Reading Opens Minds and Hearts

By Nancy Agafitei

 

 

Reading is an important part of my life, and since I have been involved with Interfaith efforts I have been able to find messages of connection in much that I read. Here is an example. I am currently reading "Woman Hollering Creek" by Sandra Cisneros for the Pen and Paintbrush book club that partners the Barbara Bush Library with the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts. The discussion pairs significant works of literature with works of art currently on exhibit at the museum.

Where is God?

By Rev Nell Green

Source: APB News
 

I am not weighing in on the gun debate. No matter which side of the debate you agree with, I do not personally know ANYONE that resonates with and in anyway condones what took place in New York and Connecticut. I can’t begin to do as well as others in expressing the horror, disbelief, and grief. While I have enjoyed a relaxing fun meaningful holiday, too many have not...too many in Connecticut, too many in New York, too many in Syria, too many in Afghanistan, too many in Iran, too many in Mexico, too many in Burkina Faso…well, too many.

Take it With a Grain of Salt

By Ramona Siddoway

 

This was a phrase my dad always used. The saying comes from the idea that food is often more palatable with a pinch of salt. Figuratively the phrase refers to not taking things too seriously, that some experiences or comments should be accepted with a bit of skepticism - and a healthy sense of humor.

 

Prayers for the New Year

By Saadia Faruqi

Source: Houston Community Newspapers 
 

 

Welcome to 2013… a brand new year, a chance for new beginnings. Like all Americans, I too want to live in peace, harmony and understanding with the rest of the world. Last year – like the preceding years – was especially tough on peace and prosperity for millions of people around the world and at home, with violence, wars, natural disasters, religious intolerance and so much more. But being human means we all share feelings of hope and optimism regardless of our faith, and so too wonder if this year will herald a change for the better.

An Interfaith Christmas Story

By Saadia Faruqi

Source: Houston Community Newspapers

 

My first grader came home yesterday with news about his school Christmas performance. Tentatively he informed me that his class would be singing “Deck the Halls” in front of all the parents a couple of weeks from now. I say tentatively because I think he wanted to see my reaction and to give him some answers. At 6 and-a-half he is starting to become aware of the differences between “us” as Muslims and the majority of his school as Christians. It’s nothing new of course: this time every year, in schools and workplaces everywhere, Muslims, Jews and Hindus start feeling slightly uncomfortable during a holiday they cannot identify with.

Anti-Muslim Hate Crimes Remain High

Source: Hatewatch

Hate crimes against perceived Muslims, which jumped up 50% in 2010 largely as a result of anti-Muslim propagandizing, remained at relatively high levels last year, according to 2011 hate crime statistics released today by the FBI.

When A Religious Home Is Defiled We Stand Together in Love

By Rev. Ellen Cooper-Davis

Source: Keep the Faith


There is a reason we refer to our churches, temples, mosques, chapels as sacred space. They are earthly containers of the holy, homes for the deep bonds of human community, centers for setting aside the demands of modern life and settling into prayer or praise or petition. Beauty, awe, wonder, joy and sorrow all reside here. It is to these sacred spaces we bring our children to be blessed, it is in these spaces we celebrate milestones of a human lifetime, it is in these spaces that we mourn our dead. This time of year, many people will enter their sacred spaces for festivals and holidays. They will go to celebrate miracles, to seek the light, to mark the birth of a Prince of Peace.

Religious Tolerance Wins Big in the Elections

By Saadia Faruqi

Source: Religious Freedom USA

 

Last week, after a fortnight of legal wrangling, House Republican Allen West finally conceded defeat in the race against Democrat Patrick Murphy in Florida. Despite spending $17 million in his campaign as opposed to Murphy’s $3.6 million, it seems that the people of Florida have spoken. They no longer want an Islamophobe representing them in Congress.

Subject: Fwd., Fwd., Fwd.

By Rev. Nell Green

Source: The APB News Blog

 

In general I don’t like emails that have been forwarded a dozen times. However, I do usually have a look at what I have been sent unless I have reason to suspicion a virus or such. Why take the time? It gives me a glimpse into how others are thinking about politics, faith, or daily living. Like social media, it is a tiny window into thoughts, ideas, concerns and sometimes prejudices and fears. Unless asked specifically to do so, I rarely answer these forwards.

Interfaith Thanksgiving Services at IID Houston

Source: The Institute of Interfaith Dialog

The Institute of Interfaith Dialog organized an Early Thanksgiving Dinner on November 17, Saturday, 2012. The Institute hosted more than 250 guests from all walks of life including congregation leaders, academics, city officials, neighbors of the Turquoise Center, teachers, students, and members of different faith traditions.

From Seeds of Love, Acceptance and Respect

By Jean Thomas

An Interfaith Thanksgiving Service was held November 15, 2012 at Plymouth United Church of Christ. The program for the evening was “From Seeds of Love, Acceptance, and Respect To a Harvest of Thanksgiving” with clergy and laypeople of the Muslim, Jewish, Christian, and Buddhist faiths participating. Readings were given in original languages followed by a short explanation in English.

Where's the Line Between Church and State?

By Saadia Faruqi

Source: Religious Freedom USA

 

Today is Election Day: a day when millions of Americans of all colors, religions and ethnicities are taking pride in standing in line waiting to cast their vote. For those like myself – who come from countries where voters are intimidated, entire groups are not allowed to vote at all, and multiple generations live under military rule without seeing even one Election Day – today is a great day indeed! Immigrants from all parts of the world who now call America home proudly and seriously consider voting not just a right but an obligation. 

Gratitude versus Thanksgiving

By Kristen Adams

Turkey dinners being cooked in haste. Weary travelers stuck at airports. Moms crafting plans for  the best Black Friday sales. That's what the American thanksgiving has become. But this thanksgiving, I'm not content to just eat dinner and say polite thank yous. I want more. I want to feel real gratitude.

Free Speech Should be Responsible Speech

By Saadia Faruqi

Freedom of Speech is such a uniquely American right. It's the foundation of this great country of ours, one of the mighty pillars keeping the United States strong and upright. Yet after the events of the last few days, when an offensive movie trailer "Innocence of Muslims" led to an uproar in the Muslim world, I am having serious doubts about whether the founding fathers meant the First Amendment to be taken as a free pass to offend, insult and hurt others.

Muslims Give Blood to Save Lives

By Shahina Bashir
Source: Examiner

It is said that time is the greatest healer. Perhaps it is the only way that man can survive the reality of tragedies and loss. It is hard to believe that the eleventh anniversary of 9/11 is upon us. Though the pain maybe lessened but the day will forever be etched in our hearts. President Obama today signed a proclamation which designates the eleventh anniversary of 9/11 as Patriot Day and National Day of Remembrance.

Houston Police Scores High on Sensitivity

By Saadia Faruqi

Last week was my last in a year-long cultural sensitivity training for the Houston Police Academy, and I have to say that I felt just a little bit sad to see the end of such a great program. Being part of an interfaith and inter-cultural panel who were willing to give of their time and expertise seemed to me, the epitome of tolerance and respect which make this city so open and inviting.

Bringing Youth Into the 9/11 Conversation

By Saadia Faruqi

 

Where were you on 9/11? It's a question most American adults can answer in a heartbeat, even though it happened eleven years ago. As a thirty-something now, I remember the fateful day of 9/11 vividly. At the time I was in college, but more importantly I was Muslim at a time when the world suddenly hated Muslims. But ask this question to a fifteen year old, even a twenty year old, and they look back at you blankly.

Is Mutual Respect Too Much To Ask?

By Saadia Faruqi

Over the Eid weekend, a Muslim woman made headlines by calling out the Houston Police Department for their lack of cultural awareness. She alleged that she was frisked by HPD in a way she deemed offensive. Thankfully she hasn’t sued yet (although that might change depending on who’s advising her), but once again the cultural clash between “us and them” seems more prominent than ever. Islamophobia is alive and well in the world today, but one should also carefully consider if every case is in fact one of Islam-bashing. To me, this doesn’t look like it.
 

Fasting Isn't Just For Islam

By Saadia Faruqi

The month of Ramadan is upon me, and so far it's been going well. Yes, most days I'm tired and hungry and a bit snappy with my kids. But overwhelmingly the feeling is one of happiness - the feeling that comes with being grateful for a wonderful opportunity. During my interfaith work I'm asked by several people every year why I and other Muslims fast so completely - no food or drink for the entire day every day for a whole month has got to take its toll, they think. My response: not really.

 

Asian Americans Are Hard to Pin Down Religiously

By Jessica Nguyen

 

The Pew Research Center this month revealed yet another interesting study, this time about the religious beliefs and practices of Asian Americans. It was an important read for me personally, of course, since I'm Asian American, but I also recommend it for those of other backgrounds. This group has grown tremendously in the last few decades, especially in the Greater Houston area.