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.

Scriptural Reasoning: “Forgiveness”
2025-02-13 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 February 13, 2025, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Forgiveness” with Imam Faizul Khan, our study leader from the Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring, MD.
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

Imam Faizul Khan is a distinguished religious leader and community advocate with over 45 years of service in social, religious, cultural, educational, and outreach initiatives. He is the founding member and Imam of the Islamic Society of Washington Area (ISWA) in Silver Spring, Maryland, a growing and diverse faith community established in 1973.
Originally from Guyana, Imam Khan has been actively involved in youth leadership, serving as President of the Muslim Youth League and General Secretary of The Guyana Assembly of Youth. His dedication to interfaith collaboration and community engagement has made a lasting impact in the Washington Metropolitan Area. He was recently appointed President of the Montgomery County Faith Advisory Council.
Imam Khan’s commitment to social justice has earned him seventeen national awards in domestic violence prevention, social services, and volunteerism. In 2011, Georgetown University recognized him as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the World.

Quarterly Social-Winter 2025: "Personal Responsibility"
2025-02-22 18:00 - 20:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Rumi Forum organized its “Winter 2025 Quarterly Social” at the Friends Meeting of Washington on February 22, 2025. Quarterly Social is an opportunity to meet individuals from various walks of life and engage in stimulating conversations. Each Quarterly Social gathering features a different theme on which participants share their reflections in an open and welcoming environment. The meetings take the form of facilitated conversations in which participants themselves are the speakers.
Our theme for the Winter 2025 Quarterly Social was “Personal Responsibility.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering:

What are the biggest causes of meaninglessness among young people today? (Consider factors like social isolation, technology addiction, financial struggles, relationship difficulties, and lack of purpose.)
What have you seen—either in your own life or in others—that helps people overcome these struggles and find meaning? (Think about community, habits, faith, mentorship, career choices, or other key influences.)
How do work, financial stability, and relationships shape a young person’s sense of purpose, and what challenges make this difficult? (How do career success, economic security, and substantial relationships impact fulfillment, and what barriers stand?)
What does it mean to be a leader among your peers in a generation facing these struggles, and how can young professionals support each other in finding meaning? (What practical or philosophical approaches can help young people guide and uplift each other?)

Panel Discussion: "Inspiration from the Prophet Muhammad"
2025-02-23 15:00 - 17:00 | Congregation Beth El, 8215 Old Georgetown Rd., Bethesda, MD, 20814, United States
Rumi Forum and our partner, Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS), members frequently turn to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), peace be upon him, for inspiration. We submit that for any open-minded member of the family of Abraham/Ibrahim, Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) life and teachings offer a compelling object of study and contemplation. Yet, he remains a mystery for far too many in our communities.

On Sunday, February 23rd, we hope to shed light on this inspiring figure. We will bring together a diverse panel to speak from the heart about why this seventh-century man continues to profoundly impact their 21st-century lives. Our speakers include Imad-ad-Dean Ahmad, a Palestinian American polymath whose areas of expertise range from astrophysics to chaplaincy; Dr. Sevde Arpaci Ayhan, a scholar in political economics and international development; and Kemal Taban, who will provide the perspective of a successful young adult who grew up in the DMV. We will also make time for Q&A and small group discussions. The hope is that all in attendance will better understand this incredible person and find their inspiration to study his message independently.

Ramadan 2025 – An overview of Iftar programs
2025-03-01 05:00 - 2025-03-29 19:30
Ramadan 2025 was a time of togetherness, gratitude, and meaningful dialogue for Rumi Forum and our valued community partners. Our Iftars once again provided a space for connection, where old friendships were rekindled, new relationships were formed, and our shared commitment to fostering understanding and collaboration was strengthened.
We are deeply grateful to our partners, allies, and dedicated volunteers, whose presence enriched these gatherings and made this Ramadan a truly special experience. Beyond the joy of breaking fast together, we engaged in thought-provoking conversations about our collective aspirations and how we can continue working toward a more inclusive and compassionate society.
As we reflect on this sacred month, we carry forward the spirit of unity and renewal, inspired by the bonds we have strengthened and the meaningful exchanges we have shared. Thank you to everyone who made this Ramadan a time of deep connection and purpose!
Ramadan Reunion Iftar

Scriptural Reasoning on “Vulnerability” and Iftar at Virginia Theological Seminary

Maryland Community Iftar at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Rockville (UUCR)

Braver Angels (Fairfax & DC) “Faith and Depolarization” Panel and Iftar

Microsoft Innovation & Policy Center Iftar

Northern Virginia Community Iftar at the American Turkish Friendship Association (ATFA)

2nd Annual Religious Freedom Community Iftar

Interreligious Communities Project (ICP) Iftar at Temple Rodef Shalom

New America Initiative “Why the World Needs a New Approach to Peace?” Panel and Iftar

ICRD Panel: "Radicalization and Religious Responses Post-Global War on Terror"
2025-03-19 17:00 - 20:00 | Eisenhower Institute, 818 Connecticut Avenue NW #400, Washington, DC, 20006, United States
Studies and practices focused on active radical movements and individual interventions in the long years of the Global War on Terror have led the American national security community and various social movements originating from the Islamic world to spend decades working to understand the political sociology of radicalization and approach the conditions of social breakdown in productive and integrative ways.
Join the International Center for Religion and Diplomacy (ICRD) for an exploration of the American national security community’s and the Hizmet Movement’s approaches to social breakdown and ideological and religious radicalization for the 21st Century and their implications for various sorts of domestic political radicalization and political violence in the United States.

The ICRD will also be livestreaming the event on their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/live/8Z7UjEegH8k.
Panelists

Adam Garfinkle is the Founding Editor of The American Interest and a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute. He is a Distinguished Visiting Fellow at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.
A seasoned scholar and practitioner in the American national security community, Garfinkle served as principal speechwriter to Secretaries of State Colin Powell and Condoleezza Rice (2003–2005). He is the author of several books, including Jewcentricity: How the Jews Get Praised, Blamed, and Used to Explain Nearly Everything (Wiley, 2009) and Telltale Hearts: The Origin and Impact of the Vietnam Antiwar Movement (St. Martin’s, 1995), the latter recognized as a “Notable Book of the Year” by the New York Times Book Review.
Ibrahim Anli is the Executive Director of the Rumi Forum and a civic entrepreneur with extensive experience in religious reconciliation, social entrepreneurship, and interfaith dialogue. A longtime practitioner in the international Hizmet Movement, he has worked in the Middle East and the United States to promote peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
He previously served as diplomacy coordinator at the Journalists and Writers Foundation (JWF) in Ankara and later as Secretary General of the Abant Platform, JWF’s Istanbul-based intellectual forum. Before joining Rumi Forum in 2019, he was a visiting researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and taught International Relations and Diplomacy at Tishk International University in Erbil, Kurdistan.
Moderator

Luke 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.
His 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).

Scriptural Reasoning: "Vulnerability"
2025-03-20 18:00 - 20:30 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Rumi Forum will hold its monthly circle on March 20, 2025, to study Abrahamic scriptures on “Vulnerability” with Christian Veldboer, our study leader from the Focolare Foundation.The discussion will be followed by an Iftar.

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

Program Outline:
6:00 – 7:15 pm – Scriptural Reasoning session on “Vulnerability”
7:20 – 8:30 pm – Iftar dinner and conversations at the table

This Month`s Study Leader

Christian Veldboer is the Executive Director of the Focolare Foundation, bringing over 20 years of experience in nonprofit leadership, strategic planning, and project management. He has worked in various leadership roles across North America, Europe, Asia, and South America, managing international projects and fostering cross-cultural collaboration. His expertise includes organizational development, operations management, and program implementation.
A longtime member of the Focolare Movement, Christian is committed to promoting dialogue, unity, and social impact across cultural and religious divides. Fluent in German, English, and Italian, he has led initiatives that advance inclusivity, mutual understanding, and global interconnectedness.

Panel Discussion: "Jewish Luminaries of the 20th Century"
2025-04-06 14:30 - 17:00 | American Turkish Friendship Association, 1420 Newbrook Dr., Chantilly, VA, 20152, United States
On April 6, 2025, the Rumi Forum, in partnership with the Jewish Islamic Dialogue Society (JIDS), explored some of the influential modern voices in Judaism, the oldest tradition in the Abrahamic family that continues to thrive today.
We began with reflections from local rabbis on key 20th-century Jewish thinkers who have profoundly shaped contemporary Jewish thought:

Rabbi Charles Feinberg on Abraham Joshua Heschel
Rabbi Amelia Wolf on Moshe Shmuel Glasner’s non-political writings
Rabbi Robert Levy on Martin Buber

Following these presentations, Rumi Forum`s Executive Director, Ibrahim Anli, offered a response, providing an interfaith perspective. The evening concluded with time for Q&A and, as always, the opportunity to engage in meaningful small-group conversations, learning, reflecting, and deepening your understanding of the Jewish faith and its connections to the broader Abrahamic family.

Scriptural Reasoning: “Hospitality”
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
The Rumi Forum held its monthly circle on April 24, 2025, to study Abrahamic scriptures on the topic of “Hospitality” with Hazzan Asa Fradkin, our study leader from Congregation Beth El.

Scriptural Reasoning (SR) enables Christians, Jews, and Muslims to engage in a collaborative study of each other’s sacred texts. SR participants meet monthly to read short passages on a topic from their respective scriptures. Facilitated by a study leader, each session is an opportunity to listen and share various perspectives. SR sessions help participants reflect on a curious list of topics within the Abrahamic tradition. The result is often a deeper understanding of others and one’s own scriptures, as well as the development of strong bonds across faith communities.
Scriptural Reasoning: Introduction Islamic Scripture: Quran

Christian Scripture: New Testament Jewish Scripture: Hebrew Bible

This Month`s Study Leader

Hazzan Asa Fradkin has been the Hazzan at Congregation Beth El since 2017. Raised in Baltimore, Hazzan Fradkin spent his younger years on an ashram outside of Philadelphia, where he learned yoga and meditation, practices that he continues to incorporate into and blend with traditional worship. Hazzan Fradkin holds an undergraduate degree in Vocal Studies from the Indiana University School of Music. While at IU, he became involved in Hillel and graduated with a Certificate in Jewish Studies. In 2007, he was ordained by the H.L. Miller Cantorial School at JTS, earning the degrees of Hazzan and Master’s in Sacred Music. He also has extensive experience as a song leader and teacher. He previously served as Hazzan at Temple Shalom in Greenwich, CT.
According to Hazzan Fradkin, the most rewarding part of his job is building community and being actively involved in congregational life. He places substantial value on establishing relationships with members of all age groups, with those experiencing joyous life cycle events and with the sick and bereaved. He strives to “rouse the soul,” to make prayer a moving and spiritual experience for all congregants.

CUA Conference-Passing Down Religious Identity: Faith Community Experiences
2025-04-28 12:00 - 17:00 | The Catholic University of America, Happel Room, 100 Caldwell Hall, 620 Michigan Ave., NE, Washington, DC, 20017, United States
On April 28, 2025, Rumi Forum, Center for Faith, Identity, and Globalization (CFIG), Wise Institute, The Catholic University of America`s School of Theology and Religious Studies and McLean Center for the Study of Culture and Values organized an enlightening conference dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities of teaching religion and passing down religious identity in the contemporary United States. This event gathered educators, scholars, religious leaders, and community members at the Catholic University of America to discuss innovative methods and strategies for imparting religious knowledge and values in a diverse and rapidly changing society.

Through keynote speeches, panel discussions, and interactive workshops, participants engaged with topics such as interfaith dialogue, the role of technology in religious education, and the balance between tradition and modernity. Together, we sought to understand how to effectively nurture and sustain religious identity across generations, fostering a sense of belonging and spiritual growth in today’s globalized world.
Event Video

Event Photos

Opening Remarks
William A. Barbieri, Ph.D.: CUA, School of Theology & Religious Studies, Ordinary Professor of Ethics
Keynote Speaker
Merylann “Mimi” J. Schuttloffel, Ph.D.: CUA, Dept. of Education, Professor Emerita and Brother Patrick Ellis Chair & Center for Faith, Identity, and Globalization (CFIG), Senior Fellow
Scholars Panel
Moderator: William A. Barbieri, Ph.D.: CUA, School of Theology & Religious Studies, Ordinary Professor of Ethics

Jewish: Benji Davis, Ph.D.: GMU, Israel Studies, Teaching and Research Fellow
Muslim: Fevzi Saraç, Ph.D.: LSU, Political Science Department, Lecturer
Catholic: Jem Sullivan, Ph.D.: CUA, School of Theology & Religious Studies, Associate Professor of Practice

Practitioners Panel
Moderator: Ibrahim Anli: Rumi Forum, Executive Director

Jewish: Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky: JCRC, Director of Intergroup Relations and Rabbi in Residence
Muslim: Ayse Selma Yilmaz: CORE Education Services, Mentor
Catholic: Susan Timoney: CUA, School of Theology & Religious Studies, Associate Professor of Practice in Pastoral Studies

Event Program
12:00 – 1:30 pm: Opening Remarks & Lunch
1:30 – 3:00 pm: Scholars Panel
3:00 – 3:30 pm: Coffee Break
3:30 – 5:00 pm: Practitioners Panel
5:00 – 5:10 pm: Closing Remarks
5:30 – 7:00 pm: Dinner (Pryzbyla Center, Great Room C)

Quarterly Social-Spring 2025: "Breaking Social Norms"
2025-05-15 18:30 - 20:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
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.
Our Spring 2025 Quarterly Social theme was “Breaking Social Norms.” There were some questions to ponder before our gathering:

What social norms shape your day-to-day life, community, or culture?
Do you agree with them, or find yourself pushing back?
How do responses to social norms differ between Gen Z and other generations?
What are the pros and cons of preserving vs. challenging these norms?
And how do we decide which to uphold and which to leave behind?

Book Talk: "The Motorhome Prophecies" with Carrie Sheffield
2025-05-28 18:00 - 21:00 | The Institute on Religion and Democracy, 1023 15th Street NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC, 20005, United States
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.

Author

Carrie 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.
Carrie 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.
Moderator

Luke 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.
His 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).

Partner Event: Jerusalem Youth Chorus (JYC) Washington, DC Concert
2025-06-05 17:30 - 21:30 | Nabiha DC, 1624 U St., NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
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.

Songs 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.
Featured 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.
Come listen. Come witness. Come be part of the movement.
Because when young voices sing from the frontlines of hope, the world listens.
Join us.

Partner Event: "Faith and Freedom" Through Prayer and Reflection
2025-07-06 19:00 - 20:15 | ONLINE EVENT
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.
Participants joined us in healing our nation through worship as we began the year-long countdown to our country’s 250th anniversary.

Find Rumi Forum at the 20th Interfaith Unity Walk!
2025-09-07 12:30 - 17:00 | Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St NW, Washington, DC, 20016, United States
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.

What to Expect:

Visit 11+ houses of worship and spiritual centers

Engage in meaningful conversations with faith practitioners from 7+ faith and spiritual traditions

Try your hand (and feet!) at a folk dance workshop

Join a meaningful service project

Unleash your inner photographer with Interfaith Photovoice

And much more!

The journey begins at Washington Hebrew Congregation (3935 Macomb St NW) and ends at The Islamic Center (2551 Massachusetts Ave NW).

There are several ways you and your community can join us:
Bring a co-worker, a friend, or a group of people to the event
Help spread the word through your social media or newsletter

Register today!

Scriptural Reasoning: Hope
2025-09-11 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary, 3737 Seminary Rd., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.
This 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.
We would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content.
A map of the VTS campus can be found here.
The text pack for this session can be found here.
This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.

Film Screening: Join or Die
2025-09-25 18:00 - 21:00 | Friends Place on Capitol Hill, 515 East Capitol Street Southeast, Washington, DC, 20003, United States
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?

Abraham’s Bridge: Film Screening and Talk with director Ellie Pierce
2025-10-05 18:00 - 20:30 | The Festival Center, 1640 Columbia Rd NW 2nd Floor, Washington, DC, DC, 20009, United States
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.
This 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.
Abraham’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.
Bio of Producer/Director:
Elinor (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.

Film Screening: A Sacred Piece of Home
2025-10-08 18:30 - 20:30 | Spaces, 609 H Street NE, DC, 20002, United States
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.

Each 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.

After each screening, we will join the film’s creators in dialogue, continuing our shared commitment to understanding and connection across traditions.

Dates: Sept 10 | Oct 8 | Nov 12 | Dec 10

Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
– Refreshments at 6:30 PM
– Screening at 7:00 PM, followed by discussion
Venue: Spaces, 609 H Street NE, Washington, DC 20002
What to expect:
– A 40-minute episode each evening
– A conversation with the creators and community leaders
– Time to connect with neighbors across traditions
RSVP: Please use this link to let us know you’re coming so we can plan refreshments.

This 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.

All are welcome—please feel free to share this invitation with friends and colleagues in the DC area.

Scriptural Reasoning: Creativity
2025-10-23 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
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.
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. 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.
This month’s study leader will be Rabbi Greg Harris.
Rabbi 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.
Rabbi 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.
We would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content.
A map of the VTS campus can be found here.
The text pack for the session can be found here.

CFIG Panel:Fethullah Gülen’s Legacy&the Hizmet Movement’s Forward Trajectory
2025-10-29 17:00 - 19:00 | University of Southern California Capital Campus, 1771 N Street Northwest, Washington, DC, DC, 20036, United States
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.
Moderated 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.
As 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.
Event Video

Event Photos

Panelists

Ori 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.
He 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).

Anwar 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.
Dr. 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).
Panelists

Lyndsey 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.
Dr. Eksili holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from Liberty University, as well as certifications in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Clinical Trauma.

Scriptural Reasoning: Stewardship
2025-11-06 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Let us sit together to discuss stewardship.

This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
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. 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.
Our study leader for this session will be Mother Sara Palmer:
Mother 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.
Her 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.
Mother 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.
She 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.
Before 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.
Mother 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.
We would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content.
A map of the VTS campus can be found here.
The text pack for this session can be found here.

2025 Annual Gala and Dialogue Awards Ceremony
2025-11-18 17:00 | Meridian House, 1630 Crescent Pl NW, Washington, DC, 20009, United States
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.

This 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.

We 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.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this meaningful evening!

Rumi Forum Young Professionals Friendsgiving Dinner
2025-11-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Friends Meeting of Washington, 2111 Decatur Pl. NW, Washington, DC, 20008, United States
Rumi Forum Young Professionals Friendsgiving Dinner

What a beautiful evening!

Thank 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.

We’re grateful for the young professionals, community members, and friends who came together to celebrate friendship, connection, and the spirit of Thanksgiving.

Here’s to more gatherings that bring people closer, nurture community, and remind us of the power of gratitude.

Until next time!

Rumi Forum Thanksgiving Programming
2025-11-25 18:00 | Saint Bernadette Catholic Church 7600 Old Keene Mill Rd., Springfield, 7600 Old Keene Mill Rd, Springfield, VA, United States
Coming together in gratitude

This 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.

Both gatherings were powerful moments of shared witness, renewed community bonds, and heartfelt appreciation for neighbors of all backgrounds.

With music, reflections, and warm conversations, these celebrations reminded us that gratitude deepens when shared across traditions.

Heartfelt thanks to all our partners, clergy, musicians, volunteers, and friends who made these evenings possible. May the spirit of connection and
mutual understanding continue to guide us forward.

Here’s to gratitude, community, and the beauty of coming together.

Scriptural Reasoning: Abraham's Journey
2026-01-29 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Kick off the new year with the Rumi Forum!

This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
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. 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.
Our study leader for this session will be Mother Sara Palmer!
We would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content.
A map of the VTS campus can be found here.
The text pack for this session can be found here.
This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.

Scriptural Reasoning: Beginnings
2026-02-12 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
Explore how the story of creation is told in Christianity, Judaism, and Islam!

This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
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. 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.
About the Study Leader: Rabbi Marc Israel
Based 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.
We would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content.
A map of the VTS campus can be found here.
The text pack for this session can be found here
This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.

Scriptural Reasoning: Clothing and Modesty
2026-04-09 18:30 - 20:00 | Virginia Theological Seminary-Addison Academic Center, 3630 Bishop Walker Cir., Alexandria, VA, 22304, United States
How are clothing and modesty addressed in Christian, Jewish, and Muslim scriptures?

This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
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. 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.
This month our forum will be led by Rev. Dr. Jay L. Moses from Saint Mark Presbyterian Church, in Rockville, Maryland.
Through 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.”
We would like to thank Rose Castle Foundation for their permission to use www.scripturalreasoning.org content.
A map of the VTS campus can be found here.
The text pack for this session can be found here.
This is a hybrid event. The Zoom link for this session will be provided the day of the event.
Photography & Media Disclosure
This 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.
By 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:

Websites and newsletters
Social media platforms
Event recaps and publications
Annual reports and promotional material

Note: These materials may be used without additional notice or compensation.

Film Screening: The Sultan and The Saint
2026-05-01 18:30 - 20:00 | Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle, 1725 Rhode Island Ave NW, Washington, DC, DC, 20036, United States
Our screening of The Sultan and The Saint at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle brought together voices from different backgrounds to reflect on faith, dialogue, and peace. Grateful for the conversations and connections that continue beyond the film. Special thanks to the Cathedral of St. Matthew Social Justice and Community Service Committee and the St. Anthony of Nagasaki Secular Franciscan Fraternity for their partnership and support.
