How to Celebrate Religious Freedom Day

By Saadia Faruqi

Source: Tikkun Daily

 

Amidst news of violence, kidnappings, imprisonments and much more, the world quietly celebrated International Religious Freedom Day on October 27. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry released a statement to mark this important ideal of the American consciousness with words that sounded well-intentioned and carefully thought out. He mentioned the experiences of the first pilgrims who established colonies in what was later to become the United States of America due to a desire for religious liberty and discussed the role this nation has played up till today in offering a refuge to all peoples facing persecution for their faith.

Breaking Bread in Faith and Love

By Cathy Lynn Grossman 

Source: Religion News Service

 

In the Bible, few dine alone. Small wonder that Christians and Jews see sharing a meal with family, guests and strangers as a form of spiritual nourishment and hospitality — as valuable as the bread passed around the table. Although the holiday season’s family feasts are fast approaching, many say it’s the weekly family meal that matters most across time.

Faith and Baptism

By Ramona Siddoway

 

In continuation of my series of the Articles of Faiths of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, this post deals with the fourth article and how people of all religions can identify with topics such as faith and baptism.

 

Proof of Religion

By Saadia Faruqi

Source: Tikkun Daily

 

Danish philosopher and theologian Søren Kierkegaard famously said, “Once you label me you negate me.” But despite this, it seems that as human beings, we love labels. We spend much of our lives labeling not just others but ourselves as well. Skin color, race, education level, professional qualifications… you name it, we’ve got it and using it with gusto. Some labels – like doctor, author, white person – we apply on ourselves with pride, while others – black, dropout, druggie – are pasted on our psyches by others without our consent.

Muslim Women Set Precedent for Religious Freedom

By Saadia Faruqi
Source: Tikkun Daily

Religious accommodation in the workplace seems to be gaining strength in recent times. Last month, corporate America received a huge setback as retail giant Abercrombie and Fitch was found by a federal judge to have discriminated against a Muslim clerk who wore a hijab to work and was subsequently fired.

Lecture: Peace Building Through Art and Dialogue

Art and dialogue are powerful mediums that can transform hearts and minds, even those of supposed enemies. Creativity for Peace uses art to give young Israeli and Palestinian women a language to communicate their shared fears, pain and begin healing and peace-building.