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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Rumi Forum
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DTSTART:20250101T000000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250515T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250515T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
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:20250528T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250528T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
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:20250605T173000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250605T213000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
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
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250706T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250706T201500
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
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:20250907T123000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250907T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20250903T183343Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T210439Z
UID:22779-1757248200-1757264400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Find Rumi Forum at the 20th Interfaith Unity Walk!
DESCRIPTION:The Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington invites you to the largest interfaith gathering in the Washington\, DC Metro Area! On Sunday\, September 7th (12:30-5:30pm) Massachusetts Ave. NW becomes a public celebration of shared humanity. The 20th Annual Unity Walk\, hosted by IFC invites people of all faiths and none to walk together\, visit 11 sacred spaces\, and experience powerful moments of music\, food\, culture\, and connection. \n\n\nWhat to Expect: \n\n\nVisit 11+ houses of worship and spiritual centers \n\n\nEngage in meaningful conversations with faith practitioners from 7+ faith and spiritual traditions \n\n\nTry your hand (and feet!) at a folk dance workshop \n\n\nJoin a meaningful service project \n\n\nUnleash your inner photographer with Interfaith Photovoice \n\n\nAnd much more! \n\n\nThe journey begins at Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St NW) and ends at The Islamic Center (2551 Massachusetts Ave NW). \n\nThere are several ways you and your community can join us:\nBring a co-worker\, a friend\, or a group of people to the event\nHelp spread the word through your social media or newsletter\n\nRegister today!
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/find-rumi-forum-at-the-20th-interfaith-unity-walk/
LOCATION:Washington Hebrew Congregation\,  3935 Macomb St NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20016\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250911T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250911T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20250903T185509Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251106T145345Z
UID:22788-1757615400-1757620800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: Hope
DESCRIPTION:Scriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives\, grounded in an ethic of mutual hospitality. 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. \nThis month’s study leader is the Rev. Katherine Grieb\, PhD. Dr. Grieb is the Director of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies and a long-time professor of biblical studies at Virginia Theological Seminary. \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content. \nA map of the VTS campus can be found here. \nThe text pack for this session can be found here. \nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-hope/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary\, 3737 Seminary Rd.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250925T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250925T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20250903T190124Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T210623Z
UID:22791-1758823200-1758834000@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Film Screening: Join or Die
DESCRIPTION:Join or Die is a documentary about why you should join a club—and why the fate of America depends on it. The film follows the half-century story of America’s civic unraveling through the journey of legendary social scientist Robert Putnam\, whose groundbreaking Bowling Alone research on the decline of community connections may hold answers to today’s democratic crisis. Alongside influential voices such as Hillary Clinton\, Pete Buttigieg\, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy\, Eddie Glaude Jr.\, Raj Chetty\, and Priya Parker\, as well as grassroots groups building community across the country\, Putnam explores three urgent civic questions: What makes democracy work? Why is American democracy in crisis? And\, most importantly\, what can we do about it?
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/film-screening-join-or-die/
LOCATION:Friends Place on Capitol Hill\, 515 East Capitol Street Southeast\, Washington\, DC\, 20003\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/mqdefault.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251005T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251005T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20250903T190436Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T210903Z
UID:22796-1759687200-1759696200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Abraham’s Bridge: Film Screening and Talk with director Ellie Pierce
DESCRIPTION:Abraham’s Bridge documents an experiment in intentional proximity in the American Midwest. The film chronicles the construction of a mosque\, synagogue\, church\, and interfaith center on 38 acres in Omaha: connected by a circular wooden bridge\, a vast donation garden\, and a quietly disruptive vision\, Tri-Faith seeks to cross boundaries and build new forms of engagement. They must also confront difficult questions about the limits of the Abrahamic model\, declining affiliation of youth\, and the rising currents of division. After October 7\, 2023\, they can no longer avoid the topic of Israel/Palestine and must find a way forward. \nThis short film is a place-based\, visual case study which connects the particular and universal in its depiction of lived religion. Here\, religion is expressed through architecture\, agriculture\, and through daily relational activity. While the story is distinctly American\, told through the unique lens of Omaha\, as a case study of co-location it facilitates critical reflection and comparative exploration–whether in analogous spaces like the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi\, the House of One in Berlin (now under construction)\, or in other spaces of unplanned\, unintentional\, or unwanted religious proximity. \nAbraham’s Bridge makes use of the affective\, sensorial\, and aesthetic capacities of film while providing multiple points of access for discourse and discussion. It is intended for both academic and generalist audiences. \nBio of Producer/Director: \nElinor (Ellie) Pierce is the research director at the Pluralism Project at Harvard University\, a writer\, consultant\, and independent filmmaker. Ellie contributed to the award-winning multimedia project On Common Ground: World Religions in America\, co-edited World Religions in Boston\, and helped develop the Webby Award-winning pluralism.org website. She is the author of the case collection Pluralism in Practice and co-edited two volumes in interfaith studies. Ellie collaborated on two feature length films: Acting on Faith\, about women and religious activism and Fremont\, U.S.A.\, documenting religious diversity in a California city; she co-produced two short films and is the producer/director and assistant editor of the award-winning documentary Abraham’s Bridge. Ellie has an undergraduate degree in Anthropology from Macalester College\, and a master’s degree from the Harvard Divinity School.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/abrahams-bridge-film-screening-and-talk-with-director-ellie-pierce/
LOCATION:The Festival Center\, 1640 Columbia Rd NW 2nd Floor\, Washington\, DC\, DC\, 20009\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/images.jpeg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251008T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251008T203000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20250903T185017Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T205825Z
UID:22782-1759948200-1759955400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Film Screening: A Sacred Piece of Home
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum and Focolare Forum for Dialogue are delighted to invite those of you in the DC area to a four-part screening of the PBS documentary A Sacred Piece of Home.\n\nEach episode of A Sacred Piece of Home explores how people of many faiths have brought their sacred traditions and architecture to the D.C. region. From soaring minarets to hidden chapels\, each episode is a moving tribute to the spiritual and cultural mosaic that defines the city many of us call home.\n\nAfter each screening\, we will join the film’s creators in dialogue\, continuing our shared commitment to understanding and connection across traditions.\n\nDates: Sept 10 | Oct 8 | Nov 12 | Dec 10\n\nTime: 6:30–8:30 PM\n– Refreshments at 6:30 PM\n– Screening at 7:00 PM\, followed by discussion\nVenue: Spaces\, 609 H Street NE\, Washington\, DC 20002\nWhat to expect:\n– A 40-minute episode each evening\n– A conversation with the creators and community leaders\n– Time to connect with neighbors across traditions\nRSVP: Please use this link to let us know you’re coming so we can plan refreshments.\n\n\n\nThis is an opportunity not only to enjoy a powerful documentary series but also to carry forward the spirit of interfaith encounter and collaboration that inspired Sustainable Peace Networks.\n\nAll are welcome—please feel free to share this invitation with friends and colleagues in the DC area.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/partner-event-focolare-forum-for-dialogue/
LOCATION:Spaces\, 609 H Street NE\, DC\, 20002\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/541171823_1132515282113437_4808199947494857034_n-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251023T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251023T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20251008T172450Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T211205Z
UID:22843-1761244200-1761249600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: Creativity
DESCRIPTION:THIS IS A HYBRID EVENT. Join us in person or on Zoom. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain 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 own scriptures\, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \nThis month’s study leader will be Rabbi Greg Harris. \nRabbi Greg Harris is Senior Rabbi at Congregation Beth El of Montgomery County. He has a passion for social justice and interfaith activities. Beyond his many responsibilities at the congregation\, Rabbi Harris is a Past President of the Washington Board of Rabbis\, Founding Chair of the Pastoral Care Committee at the Hebrew Home of Greater Washington\, and has served as an active member of the Boards for Camp Ramah in New England\, the Community & Global Impact Committee of the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington (JFGW) and Interfaith Works\, a non-profit organization working with at-risk families in Montgomery County. \nRabbi Harris was ordained at the Jewish Theological Seminary where he was the recipient of the Dr. Michael Higger Prize in Talmud. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from The American University in Washington\, D.C. and later a certificate degree in Nonprofit Management from the American Jewish University in Los Angeles. He is the founding chairperson of the Tomorrow Fellowship Jewish Communal Leadership Program. He is also a past recipient of the Matthew H. Simon Rabbinic Leadership Award from JFGW. Rabbi Harris has been a guest lecturer at the Washington College of Law\, the National Defense University and the National Guard Bureau as well as a guest on The Kojo Nnambi Show and other press outlets. In his free time\, he is learning to play guitar and has run the Marine Corp Marathon twice. He was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. He and his wife Sarah are proud of their five adult children. \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content. \nA map of the VTS campus can be found here. \nThe text pack for the session can be found here.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-creativity/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251029T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251029T190000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20251008T172112Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T054600Z
UID:22838-1761757200-1761764400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:CFIG Panel:Fethullah Gülen’s Legacy&the Hizmet Movement’s Forward Trajectory
DESCRIPTION:On the first anniversary of Fethullah Gülen’s passing\, the Rumi Forum’s Center for Faith\, Identity\, and Globalization (CFIG) hosted a special panel featuring two distinguished scholars—Dr. Ori Z. Soltes and Dr. Anwar Alam—to reflect on Gülen’s intellectual\, spiritual\, and social legacy. The event drew a strong turnout and featured a lively\, illuminating dialogue on how the Hizmet Movement continues to evolve in today’s complex global landscape. \nModerated by Lyndsey Eksili\, the discussion explored how Gülen’s philosophy of education\, interfaith dialogue\, and civic engagement continues to inspire new generations to pursue peace\, pluralism\, and service (“hizmet”) across borders. \nAs participants marked a year since his passing\, the conversation served as a meaningful reflection on Gülen’s enduring contributions and an engaging exploration of the path forward for the Hizmet Movement—its challenges\, hopes\, and role in shaping a more compassionate and pluralistic future. \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\nPanelists\n \nOri Z. Soltes\, Ph.D.\, is Professorial Lecturer in Theology and Fine Arts at Georgetown University and former Director of the B’nai B’rith Klutznick National Jewish Museum in Washington\, DC\, where he curated over 80 exhibitions on a variety of subjects. He is the author of articles\, exhibition catalogs\, essays\, and books on a range of topics\, including Our Sacred Signs: How Jewish\, Christian\, and Muslim Art Draw from the Same Source; The Ashen Rainbow: Essays on the Arts and the Holocaust; Christianity and Islam: Searching for Oneness; Tradition and Transformation: Three Millennia of Jewish Art and Architecture; Magic and Religion in the Greco-Roman World: The Beginnings of Judaism and Christianity; and God and the Goalposts: A Brief History of Sports\, Religion\, Politics\, War\, and Art. \nHe also wrote Embracing the World: Fethullah Gülen’s Thought & Its Relationship with Jelaluddin Rumi and Others (2013) and Between Thought and Action: An Intellectual Biography of Fethullah Gülen (2022). \n \nAnwar Alam\, Ph.D.\, is currently a Professor with the Department of International Relations\, Ala-Too International University\, Bishkek\, Kyrgyzstan\, and a Distinguished Fellow with Policy Perspectives Foundation\, New Delhi. Earlier he served as Full Professor of International Relations and Deputy Vice Chancellor at Nile University of Nigeria\, Abuja; Full Professor at Department of International Studies\, Zirve University\, Gaziantep\, Turkey\, Professor and Director at Centre for West Asian Studies\, Jamia Millia Islamia\, (New Delhi); Associate Professor at Centre for West Asian Studies\, School of International Studies\, Jawaharlal Nehru University\, New Delhi\, and Assistant Professor at Department of Political Science\, Aligarh Muslim University\, Aligarh. \nDr. Alam has authored more than 35 articles in national and international journals\, as well as two books\, six edited books\, one co-edited book\, and 17 chapters in edited books\, all related to West Asia\, Indian politics\, Indian foreign policy\, Islamic movements\, and Muslim Politics. His latest publications are For the Sake of Allah: The Origin\, Development and Discourse of The Gülen Movement (2019) and The Disintegration of ISIS: Implications for Indian National Security (2023). \nPanelists\n \nLyndsey Eksili\, Ed.D.\, is an experienced educator\, writer\, and advocate for holistic development and mental health. As the editorial director for Youth Titles at Tughra Books and a content editor for The Fountain Magazine\, she combines nearly 20 years of educational leadership with her passion for creating meaningful\, youth-focused content. She serves as the School Board President at Pinnacle Academy\, contributes to the Early Childhood Development Task Force of Childhood Education International\, and writes for and serves on the board of the Green Dome Foundation. Through her work\, she champions early intervention\, cultural understanding\, and the intersection of faith and mental well-being. \nDr. Eksili holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University\, as well as certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy\, Mindfulness\, and Clinical Trauma.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/cfig-special-panel-fethullah-gulens-legacy-the-hizmet-movements-forward-trajectory/
LOCATION:University of Southern California Capital Campus\, 1771 N Street Northwest\, Washington\, DC\, DC\, 20036\, United States
CATEGORIES:Panel Discussions,Past Events,Speaker Series
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Source-Sans-Mona-3.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Center for Faith%2C Identity%2C and Globalization (CFIG)":MAILTO:cfig@rumiforum.org
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251106T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251106T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20251105T181033Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251203T211334Z
UID:22890-1762453800-1762459200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: Stewardship
DESCRIPTION:Let us sit together to discuss stewardship.\n\n\n\nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain 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 own scriptures\, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \nOur study leader for this session will be Mother Sara Palmer: \nMother Sara was chosen to serve as the 9th and first female Rector of All Souls’ Episcopal Church in Washington DC. She began working at All Souls on January 2nd\, 2024. \nHer first career in England was as a teacher of French and German in a Middle and High School near London. God called her to become a Spanish-speaking church-planting missionary with the Church of England in Bolivia\, having studied at Bible and then Missionary College in England. She worked with an English family to start a new congregation in Santa Cruz\, the second largest city in Bolivia\, where she preached\, taught Bible to the women and helped lead the Sunday School and youth group. She met and married her husband David\, a missionary with the American Episcopal Church in La Paz. After three years\, they moved to the USA. The newly planted congregation Cristo\, Luz del Mundo\, continues to grow and has their own building and land. \nMother Sara tutored privately in Spanish and French in the USA\, then taught Spanish at college level in Rochester\, NY and Charlotte\, North Carolina. She was hired by the Diocese of North Carolina as lay Hispanic Missioner to help four small rural congregations plant a Latino congregation in Salisbury\, NC. This congregation thrived and grew from 2002 to 20012 when the funding stopped. She entered the ordination process and attended the Virginia Theological School where she was awarded her M.Div. magna cum laude in 2010. After ordination to the priesthood in 2011\, Mother Sara worked for six years as Assistant to the Rector in High Point\, NC; she served as Rector of Holy Trinity in Oxford\, Ohio\, for four years\, starting various ministries and reaching out to students at Miami University; she was Senior Associate Rector at St Mary’s\, Arlington for three plus years\, before being hired at All Souls in DC. \nShe is passionate about sharing God’s love and helping people grow in their relationship with God. She is delighted to have opportunities to speak French and Spanish\, and to engage in interfaith dialogue. She is active in supporting social justice issues and international outreach. \nBefore this\, she served as Senior Associate Rector at St. Mary’s in Arlington\, VA where she had clergy oversight of Pastoral Care\, Spiritual Formation\, and the relationship with the Santa Maria congregation. She served as Assistant to the Rector at Saint Mary’s\, High Point\, North Carolina from 2010 to 2016\, and then as Rector of Holy Trinity in Oxford\, Ohio from 2016 to 2020. At Holy Trinity\, she led the outreach to students at Miami University\, leading a Bible study for them. \nMother Sara completed her Master of Divinity degree at Virginia Theological Seminary in 2010. She and her husband David\, a music professor and musician\, met in Bolivia where they served as church-planting missionaries with the Anglican Church. They have one adult son\, Steven who lives in Ohio. \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content. \nA map of the VTS campus can be found here. \nThe text pack for this session can be found here.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-stewardship/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251118T170000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251118T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20251203T163505Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T055029Z
UID:23006-1763485200-1763485200@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:2025 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony
DESCRIPTION:This week\, Rumi Forum hosted its 2025 Annual Gala & Dialogue Award Ceremony\, honoring a visionary leader in interreligious understanding: Dr. John Borelli\, Special Assistant for Catholic Identity and Dialogue to the President of Georgetown University.\n\n\n\nThis year’s ceremony was also a special celebration of the 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate\, the landmark #Vatican II declaration that transformed #Catholic relations with other faith communities and laid crucial foundations for modern #interreligious dialogue.\n\n\n\nWe were grateful to honor Dr. Borelli’s lifelong commitment to building bridges—and to commemorate a document that continues to inspire mutual respect\, understanding\, and cooperation across traditions.\n\n\n\nThank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful evening!
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/2025-annual-gala-and-dialogue-awards-ceremony/
LOCATION:Meridian House\, 1630 Crescent Pl NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20009\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WP-Header-Upload.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251120T190000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251120T210000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20251203T162427Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T171153Z
UID:22996-1763665200-1763672400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Rumi Forum Young Professionals Friendsgiving Dinner
DESCRIPTION:Rumi Forum Young Professionals Friendsgiving Dinner\n\n\n\nWhat a beautiful evening!\n\n\n\nThank you to everyone who joined us for our Friendsgiving Dinner on Thursday\, November 20th. The night was filled with good food\, live music\, warm conversations\, and heartfelt gratitude — everything Friendsgiving is meant to be.\n\n\n\nWe’re grateful for the young professionals\, community members\, and friends who came together to celebrate friendship\, connection\, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.\n\n\n\nHere’s to more gatherings that bring people closer\, nurture community\, and remind us of the power of gratitude.\n\n\n\nUntil next time!
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/rumi-forum-friendsgiving-dinner/
LOCATION:Friends Meeting of Washington\, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW\, Washington\, DC\, 20008\, United States
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251125T180000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251125T180000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20251203T162859Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T171117Z
UID:22999-1764093600-1764093600@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Rumi Forum Thanksgiving Programming
DESCRIPTION:Coming together in gratitude\n\n\n\nThis Thanksgiving season\, Rumi Forum was grateful to join hands with diverse faith communities to host two multifaith celebrations—one in Maryland and one in Virginia.\n\n\n\nBoth gatherings were powerful moments of shared witness\, renewed community bonds\, and heartfelt appreciation for neighbors of all backgrounds.\n\n\n\nWith music\, reflections\, and warm conversations\, these celebrations reminded us that gratitude deepens when shared across traditions.\n\n\n\nHeartfelt thanks to all our partners\, clergy\, musicians\, volunteers\, and friends who made these evenings possible. May the spirit of connection and\nmutual understanding continue to guide us forward.\n\n\n\nHere’s to gratitude\, community\, and the beauty of coming together.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/rumi-forum-thanksgiving-events-2025/
LOCATION:Saint Bernadette Catholic Church 7600 Old Keene Mill Rd.\, Springfield\, 7600 Old Keene Mill Rd\, Springfield\, VA\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/WP-Header-Upload-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260129T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260129T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20260114T194652Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260131T214624Z
UID:23067-1769711400-1769716800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: Abraham's Journey
DESCRIPTION:Kick off the new year with the Rumi Forum!\n\n\n\nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain 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 own scriptures\, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities. \nOur study leader for this session will be Mother Sara Palmer! \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content. \nA map of the VTS campus can be found here. \nThe text pack for this session can be found here. \nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-abrahams-journey-2/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/WP-Header-Upload-3.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260212T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260212T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20260210T151606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T171103Z
UID:23083-1770921000-1770926400@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: Beginnings
DESCRIPTION:Explore how the story of creation is told in Christianity\, Judaism\, and Islam!\n\n\n\nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. 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. \nAbout the Study Leader: Rabbi Marc Israel \nBased on the Torah’s dictate to love your neighbor as yourself\, Rabbi Israel works to create vibrant and inclusive communities within the congregation\, across Rockville\, and throughout the world. He is an active member of Jews United for Justice and Action In Montgomery and serves on the J Street clergy network executive council. Rabbi Israel received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1992 and was ordained a rabbi in 1998 by Hebrew Union College – Jewish Institute of Religion. Since June 2019\, Marc Israel has been the rabbi of Tikvat Israel in Rockville\, MD. \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content. \nA map of the VTS campus can be found here. \nThe text pack for this session can be found here \nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-beginnings/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/WP-Header-Upload-4.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260409T183000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260409T200000
DTSTAMP:20260403T224705
CREATED:20260327T133031Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260327T133031Z
UID:23101-1775759400-1775764800@rumiforum.org
SUMMARY:Scriptural Reasoning: Clothing and Modesty
DESCRIPTION:How are clothing and modesty addressed in Christian\, Jewish\, and Muslim scriptures? \n\n\n\n\nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event. \nScriptural Reasoning (SR) is a practice where Christians\, Jews\, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet once a month to read short passages from their respective scriptures on a certain topic. Facilitated by a study leader\, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. 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. \nThis month our forum will be led by Rev. Dr. Jay L. Moses from Saint Mark Presbyterian Church\, in Rockville\, Maryland. \nThrough a call in the Presbytery of Chicago\, Jay found the opportunity to work in Inter-religious and Ecumenical Dialogue\, where there’s a vibrant intra-cultural community of Jews\, Muslims\, Sikhs\, etc. “Having the ability to live with these communities in seeking peace and understanding has been a great thrill\, adventure\, and opportunity for growth in my own spiritual understanding.” \nWe would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content. \nA map of the VTS campus can be found here. \nThe text pack for this session can be found here. \nThis is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event. \nPhotography & Media Disclosure \nThis event\, hosted in partnership by Rumi Forum and Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS)\, may be photographed\, audio recorded\, and/or video recorded for documentation\, educational\, archival\, and promotional purposes. \nBy participating\, you grant permission to Rumi Forum and Virginia Theological Seminary to use your image\, voice\, and likeness in print and digital communications\, including but not limited to: \n\nWebsites and newsletters\nSocial media platforms\nEvent recaps and publications\nAnnual reports and promotional material\n\nNote: These materials may be used without additional notice or compensation.
URL:https://rumiforum.org/event/scriptural-reasoning-clothing-and-modesty-2/
LOCATION:Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center\, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir.\, Alexandria\, VA\, 22304\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://rumiforum.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/WP-Header-Upload-5.jpg
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