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. 
Traditionally prayer has been an important part of the American way of life since our inception. Not content to pray solely in churches, people typically have showed their devotion in public life, with public prayer being held in schools, by public officials, and before football matches. Not anymore. With the influx of a wide variety of religious groups and atheists into mainstream America, praying "in the name of Jesus" can offend some. What to do?
Texas Interfaith Power & Light works with local, interfaith networks around the state to articulate a religious response to shared environmental challenges. Networks are emerging in Fort Worth, Dallas, Houston and San Antonio - and there’s a well-established network in Austin - Interfaith Environmental Network, the Austin chapter of Texas Interfaith Power & Light. Below is some of the what and why of this work. 
This month, our nation will celebrate another Mother’s Day. Women of all faiths and backgrounds will get breakfast in bed, a day of relaxation, visitors and gifts. It is very true that mothers usually receive no thanks for the immense sacrifices they put in for their children and families on a daily basis. So a day to honor and thank them seems the least we can do.
Women have a voice, no doubt about it. What many fail to see is that they also have power and action in their hands. Thanks to the Internet, we are now able to see and expand the empowered activities of not only women all over the world but also Muslim women, who are traditionally viewed as quiet, homemaking peacemakers. Newsweek's List of 150 empowered women also consists of almost 20% Muslim women who are making a difference in politics, business and education across the world.
Some people like sitting through interfaith symposiums and conferences, hearing debates about theology and comparative religions. Others like small group dialogues with facilitated discussions and a meal. For some though, it's just plain boring! They'd rather talk less and do more. Enter the new form of interfaith communications: social action. 
