Rumi Forum

The Institute of World Politics Panel Discussion: "Abrahamic Peace Initiative"
2025-02-13 16:00 - 18:00 UTC | The Institute of World Politics, 1521 16th St NW, Washington, DC, 20036, United States
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.
About the Abrahamic Peace Initiative
Rooted 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.
Speakers

Thomas 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.

Ibrahim 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.
Ibrahim 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.

Partner Event: IRF Summit 2025
2025-02-04 08:00 - 2025-02-05 17:00 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave, N.W., Washington, DC, 20009, United States
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.

The 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.
With 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:
🔹 Empower – Equipping individuals and communities with tools to advance religious freedom
🔹 Legislate – Exploring legal frameworks and policies that safeguard religious rights
🔹 Advocate – Strengthening global advocacy efforts and amplifying voices for change
🔹 Activate – Mobilizing grassroots movements and action-oriented initiatives
Rumi Forum looks forward to welcoming IRF Summit participants at its booth and the two breakout sessions under the ‘Advocate’ track:

Feb.4: 4:15–5 pm – Voices Behind Bars: Solutions-Based Advocacy for Prisoners of Conscience

Andrea Barron (Torture Abolition and Survivors Support Coalition International)

Feb.5: 1:–2 pm – A Bridge to Stability: Building Structural Capacity in Crisis-Affected Countries

Arbana Xharra (Alon Ben Meir Institute)

As 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.

Scriptural Reasoning: “Gratitude”
2025-01-09 18:30 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.

Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

The 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.
She 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.

Scriptural Reasoning: “Lament"
2024-12-05 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.

Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

Ori 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.

Quarterly Social-Fall 2024: “Friendship”
2024-11-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
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.
Our theme for the Fall 2024 Quarterly Social was “Friendship.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering:

How do you define friendship?
How do you pick your friends? What qualities do you look for in a friend?
What role does honesty play in your friendships?
Have you or your friend ever had to be brutally honest with each other?
How do you handle conflicts and disagreements with friends?
What does “friends become our chosen family” mean to you?
How do you navigate friendships with people from different backgrounds and cultures?

2024 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony
2024-11-12 18:30 - 20:30 | National Press Club, 529 14th St NW-13th Floor, Ballroom, Washington, DC, 20045, United States
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.
Event Recap

Opening Remarks
The 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.”
Dr. 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.
Special Performance
We 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.
Honoring Our Founder
Dr. 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.
Tribute to Fethullah Gülen
In 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.
Presentation of the 2024 Dialogue Award
Rev. 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.
Closing Remarks
The 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.
Join Us in Advancing Dialogue and Understanding
This 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.
Event Photos

Full Video

About Rumi Forum:
Rumi 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.
About the Rumi Dialogue Award:
A 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.
Thank you for joining us and many distinguished guests as we reconnected and renewed our commitment to interfaith work!

Scriptural Reasoning: “Curiosity”
2024-11-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on November 7, 2024, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Curiosity” with Fatimah Popal, our study leader from MakeSpace.
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

Fatimah 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.
Ms. 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.

CFIG Inaugural Panel: Rethinking Religion and Nationalism in the Global Landscape
2024-10-28 16:00 - 18:00 | Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center, 901 K Street Northwest, 11th floor, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
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.
Event Photos

Panelists
Mark 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).
Paul 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.
Moderator
Allison 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.

Scriptural Reasoning: “Humility”
2024-10-07 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

The 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.
In 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.

Partner Event: SDGs Conference 2024
2024-09-25 10:00 - 16:30 | 630 Second, 630 Second Ave-Grand Ballroom, New York, NY, 10016, United States
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.
At 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.
Rumi Forum`s Blog Series on Human Rights and SDGs

Interreligious Communities Project: Solidarity Pledge and Celebration
2024-09-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Historic Blenheim Interpretive Center, 3610 Blenheim Boulevard, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
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.
A 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.
These 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.
We 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.

In Phase 2, the congregations will determine and enact a civic action project. Click here to learn more.​
Participating congregations include:
Chinmaya Somnath
Firefly House
Dharma Surya Tibetan Buddhist Temple
Masjid Muhammad
Burke Presbyterian Church
Temple Rodef Shalom
St. Bernadette Parish

Scriptural Reasoning: “Empathy”
2024-09-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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).
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

Yehuda 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.

Quarterly Social-Summer 2024: “Empathy”
2024-08-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
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.
Our theme for the Summer 2024 Quarterly Social was “Empathy.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering:
A personal understanding:
How do you define empathy in your own words?
Describe a time when someone showed empathy towards you.

In daily life:
How do you practice empathy in your daily interactions with others?
What are the challenges you face when trying to be empathetic?
How does empathy influence your professional relationships?

In society:
What role does empathy play in addressing social issues and injustices?
How can communities foster a greater sense of empathy among their members?

Scriptural Reasoning: “Spiritual Mentoring”
2024-05-16 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

Taalibah 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.

Quarterly Social-Spring 2024: “Courage”
2024-04-27 18:00 - 20:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
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.
Our theme for the Spring 2024 Quarterly Social was “Courage.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering:
How do you define courage? What is one other word that you associate with it?
What is your source of courage?
Who is your role model in courage? Why?

Have 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?

Scriptural Reasoning: “Scripture”
2024-04-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

Hazzan 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).
As 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.

Scriptural Reasoning: "Riots and Rebellion"
2024-03-21 18:00 - 20:30 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

Program Outline:
6:00 – 7:15 pm – Scriptural Reasoning session on “Riots and Rebellion”
7:25 – 8:30 pm – Iftar dinner and conversations at the table

This Month`s Study Leader

Rev. 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).
As 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.

Ramadan 2024 – An overview of Iftar programs
2024-03-10 05:00 - 2024-04-09 20:00
Ramadan 2024 marked a joyous occasion for Rumi Forum and its community partners as we came together to celebrate the spirit of Ramadan. Our Ramadan Iftars served as warm and welcoming gatherings where cherished memories were rekindled, updates on our ongoing initiatives were shared, and meaningful discussions on enhancing our collective efforts took place. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our community partners, allies, friends, and dedicated volunteers whose presence made Ramadan a truly enriching experience, fostering stronger bonds and forging new connections. This special period gave us a precious opportunity to reconnect with old friends and allies while embracing the joy of Iftar and engaging in insightful conversations about our shared aspirations for the future.
Ramadan Reunion Iftar

Virginia Community Iftar

Maryland Community Iftar

Iftar with BJC (Baptist Joint Committee for Religious Liberty)

Iftar with International Religious Freedom Summit and National Museum for American Religion

Iftar with Interfaith Encounters Association (IEA)

Scriptural Reasoning on “Riots and Rebellion” and Iftar at Virginia Theological Seminary

Iftar with Interreligious Communities Project (ICP)

Iftar with Jerusalem Youth Chorus (JYC)

5th ILF: "Harnessing our Collective Strength through Interreligious Literacy"
2024-02-29 17:30 - 21:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Rumi Forum, Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, and Washington Theological Consortium present the 5th Interfaith Leadership Forum: “Harnessing our Collective Strength through Interreligious Literacy” on February 29, 2024, at Virginia Theological Seminary. The program features keynote speaker Shaun Casey, an interfaith panel, breakout sessions, and a closing plenary.

About the Event
Interreligious literacy can be a means to promote greater religious understanding and appreciation in the context of our pluralistic democracy. Ideally, by learning about and engaging with the diverse traditions that make up our society, we learn to respect one another, thereby reducing fear, prejudice, discrimination, and misunderstanding. In doing so, we may also enhance our own ethical worldview and advance social cohesion.
Social sectors like Chaplaincy, Healthcare, Education, and Law Enforcement bring people together from various religious and cultural backgrounds. Those who work in and interact with these sectors benefit from the fruits of interreligious literacy when it’s effective at empowering people to be true to their identities and equipping them to engage with diverse perspectives productively.
This program is intended to help participants increase their interreligious knowledge and experience, reflect, and generate ideas for applying this new learning in their own contexts.

Thematic Areas:

Chaplaincy

Sister Laura Lee Seubert, L.S.J. (Little Sisters of Jesus), is celebrating her ruby jubilee of 40 years in religious life. She was born in Cottonwood, Idaho, where she attended St. Gertrude Academy. She continued her education at Mankato State University (B.S.) in Mankato, Minnesota, the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago, and the Institute of Integral Human Formation in Montreal, Quebec. She is a C.P.E. graduate from MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Sister Laura Lee’s ministry has included inner-city life in Chicago, traveling circus ministry across the United States and Canada; and contemplative presence, friendship, and work in Anchorage, Alaska; Rome, Italy; Gallitzin, Pennsylvania; and Baltimore. She currently serves as a part-time contract chaplain at MedStar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C. Sister Laura Lee follows the spirituality of Blessed Charles de Foucauld in being a contemplative presence in the heart of the world.

Healthcare

Dr. Inez Tuck, Professor Emeritus at Virginia Commonwealth University, had a remarkable career in higher education as a university professor, administrator, and researcher. In her faculty role, she focused on healing individuals, organizations, families, and communities and the spirituality, trauma, and health of individuals with stigmatized illnesses or who have experienced the homicidal death of family members. She has been a faculty/consultant for a leadership development program sponsored by the National League for Nursing. She has served as a nursing educational consultant in the country of Moldova since 2011.
She serves on the Advisory Board for the Institute of Justice Formation and has written several commentaries on the webpage. She was an academic member of the earlier Project BeSTOW at the FBI Academy, which examined law enforcement officers’ wellness and spiritual health. Dr. Tuck has a diverse educational background with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from NC A&T State University, a Master’s degree in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing from the University of Florida, and an MBA from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Her PhD in Child Development and Family Relations with a minor in Sociology was earned at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro. In 2008, Dr. Tuck completed the Master of Divinity degree at Samuel Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University.

Education

Dr. Kate Soules is an education researcher and independent consultant specializing in religious literacy and religious diversity education. She works with organizations to assess the outcomes and effects of their programs so that they can increase the reach and impact of this work. Her research examines the assessment and evaluation of religious literacy education, teacher professional learning about religion, and the impacts of religious literacy education for both students and educators. Dr. Soules is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Religion and Education Collaborative (REC), an interdisciplinary network of scholars and practitioners working at the intersections of religion and schooling. She was a 2019-2020 recipient of the Religious Literacy Fellowship from the Foundation for Religious Literacy. In 2021, she received the Emerging Scholar Award from the Religious and Education Special Interest Group at the American Education Research Association.

Law Enforcement

Officer Kevin Johnson, Jr. has been the lead officer over the years in strengthening MPD’s relationship with the Islamic community in the District. This took on renewed urgency in 2019 in the aftermath of the Christchurch shooting, as anti-Islamic incidents spiked across the US. Officer Johnson’s efforts allowed MPD officers to visit and build relationships and trust among all the Islamic mosques and institutions within the District. Leaders in the Muslim and African communities have noted that his work and presence are important and viewed as a significant step towards reducing the community’s fears.

About the Interfaith Leadership Forum
Interfaith Leadership Forum (ILF) is a DMV area learning platform that aims to make the existing expertise, capacity, and scholarship on interfaith engagement available to clergy, educators, public servants, and other interested individuals. The Forum is a partnership of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington, Rumi Forum, and Washington Theological Consortium.
ILF aims to promote pluralism by convening leaders of various religious, ethnic, racial, cultural, and gender backgrounds to exchange ideas and generate an action-oriented agenda. It provides a venue where a diverse group of community leaders, scholars, clergy, and public officials can engage in in-depth discussions on shared values and explore ways to harness them for social action. ILF is open to all individuals interested in advancing their interfaith literacy and serving the community as interfaith mobilizers in their professional or individual capacities.
Objectives
Interfaith Leadership Forum aims to strengthen interfaith relationships, literacy, and leadership by;

Equipping one another with various models of dialogue with distinct ends.
Experiencing deeper levels of interfaith encounters and dialogue
Strengthening literacy about other’s faiths and about one’s own
Overcoming prejudices and misconceptions about other faiths
Eliciting social action through interfaith engagement.

Scriptural Reasoning: "Revelation"
2024-02-22 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on February 22, 2024 to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Revelation” with our study leader, Rev. Rebecca Messman, from Burke Presbyterian Church.
Scriptural 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.

Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible Christian Scripture: New Testament

This Month`s Study Leader

Rev. Rebecca Messman is the Senior Pastor of Burke Presbyterian Church in Burke, Virginia. She has been actively engaged in community organizing in Fairfax County and the state of Virginia for more than 15 years, working on affordable housing, behavioral health, and after-school programs. She is a frequent writer and speaker, writing articles for Christian Century and the Presbyterian Outlook magazine. She created a multi-faith, multi-race clergy association that toured the state of Virginia by bus, examining places of racial pain in the Commonwealth and interviewing Civil Rights leaders whose stories had not been told before. This effort became a documentary on PBS.
Before serving at Burke Presbyterian, Pastor Messman served at Trinity Presbyterian in Herndon and helped found a ministry with Spanish-speaking day laborers called Lunch for the Soul. She graduated from Princeton Seminary and the University of Virginia. She lives in Arlington with her husband and two children.

Interreligious Communities Project: Site Visit to Temple Rodef Shalom
2024-02-18 17:00 - 19:30 | Temple Rodef Shalom, 2100 Westmoreland St., Falls Church, VA, 22043, United States
Rumi Forum and Sharing Sacred Spaces will visit the Temple Rodef Shalom in Falls Church, VA, on Sunday, February 18, from 5 to 7:30 pm. This interfaith visit will have representatives from six different religious communities present to explore this sacred space and build understanding and unity across faiths. These congregations are participating 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.
Our friends at the Temple will greet us with warm hospitality, love, and compassion. We will learn the story and heart of their religion and its practices, have the opportunity to participate in a mini-Torah study on sacred space, hear from members about their spiritual journeys, walk the gorgeous space, enjoy delicious food (such as matzoh ball soup), and join in the dialogue. Participants are encouraged to come with their curiosity and questions and take this opportunity to meet their neighbors and build the foundations for peace.
This visit is part of the Interreligious Communities Project (Northern VA/Washington).

Partner Event: Film Screening and Discussion of “Sevap/Mitzvah”
2024-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC, 20016, United States
Rumi Forum is proud to join the Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS) in presenting a dialogue featuring the film by writer and director Sabina Vajrača, “Sevap/Mitzvah” on February 13, 2024 at Washington Hebrew Congregation. This short film is a moving dramatization of a Bosnian Muslim woman who hid a Jewish family during the Holocaust and then was rescued by Jews during the war in Bosnia 52 years later. It is a story about the power of true friendship, which is one thing organizations like JIDS and the Rumi Forum have tried so hard to foster – true friendships between Muslims and Jews.
This film should provide an excellent springboard for a discussion that can help bring our two communities together during a time when many forces would like to split us apart. Come in fellowship, prepare to be inspired, and participate in a dialogue that builds on the film to confront issues facing our communities today.
Watch the Trailer

Awards
2024 Academy Awards – For Your Consideration Best Live Action Short Film
2023 Humanitas Prize
2023 ECOCINE Film Festival ~ Human Rights Award
2023 Centre Film Festival ~ Gratitude Award
2023 Sedicicorto International Film Festival ~ Audience Award
2023 Flickers’ Rhode Island International Film Festival ~ Jury Award: International Vision Award
2023 Cordillera International Film Festival ~ Jury Award: Best Female Focus
2021 Claims Conference ~ Emerging Filmmaker Grant

Partner Event: IRF Summit 2024
2024-01-30 08:00 - 2024-01-31 17:00 | Washington Hilton, 1919 Connecticut Ave, N.W., Washington, DC, 20009, United States
Rumi Forum was once again a proud Convening Partner and Steering Committee Member of the IRF Summit 2024, the preeminent global gathering of religious freedom advocates and activists. This one-of-a-kind event, which took place January 30 – 31 in Washington, DC, convened a diverse coalition of groups and individuals dedicated to a simple but profound goal: Religious Freedom for everyone, everywhere, all the time.
The Summit brought the dynamic IRF community together for two days packed with amazing programs featuring survivors of persecution, the foremost experts in human rights and religious freedom, and government leaders on the frontlines of this issue. In addition to enhanced programming, this year’s Summit also offered new opportunities to network and build future collaborations.
#IRFSummit2024 featured four unique Breakout Tracks focused on key global religious freedom areas of work:

Vulnerable
Voices
Victories
Violations

Voices of IRF Summit 2023

Interreligious Communities Project: Site Visit to Drikung Dharma Surya Center
2024-01-28 19:00 - 21:30 | Drikung Dharma Surya Center, 5300 Ox Road, Fairfax, VA, 22030, United States
Rumi Forum and Sharing Sacred Spaces visited the Drikung Dharma Surya Center in Fairfax, VA, on Sunday, January 28, from 7 to 9:30 pm. This interfaith visit had representatives from six different religious communities present to explore this sacred space and build understanding and unity across faiths. These congregations are participating 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.
Our friends at the Temple greet us with warm hospitality, love, and compassion. We learned the story and heart of their religion and its practices, had the opportunity to participate in rituals, heard from members about their spiritual journey, walked the space, enjoyed delicious food (from the origins of Tibet, Mongolia, and China), and joined in the dialogue. Participants came with their curiosity and questions and took this opportunity to meet their neighbors and build the foundations for peace.
This visit is part of the Interreligious Communities Project (Northern VA/Washington).

Scriptural Reasoning: "Refugees"
2024-01-18 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on January 18, 2024, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Refugees” with our study leader, Aaron R. Dunn, from the Episcopal Diocese of Washington.
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

Christian Scripture: New Testament Islamic Scripture: Quran

This Month`s Study Leader

Aaron R. Dunn is a deacon for Holy Orders in the Episcopal Diocese of Washington and recently completed his Master’s in Divinity student at Virginia Theological Seminary. Before beginning his seminary training, he served as the Vocal Music Teacher at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD, and before that, as Voice Faculty and Director of Opera Workshop at Lincoln University. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from Baldwin Wallace Conservatory of Music and a Master of Music from the University of Tennessee. He has worked nationally and internationally as both a vocalist and stage director.

Live Sufi Music and Poetry: Rumi’s "Night of the Union”
2023-12-17 18:30 - 20:00 | Church of the Holy City, 1611 16th Street, NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
Rumi Forum organized a live Sufi music performance by “Sufi Melody” with Sara Snyder: “Seeking mental health through Rumi`s poetry” on Dec. 17, 2023, at 6:30 pm at the Church of the Holy City.

About the Event
Sheb-i Arus (Night of Union”) marks the anniversary of Rumi’s passing on December 17, 1273. On this night, admirers of the great luminary worldwide engage in various spiritual practices and learning activities to honor his legacy.
The word “arus,” meaning “wedding,” symbolizes the union of the soul with the Divine upon death. Sheb-i Arus serves as a time for spiritual reflection, celebration, and a reaffirmation of the teachings and values espoused by Rumi.
Join us on December 17th for an end-of-the-year social night to celebrate this meaningful occasion with Rumi’s teachings and live Sufi music!
Live Sufi Music by “Sufi Melody”

Sufi Melody is a spiritual music ensemble that aims to establish a web of love and a sense of connectedness among cultural groups through music. Inspired by the inclusive tradition of Sufism, Sufi Melody aims to create and cover pieces from various faith traditions, including but not limited to Islam, to build bridges among diverse communities. Sufi Melody`s mission is to foster unity and understanding among diverse communities through music.
“Seeking Mental Health Through Rumi’s Poetry“ by Sarah Snyder

S.A. Snyder has been a writer for more than 30 years. She participates in live storytelling and blogs about self-care and retreating. With humor and insight, Sarah inspires others by telling her own experiences to examine what it means to live a meaningful life. She is also the author of four books: DIY Retreats: A Handbook for Creating Your Space, Setting an Intention, and Getting the Self-care You Need; The Value of Your Soul: Lessons in Dealing with Life’s Annoyances (using Rumi verse to live a more meaningful life); Plant Trees, Carry Sheep: A Woman’s Spiritual Journey Among the Sufis of Scotland (a memoir); and Montana Scenic Drives(your travel companion to visiting Montana’s scenic places).

Scriptural Reasoning: "Reconciliation"
2023-12-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Rumi Forum had its monthly circle on December 6, 2023, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Reconciliation” with our study leader, Dr. Thomas Conroy, from Virginia Theological Seminary.
Scriptural 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.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

Cristian Scripture: New Testament Islamic Scripture: Quran

This Month`s Study Leader

Dr. Thomas Martin Conroy is a middler in the Master of Divinity program at Virginia Theological Seminary (VTS) and a member of the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, Alexandria, VA. Tom is a Companion Member of the Center for Anglican Communion Studies. He was the VTS student representative for The Compass Rose Society annual meeting this past November in London. The Society for the Increase of Ministry welcomed Tom as one of their scholars for the 2022-2023 academic year. His vocational focus is on interim ministry work and he presented a workshop on Congregational Discernment at the Interim Ministry Network annual conference this past November.
Before his move to Alexandria, Tom served Mary Queen of Peace Parish in Pittsburgh, PA, as organist, choir director, and bell choir director. His Catholic upbringing comprised Maronite and Roman rites, and he began playing for services at his Lebanese parish, St. Maron Church in Youngstown, Ohio, at age twelve. He completed his master’s degree in composition at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2003, where he also was a faculty member from 2009 to 2013; he earned his doctorate of musical arts in composition at Rice University in Houston, Texas. He served on the faculties of Texas A and M University, University of Houston, and Ball State University.

Partner Event: Film Screening and Discussion-"Reuniting America"
2023-12-05 18:30 - 20:30 | George Mason University Van Metre Hall, 3351 Fairfax Drive (Room 308), Arlington, VA, 22201, United States
Rumi Forum, GMU Carter School for Peace and Conflict Resolution, Braver Angels, ICRD, and Focolare Forum brought together an evening of rich discussion on bridging the divide in the face of the growing partisan hatred that threatens our nation. It was great to see people coming together who are heartsick about the rancor tearing our country apart and who think that our opponents should not be our enemies and that America’s best days can lie ahead.
Event Program:
6:30 pm: Welcome by Carter School Representative
6:45 pm: Remarks by Rumi Forum, ICRD, and Focolare Forum on their depolarization work
7:00 pm: Remarks by two Braver Angels Ambassadors
7:10 pm: Film
8:00 pm: Discussion
8:30 pm: End of program

Interreligious Communities Project: Site Visit to Masjid Muhammad
2023-12-03 15:00 - 17:30 | Masjid Muhammad, 1519 4th St. NW, Washington, DC, 20001, United States
Rumi Forum and Sharing Sacred Spaces in visited Masjid Muhammad: The Nation`s Mosque in Washington, DC. On Sunday, December 3, from 3-5:30 pm, this interfaith visit had representatives from six different religious communities present to explore this sacred space and build understanding and unity across faiths. These congregations are participating 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.
Our friends at Masjid Muhammad will greet you with warm hospitality. You will learn the story and heart of their religion and its practices, witness a ritual, hear from members about their spiritual journey, walk the space, break bread together, and join the dialogue. We want your curiosity and questions and hope you will join us and take this opportunity to meet your neighbors and build foundations for peace.
This visit is part of the Interreligious Communities Project (Northern VA/Washington).

Interreligious Communities Project: Site Visit to Burke Presbyterian Church
2023-11-16 17:45 - 20:30 | Burke Presbyterian Church, 5690 Oak Leather Dr, Burke, VA, 22015, United States
Rumi Forum and Sharing Sacred Spaces visited Burke Presbyterian Church in Burke, VA, on Thursday, November 16, 2023. This was an interfaith visit with representatives from at least six different religions present to explore the sacred space with the congregation at Burke Presbyterian Church.
This visit was run by Sharing Sacred Spaces and is part of the Interreligious Communities Project in Northern Virginia. There will be 7 “experiences,” not just visits. We go deep into the architectural design of each space, which opens up new avenues for connecting the material and the spiritual. Members of each congregation will also share their worldview, spiritual journeys, and history. We then share a meal and dialogue.
About the event:
This was an interfaith visit with representatives from at least six different religions present to explore the sacred space of this Catholic Church. This visit was run by Sharing Sacred Spaces and is part of the Interreligious Communities Project in Northern Virginia. There will be seven visits to different sacred spaces as part of this program. There will be 7 “experiences,” not just visits. We go deep into the architectural design of each space, which opens up new avenues for connecting the material and the spiritual. Members of each congregation will also share their worldview, spiritual journeys, and history. We then share a meal and dialogue. Learn more and see each sacred space’s etiquette.
