fostering understanding\, compassion\, and peace through dialogue. Our evening was filled with inspiring speakers\, heartfelt performances\, and the celebration of individuals who embody the values of inclusivity and unity. \nEvent Recap \n\nOpening Remarks \nThe evening began with a warm welcome from our MC\, Natalie Bencivenga\, who highlighted Rumi Forum’s mission to bridge divides and celebrate diversity. She set the tone for an evening of reflection and unity\, reminding us of Rumi’s words: “Raise your words\, not your voice. It is rain that grows flowers\, not thunder.” \nDr. Ori Soltes\, Chairman of the Rumi Forum’s Board of Directors\, shared his perspective on the Forum’s journey and impact. Following him\, Rabbi Stephanie Bernstein\, Chaplain of Washington\, DC’s Metropolitan Police Department\, delivered remarks that underscored the importance of dialogue in building a harmonious society. \nSpecial Performance \nWe were delighted to host Sufi Melody\, a renowned ensemble from the Washington\, DC area. Their mesmerizing music\, inspired by the inclusive tradition of Sufism\, brought a sense of unity and joy to our gathering. \nHonoring Our Founder \nDr. Zeki Saritoprak\, founder of Rumi Forum\, took the stage to share the inspiring story behind the Forum’s creation\, mission\, and guiding vision\, which have shaped its work over the past 25 years. His reflections reminded us of the transformative power of dialogue in building connections across faiths and cultures. \nTribute to Fethullah Gülen \nIn a special moment\, we reflected on the legacy of the late honorary chairman\, Fethullah Gülen. Known for his commitment to peace and interfaith understanding\, Mr. Gülen’s work has been a beacon of hope and compassion. A video tribute highlighted his contributions and enduring impact on communities worldwide. \nPresentation of the 2024 Dialogue Award \nRev. Thomas L. Bowen\, White House Senior Advisor for Public Engagement\, presented the 2024 Dialogue Award to Imam Dr. Talib Shareef\, a leader whose work exemplifies the values of inclusivity and harmony. Imam Shareef’s acceptance speech was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity and compassion in today’s world. \nClosing Remarks \nThe evening concluded with remarks from Ibrahim Anli\, Executive Director of Rumi Forum. He expressed gratitude for the support and partnership of all in attendance. He encouraged us to carry forward the spirit of unity\, working together toward a more peaceful and equitable world. \nJoin Us in Advancing Dialogue and Understanding \nThis event would not have been possible without the generous support of our community. We invite you to contribute to our 25th-anniversary campaign to help us reach our goal of raising $25\,000. Your support enables us to continue our work\, from hosting community events to providing educational resources\, as we build a world rooted in mutual respect and understanding. \nEvent Photos \n\n		\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nFull Video \n\nAbout Rumi Forum: \nRumi Forum works towards strengthening the culture of peace\, religious pluralism\, and social harmony among faith communities and individuals of diverse beliefs\, ethnicities\, and backgrounds. The Forum strives to achieve this goal by building\, informing\, and mobilizing an active interfaith dialogue community. \nAbout the Rumi Dialogue Award: \nA traditional component of Rumi Forum’s endeavor is recognizing the lifetime dedication of inspirational public figures who have championed its cause. The Rumi Forum Dialogue Award honors successful practitioners with outstanding track records in interfaith engagement\, community service\, human rights\, and education. \nThank you for joining us and many distinguished guests as we reconnected and renewed our commitment to interfaith work!
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/2024-annual-gala-and-dialogue-awards-ceremony/
LOCATION:National Press Club\, 529 14th St NW-13th Floor\, Ballroom\, Washington\, DC\, 20045\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/HELP-FOR-VICTIMS-OF-EARTHQUAKE-IN-SOUTHERN-TURKEY-AND-SYRIA-17.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241107T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241107T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241029T142823Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241112T165337Z
UID:21603-1731004200-1731009600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Curiosity”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on November 7\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Curiosity” with Fatimah Popal\, our study leader from MakeSpace. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                       Islamic Scripture: Quran \n            \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n            \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nFatimah Popal is a co-founder and Managing Director of MakeSpace (est. 2013)\, a third space serving as an inclusive community of God-conscious\, compassionate\, and empowered American Muslims\, providing a platform for those often sidelined – women and youth. Before MakeSpace\, she served as a community builder at a local mosque for over a decade\, focusing on outreach\, interfaith collaboration\, youth empowerment\, and pastoral care. Ms. Popal is also an Interfaith Communities for Dialogue (ICD) board member who promotes mutual understanding and positive relationships amongst faith-based communities. \nMs. Popal holds a Master of Science and a Bachelor of Science in Conflict Analysis and Resolution from the Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution at George Mason University. Her specializations are identity\, trauma and healing\, interpersonal and organizational conflict\, and restorative justice. She also serves as the first Muslim chaplain for Fairfax County’s police department.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-curiosity/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/2024-SR-Design_curiosity.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241028T160000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241028T180000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241026T163555Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241212T181048Z
UID:21573-1730131200-1730138400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:CFIG Inaugural Panel: Rethinking Religion and Nationalism in the Global Landscape
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum’s Center for Faith\, Identity\, and Globalization was glad to hold its inaugural panel on October 28\, 2024\, “Rethinking Religion and Nationalism in the Global Landscape\,” featuring Mark Juergensmeyer of the University of California\, Santa Barbara\, and Paul Marshall of Baylor University\, and Allison K. Ralph\, Founder & Principal at Cohesion Strategy\, moderated the panel. \nEvent Photos \n\n		\n		\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n			\n				\n			\n		\n\nPanelists \nMark Juergensmeyer is a Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Global Studies\, Sociology and an affiliate of Religious Studies at the University of California\, Santa Barbara\, where he was the founding director of the Global and International Studies Program and the Orfalea Center for Global and International Studies. He is also a William F. Podlich Distinguished Fellow and Professor of Religious Studies at Claremont McKenna College. He is an expert on religious violence\, conflict resolution\, and South Asian religion and politics. He has published more than three hundred articles and thirty books\, including When God Stops Fighting: How Religious Violence Ends (University of California Press\, 2022)\, God at War: A Meditation on Religion and Warfare (Oxford\, 2021)\, and Terror in the Mind of God (University of California Press\, 4th Edition\, 2017). \nPaul Marshall is the Director of the South and Southeast Asia Action Team at Religious Freedom Institute\, Wilson Professor of Religious Freedom at Baylor University\, Senior Fellow at the Hudson Institute’s Center for Religious Freedom\, and Senior Fellow at the Leimena Institute\, Jakarta. He is the author and editor of more than twenty books on religion and politics\, especially religious freedom\, including Persecuted (Thomas Nelson\, 2013)\, Silenced: How Apostasy and Blasphemy Codes Are Choking Freedom Worldwide (Oxford University Press\, 2011)\, Blind Spot: When Journalists Don’t Get Religion (Oxford University Press\, 2009)\, Religious Freedom in the World (Rowman and Littlefield\, 2008). He is the author of several hundred articles\, and his writings have been translated into over twenty languages. He is in frequent demand for lectures and media appearances. \nModerator \nAllison K. Ralph\, Ph.D.\, is the Founder & Principal of Cohesion Strategy. A thought leader in religious pluralism and social cohesion\, Allison brings 20 years of experience in strategy\, research\, and nonprofit and philanthropic leadership. She previously worked at The Aspen Institute Religion & Society Program\, where she served as Assistant\, Associate\, and Interim Director of the program and Director of its Religion and Philanthropy Initiative. She also managed events at the El-Hibri Foundation and The Catholic University of America. She has spoken from the main stage at the International Religious Freedom Summit and the El-Hibri Foundation Peace Awards Ceremony. She has given talks at Upswell\, the United Philanthropy Forum\, and the American Academy of Religion.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/cfig-inaugural-panel-rethinking-religion-and-nationalism-in-the-global-landscape/
LOCATION:Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center\, 901 K Street Northwest\, 11th floor\, Washington\, DC\, 20001\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Speaker Series,Upcoming Events
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Oct.-28-Panel.png
ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Faith%2C Identity%2C and Globalization (CFIG)":MAILTO:cfig@rumiforum.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20241007T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20241007T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241101T150615Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241101T150615Z
UID:21804-1728325800-1728331200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Humility”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on September 12\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Humility” with our study leader\, The Reverend Aaron R. Dunn\, from the Grace Episcopal Church\, Silver Spring\, MD. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                         Islamic Scripture: Quran \n            \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n            \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nThe Reverend Aaron R. Dunn serves as Associate Rector at Grace Episcopal Church in Silver Spring\, MD\, and Part-time Chaplain at Christ Episcopal School\, Rockville. He graduated from Virginia Theological Seminary\, earning a Masters in Divinity and a certificate in Muslim-Christian Studies through the Washington Theological Consortium. In 2024\, he was awarded the Anglican Communion Prize through the Center for Anglican Communion Studies at VTS for his “dedication to international Christian mission and theological understanding across cultural and theological differences.” Aaron has been a discussion facilitator for interreligious organizations such as the Institute for Islamic\, Christian\, and Jewish Studies and the Rumi Forum. \nIn 2022\, he participated in the ICJS’ Emerging Religious Leader’s Program\, focusing on Muslim-Christian Dialogue. In 2023\, he completed training as a Scriptural Reasoning facilitator through the Rose Castle Foundation. Most recently\, he participated in the inaugural Congregational Leaders Workshop through the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-humility/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-SR-Designs_humility_new.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240925T100000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240925T163000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241029T145518Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241029T145518Z
UID:21614-1727258400-1727281800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Partner Event: SDGs Conference 2024
DESCRIPTION:In the margins of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79)\, the Journalists and Writers Foundation\, in collaboration with 56 civil society organizations from 30 countries\, including Rumi Forum\, hosted the 9th Annual SDGs Conference 2024 in New York on Wednesday\, September 25\, 2024.   \nAt this pivotal moment\, civil society leaders\, human rights advocates\, journalists\, and intellectuals from diverse backgrounds must intensify their partnerships to amplify the progressive efforts of the United Nations as the world navigates a significant period of transformation. The SDGs Conference 2024 brought together renowned experts and high-level speakers from various disciplines to tackle three pressing issues: (1) The Summit of the Future: Revitalizing the Pact for the Future\, (2) Information Integrity on Digital Platforms and Mainstream Media and (3) Transforming Inclusive Global Governance. \nRumi Forum`s Blog Series on Human Rights and SDGs \n           \n          
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/partner-event-sdgs-conference-2024/
LOCATION:630 Second\, 630 Second Ave-Grand Ballroom\, New York\, NY\, 10016\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240915T150000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240915T170000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20241101T145111Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241101T145111Z
UID:21791-1726412400-1726419600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Interreligious Communities Project: Solidarity Pledge and Celebration
DESCRIPTION:The Interreligious Communities Project (ICP) Solidarity Pledge Ceremony occurred at the Historic Blenheim Interpretive Center (3610 Blenheim Boulevard\, Fairfax\, VA) on Sunday\, September 15th\, from 3 to 5 p.m. Each community’s representatives formally signed the pledge and shared what it meant to them. \nA group of seven congregations around the Northern Virginia/Washington\, DC region has spent more than a year engaged in an interreligious effort to build understanding and solidarity across differences. Even in this time of heightened bias and polarization\, gathering and sharing our mutual humanity seeds hope. \nThese seven congregations and other partner faith communities celebrated their work together and the relationships built as they pledged ongoing solidarity in the interest of peace\, understanding\, and safe communities. \nWe have completed Phase 1! Congregations in Northern Virginia and Washington\, D.C. collaborated to explore sacred architecture\, get to know one another\, heal divides\, deepen understanding of self and others\, create community\, and build an inspiring future. Read the Solidarity Pledge below\, which they signed on September 15\, 2024\, declaring their learnings and commitments for the future. \n \nIn Phase 2\, the congregations will determine and enact a civic action project. Click here to learn more.​ \nParticipating congregations include: \nChinmaya Somnath \nFirefly House \nDharma Surya Tibetan Buddhist Temple \nMasjid Muhammad \nBurke Presbyterian Church \nTemple Rodef Shalom \nSt. Bernadette Parish
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/interreligious-communities-project-solidarity-pledge-and-celebration/
LOCATION:Historic Blenheim Interpretive Center\, 3610 Blenheim Boulevard\, Fairfax\, VA\, 22030\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Religious Literacy
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240912T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240912T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20240824T134909Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241101T140533Z
UID:21786-1726165800-1726171200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Empathy”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on September 12\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Empathy” with our study leader\, Yehuda Stolov\, from the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA). \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n                Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                      Islamic Scripture: Quran \n            \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n            \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n \nYehuda Stolov is the executive director of the Interfaith Encounter Association (IEA). Since 2001\, the IEA has worked to build peaceful inter-communal relations in the Holy Land by fostering mutual respect and trust between people and communities through active interfaith dialogue. Dr. Stolov has lectured on the role of religious dialogue in peace-building worldwide\, including in Jordan\, India\, Indonesia\, Turkey\, South Korea\, North America\, and Europe. In 2006\, he was awarded the Immortal Chaplains Foundation’s Prize for Humanity\, which honors those who “risked all to protect others of a different faith or ethnic origin.” In 2015\, he was awarded the Institute of International Education Victor J. Goldberg Prize for Peace in the Middle East. Among other activities\, Dr. Stolov was a member of the International Council of the International Association for Religious Freedom and the United Nations Decade of Interreligious Dialogue and Cooperation for Peace steering committee.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-empathy/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-SR-Designs-empathy.png
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240822T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240822T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20240915T160845Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T162426Z
UID:22561-1724349600-1724356800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Summer 2024: “Empathy”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Summer 2024 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on August 22\, 2024. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur theme for the Summer 2024 Quarterly Social was “Empathy.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \nA personal understanding:\nHow do you define empathy in your own words? \nDescribe a time when someone showed empathy towards you. \n\nIn daily life:\nHow do you practice empathy in your daily interactions with others? \nWhat are the challenges you face when trying to be empathetic? \nHow does empathy influence your professional relationships? \n\nIn society:\nWhat role does empathy play in addressing social issues and injustices? \nHow can communities foster a greater sense of empathy among their members?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-summer-2024-empathy/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community Events,Interfaith Engagement,Past Events
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240516T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240516T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20240430T181034Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20241030T182423Z
UID:21782-1715884200-1715889600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Spiritual Mentoring”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on May 16\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Spiritual Mentoring” with our study leader\, Taalibah Hassan\, from Dar Al Noor Islamic Community Center. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n                  Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                      Islamic Scripture: Quran \n            \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n            \n This Month`s Study Leader \n \nTaalibah Hassan is the Interfaith Chair at Dar Al Noor Islamic Community Center in Manassas. Taalibah started her journey to Interfaith Dialogue in 2007 when she trained as a Facilitator at the Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington (IFC). She is a native of the Washington Metropolitan area. Taalibah earned a Graduate Certificate in Imam and Muslim Leadership from Hartford Seminary. She has a Master’s and undergraduate degree from Howard University in Education and is a retired Biology teacher. Her most recent training is in Scriptural Reasoning 2023 at the Virginia Theological Seminary. Through the years\, she has been a dialogue facilitator with various organizations. A few are the Interfaith Community for Dialogue (ICD) and the Institute for Islamic\, Christian\, and Jewish Studies (ICJ). Taalibah has also been a guest trainer in Interfaith Dialogue at Howard University School of Divinity.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-spiritual-mentoring/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240427T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240427T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20240428T163240Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250408T163147Z
UID:22566-1714240800-1714248000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Quarterly Social-Spring 2024: “Courage”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum organized its “Spring 2024 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on April 27\, 2024. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers. \nOur theme for the Spring 2024 Quarterly Social was “Courage.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering: \nHow do you define courage? What is one other word that you associate with it? \nWhat is your source of courage? \nWho is your role model in courage? Why? \n \nHave you ever exhibited positive or negative aspects of courage\, and could you discuss that experience? How did you feel during that experience\, and when you reflect on it now\, do you feel any differently?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/quarterly-social-spring-2024-courage/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/new-designs-4.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240418T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240418T200000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20240422T140936Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20240422T140936Z
UID:21477-1713465000-1713470400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: “Scripture”
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on April 18\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Scripture” with our study leader\, Hazzan Henrique Ozur Bass\, from Congregation Har Shalom. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n                  Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                      Islamic Scripture: Quran \n            \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n            \n This Month`s Study Leader \n\nHazzan Henrique Ozur Bass has served as Hazzan at Congregation Har Shalom since 1996. He was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro\, Brazil. At his Bar Mitzvah service\, his Rabbi invited him to lead High Holy Days services the following year\, which he continued to do through his graduation from college. After completing a degree in Telecommunications Engineering from the Instituto Militar de Engenharia\, Hazzan Ozur Bass worked for two years as an engineer for IBM and Petrobras. In 1989\, he left his native Brazil to fulfill his childhood dream of becoming a Hazzan\, enrolling in the Cantors Institute of the Jewish Theological Seminary(NY). \nAs part of his six years of training\, he spent a year in Israel at the Masorti Rabbinical School in Jerusalem. Hazzan Ozur Bass also led services in congregations throughout Israel\, Brazil\, and the United States. During the course of his studies\, he received many awards for his musical and cantorial abilities and graduated in 1995. Hazzan Ozur Bass is grateful to Har Shalom for encouraging him to participate in professional growth and community involvement throughout his tenure. He has served on the Cantors Assembly Executive Board\, graduated from the Institute of Jewish Spirituality\, and is currently studying Clinical Pastoral Education.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-scripture/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20240321T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20240321T203000
DTSTAMP:20260404T214955
CREATED:20240228T181853Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250318T163209Z
UID:20970-1711044000-1711053000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: "Riots and Rebellion"
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on March 21\, 2024\, to study Abrahamic scriptures\, followed by an Iftar\, on “Riots and Rebellion” with our study leader Rev. Larry Golemon from Washington Theological Consortium. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) allows Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims to study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s scriptures and the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \n                 Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction                      Islamic Scripture: Quran \n            \n               Christian Scripture: New Testament               Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible \n            \nProgram Outline: \n6:00 – 7:15 pm – Scriptural Reasoning session on “Riots and Rebellion” \n7:25 – 8:30 pm – Iftar dinner and conversations at the table \n \nThis Month`s Study Leader \n\nRev. Larry Golemon\, Ph.D.\, is the Executive Director of the Washington Theological Consortium. Larry has served the wider church in various capacities: youth minister\, local pastor\, college and seminary professor\, missionary\, and researcher.  He received a B.A. in History from Stanford University\, a Master of Divinity and a Master of Sacred Theology from the Yale Divinity School\, a ThM from Columbia Theological Seminary\, and a Ph.D. in contemporary theology from Emory University’s Graduate Division of Religion. He is an ordained Presbyterian minister (PCUSA). \nAs a researcher\, Dr. Golemon was an associate for the national study of theological education by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and co-authored their findings in Educating Clergy (2006). He taught at the Dominican University of California and the GTU. He directed their research project entitled “Sacred Visions and the Social Good\,” which explored religion in public life among Buddhists\, Sufis\, Native Americans\, and faith-based Catholic and Protestant parishes. While at the Alban Institute in Virginia\, he directed the Narrative Leadership project\, which explored the story-based transformation of congregational life. He also coordinated the “Ecumenical Project” at Virginia Theological Seminary\, identifying capacities and new possibilities for ecumenical teaching and learning. He continues to write in theological education\, with a new book entitled “Clergy Education in America: Religious Leadership and American Public Life\, 1785-1935” (Oxford Press\, 2021). The book analyzes how Protestants\, Catholics\, and Jews have educated clergy for American society\, specifically as culture-builders in religious and public life. Later\, schools for woman\, African Americans\, and the white working class followed suit in their own distinctive ways.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-riots-and-rebellion/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
CATEGORIES:Interfaith Engagement,Past Events,Scriptural Reasoning
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