Religions for Peace - USA July 2007 E-Newsletter

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In This Issue:

From Our Executive Director…

Interfaith Academies for Religious Leaders: Success!
Last month, June 2007, from the 13th to the 27th, Religions for Peace-USA was proud to administer its first "Interfaith Academies for Religious Leaders." Two academies were planned: one for emerging religious leaders and another for religious professionals. Overall, the academies were successful beyond RFP-USA's hopes and expections.

We at RFP-USA knew we had developed a good program - visits to a number of religious sites and worship services, lectures from leaders in the fields of religious and interfaith studies, and trips to a museum and baseball game, just in case people were getting weary with all that self-discovery. What we couldn't count on and couldn't predict was the human element. We took people from all over the country, the youngest only 19 and the oldest, well, a bit older. They came from different ethnic backgrounds and different religious backgrounds; some were becoming ministers, some already were, and some just wanted to understand the people back in their communities and in the wider community of the United States.

We took these people, put them in a seminary in Missouri, asked them questions like, "How could you describe your faith to someone who has no comprehension of its vocabury?" and then watched to see what would happen. Incredibly, people didn't need much encouragement before they started sharing things that, in some cases, they had never said before, and certainly not in a group of 35 virtual strangers. For two weeks the participants ate together, prayed together, watched movies together, excercised together, and played a little ping pong together. And the entire time they were talking, talking, talking.

At the end of the experience people embraced, some shed a few tears, and all exchanged addresses. The academy participants were all kind, and they all wanted to learn about faiths not their own. They were fertile ground for dialogue, and gave an example of what dialogue could be: mutual respect, without a sacrifice of commitment to one's own faith. They saw the beauty in the lights and flowers ringing the deities at a Hindu temple, were moved to tears at a young man's Bar Mitzvah, and were soothed in the cool silence of a Buddhist meditation room. These experiences helped them understand the perspectives of other people, while prompting them to ask hard questions of themselves. Snap judgments were talked out; even positive reactions were analyzed. Together, they discovered what they thought, and why.

All in all, we at RFP-USA have no reservations about calling these first Interfaith Academies for Religious Leaders a success. We hope that all the participants in our academies can say the same, and that others can find hope in the example they have created.

New Leadership for Religions for Peace - USA
Religions for Peace - USA would like to welcome its new officers: Moderator Dr. Tarunjit Singh Butalia of the World Sikh Council - American Region; Vice-Moderators Ms. Judith Hertz of the Union for Reform Judaism and Imam Mahdi Bray of the Muslim American Society Freedom Foundation; Treasurer Rev. Doug Mills of the United Methodist Church and; Secretary Mr. Arvind Vora of Jain Associations of North America.

RFP-USA Launches New Web Resources
Religions for Peace – USA is pleased to announce the launch of a new section on our website on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC)! The CRC is an international treaty on children’s rights that has yet to be ratified by the United States. The 54 articles of the Convention articulate rights that are based on four main principles: non-discrimination; commitment to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the view of the child. For more information, and to find out how you can help, click here. Check back frequently to see newly added information. Questions or suggestions? Email sarah@rfpusa.org.

And...

We have compiled an online directory listing interfaith groups at undergraduate colleges across the U.S. Each entry includes the name of the college and its interfaith group, a brief description of its goals and activities, and contact information. The designated requirement for each group to be listed in the directory is that it is of a multifaith nature, represents several world religions, and engages in interreligious dialogue. The aspirations behind the directory are as follows: that it be a helpful resource for those seeking to participate in interfaith dialogue at a collegiate level, that it encourage other schools to create a similar program, and that it connect the colleges that do have interfaith groups through a network.

So far, we have located 40 groups nationwide. Check them out! Do you know of a group that we haven’t yet found? E-mail us with questions and suggestions.

New Staff at Religions for Peace
Will Brideau joins RFP-USA as an Associate for Interfaith Relations. In the fall, he will be a senior at Hampshire College studying Tibet, South Asia and Education, focusing on Religion and Anthropology, and is a member of the Five College Buddhist Studies Certificate Program. While at RFP-USA, he hopes to apply his strong belief that it is not simply important, but in fact necessary, that all faiths communicate, understand and respect each other.

Macmod (Macky) Datugan is a candidate for a graduate degree in Social Justice in Intercultural Relations at the School for International Training, Brattleboro, Vermont. He is a Fellow of the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program. He is a Maguindanao, one of the thirteen ethno-linguistic Moros, a minority Muslim group in southern Philippines. He believes that working for Religions for Peace-USA will give him the chance to learn and to contribute to valuable work.

Vanessa Falco is a senior at Mount Holyoke College with a major in Religion, a minor in South Asian Studies, and a certificate in Buddhist Studies. As a summer Associate for Interfaith Relations, she is currently helping to create a study guide on climate change, focusing her research on the environmental ethics present in the world's religions. After this, she hopes to focus her efforts on fundraising and organizing a musical event open to the public.

Margaret Fuller is in between her first and second year at Princeton Theological Seminary in the MDiv program. This summer, Margaret is working on a variety of projects at RFP-USA, most notably a web database of interfaith groups at undergraduate colleges across the United States. From her work at RFP-USA, Margaret hopes to gain new and valuable insight on the inner workings of a nonprofit interreligious organization, and to grow in her understanding of world religions.

Shveta Mathur recently joined RFP-USA as an Associate for Finance and Administration. She is a student at the School of Public Affairs at Baruch College, CUNY, pursuing her Masters of Public Administration (MPA) with a specialization in Non Profit Administration. She has had valuable experience working with the United Nations AIDS Control Program (UNAIDS) and various NGOs in India. Fundraising is one of her areas of interest and she is passionate about assisting RFP-USA in achieving its mission.

Sarah Moskow is working this summer for Religions for Peace USA as an Associate for Child Advocacy. Her work focuses on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Through collaboration with RFP-USA's member communities and other NGOs, Sarah hopes to educate people about the treaty and promote its ratification by the United States. She is entering her senior year at Cornell University, majoring in Religious Studies with a minor in International Relations. Sarah is excited to be gaining experience at a non-profit committed to religious pluralism and human rights, and hopes to continue in a similar field after graduating next spring.

As’ari, originally from Indonesia, has come to the United States to pursue graduate study in the Program for Intercultural Service, Leadership and Management at the School for International Training (SIT) in Vermont. He is a Fellow of the Ford Foundation International Fellowships Program. Raised Muslim, As’ari sees Islam as an essentially peaceful religion. Incidents, such as terrorism, that give Islam a bad reputation, encourage As’ari to share and explore his experience with and understanding of Islam with others. While at RFP-USA, As’ari will focus on building dialogue between Muslim individuals and people of different religions. He wants to provide information about Islam to non-Muslims in a effort to create mutual understanding. As’ari believes that all religions in the world have the capability of co-existing peacefully.

Satoshi Ohno recently joined RFP–USA as an Associate for Finance and Administration. He studies at Baruch College, CUNY, working towards a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in nonprofit administration. With his experience as a fundraiser in several nonprofits, he is passionate about helping RFP-USA in terms of fundraising and grantwriting. While at RFP-USA, he also aims to create a study guide on climate change, rethinking the role of the US in the globalized age. As a native of Japan, he also hopes to work towards strengthening the relationship between RFP-USA and RFP-Japan.

Breaking Bread, Building Peace
Common Tables is an organization founded on the belief that eating together and conversing together are the routes to peace among disparate people. Based on this idea, that the act of sharing a meal can transcend profound philosophical, religious, and spiritual differences, the founders of Common Tables have established a service whose goal is simple: get different people together, and have them eat dinner. The process is simple. Those wishing to participate sign up and are assigned table-mates from their geographic region. Over the next six months, they dine together, each taking a turn at playing host. The only rule is that table-mates come from different backgrounds; in the spirit of the organization, all are welcome. If you would like to become a member, please visit here.

RFP-USA Exec Director Interviewed for “Godtalk”
On Saturday, July 14th, an interview with RFP-USA’s acting executive director, Rori Picker, was broadcast on KOPT 1200 AM, a local Oregon radio station. The interview, conducted by Barbara Nixon, host of “Godtalk”, which airs every Saturday from 11am to noon, pacific time, focused on the past, present, and future of RFP-USA. Please stay tuned to find out when you can hear Ms. Picker discuss her experiences as executive director, RFP-USA’s projects, and what gives her hope in today’s world.

Interfaith Fast to End War in Iraq
The National Council of Churches, united with diverse religious groups from across the United States, has planned a massive interfaith event meant to unite people of different faiths in common opposition to war, and in common pursuit of peace. Local communities are asked to show their support, by contacting their local political representatives and fasting on October 8th. In larger cities, such as New York and Chicago, people are also being asked to gather in public for vigils and prayer.

The event, which aims to move our nation from “conquest to community; from violence to reverence,” is planned to coincide with the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims already commit to fasting. It is also planned to fall among Sukkot and the High Holy Days of the Jewish faith, as well as Pavarana / Sangha Day of Buddhist tradition. Numerous leaders of Muslim, Jewish, Buddhist, and Christian faith have already pledged their support and the support of their congregations.

The fast has been announced by the Associate General Secretary for Interfaith Relations of the National Council of Churches, Shanta Premawardhana. To get involved, visit Shanta Premawardhana's blog and leave a comment pledging your support, or email him at shanta@ncccusa.org.

Everyday Citizens Keep the Peace
The Nonviolent Peaceforce is a nonpartisan unarmed peacekeeping force composed of trained civilians from around the world. In partnership with local groups, Nonviolent Peaceforce members apply proven nonviolent strategies to protect human rights, deter violence, and help create space for local peacemakers to carry out their work. Nonviolent Peaceforce field teams and administrative staff reflect a broad range of religious beliefs from around the globe. While religion is often seen as a cause of or at least an excuse for violence, Nonviolent Peaceforce commits itself to reflecting the cultures of the world. For more information, visit this website.

Study Confirms Media Biased When Reporting on Religion
Media Matters for America reports in “Left Behind: The Skewed Representation of Religion in Major News Media” that American news sources consistently devalue liberal or progressive voices within religions by avoiding portraying them. According to Media Matters, they turn to conservative leaders instead, in fact create conservative leaders by choosing to represent them as such, and thus present a view of American society that is both polarized and polarizing. They suggest that the dichotomy between “secular liberals” and “religious conservatives” is largely false, with more than 90% of Americans identifying as religious. Ultimately, they argue that the lack of progressive religious voices being heard in the media distorts the average American’s perception of religion and politics. To read the full report, go here.

Make a Difference Any Way You Can!
The Make It Your Own Awards ™ , a new initiative from the Case Foundation, launching on June 26, 2007, is about giving grants, tools, and recognition to people who are coming together to discuss what matters, form solutions, and take action.

Twenty semi-finalists will each receive $10,000 grants to start bringing their ideas to life. Four final grant recipients will then be chosen by the public using an online voting system. These finalists will each be awarded an additional $25,000 grant.

The Make It Your Own Awards came about in response to research showing that many people feel disconnected from public leaders and institutions and don't believe they have the power to make a real difference in their community. The Awards seek to empower these individuals by giving them the chance to connect to each other and figure out how they can work together for the common good. All applicants, ages 14 and up, are welcome to apply by the deadline date of August 8th. For more information, please visit here.

Films that Bridge Differences
The Jewish-Palestinian Living Room Dialogue, an organization that has gathered Jews, Muslims, and Christians for dialogue over the past 14 years, is offering gratis to educators two movies that illustrate the possibilities of communication to build peace. The films, Dialogue at Washington High and Peacemakers: Jews and Palestinians Together at Camp, profile people, young and old, from backgrounds that might make them enemies, who have come together in order to break down stereotypes and create understanding. The films are recommended to supplement work in classrooms and help prepare young people for lives as peace-builders and leaders. The films’ creators feel that they are powerful enough to be given away to those who would use them in service of education. Please contact Libby and Len Traubman for more information.

Study Analyzes Latinos and Religion in US
A joint study by the Pew Hispanic Center and the Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life, called Changing Faiths: Latinos and the Transformation of American Religion, suggests that American Christianity is being significantly influenced by both the mass influx of Hispanics into this country and the unique brand of Christianity they practice. Christianity is not the only religion being affected, as Latinos across traditions are drawn to the Pentecostal and charismatic branches of their faiths. The study also draws a connection between faith and politics, suggesting that the type of religion practiced by Latinos predictably affects their political affiliations. To read the report and learn more, visit this site.

International Day of Peace Vigil
The International Day of Peace Vigil, established by the United Nations in 1981 and fixed annually on September 21st in 2005, is a day set aside for all the peoples of the world to simply exist, together, in peace. The day is meant for all people, but the tenor of the celebration is spiritual. This year, as in years past, communities worldwide will observe the Day of Peace by gathering in vigil and prayer.

This global 24-hour spiritual observation for peace is meant to demonstrate the power of prayer and other spiritual practices in promoting peace and preventing violent conflict. These worldwide spiritual observances will also help raise public awareness of the International Day of Peace and directly support the establishment of a global ceasefire. Individuals and groups are invited to support this worldwide initiative by committing to hold a 24-hour vigil on September 21st.

People and groups are asked to register their commitment to the vigil on the International Day of Peace Vigil website, or to mail it to:
International Day of Peace Vigil
777 UN Plaza, Concourse Level
New York, NY 10017

Women's Edge Coalition Seeks Director
The Women's Edge Coalition (Edge), a successful organization working to make U.S. foreign assistance and trade policy improve the lives of women in poverty around the world, is seeking a new Director of Global Outreach. Founded in 1998, Edge has leveraged tens of millions of dollars in U.S. foreign assistance for women around the world and has become the leading voice on global women's issues in Washington, D.C. Edge listens to the voices of women in the third world in order to advise the United States government as it formulates foreign policy.

They seek a motivated leader with 10 years experience in the gender policy or development fields. Think you might be able to do the job? Contact rsharma@womensedge.org. Visit the Edge website to find out more about this valuable organization.

Women, Faith, and Development Alliance

The World Conference on Religions for Peace (WCRP) Women’s Mobilization Program is a lead partner in a new initiative, the Women, Faith, and Development Alliance (WFDA). Founded in spring 2006, the alliance brings together more than seventy organizations from North America and the developing world to help reduce poverty and promote gender equality. With the support of WCRP and its affiliates, women’s groups, and development organizations, WFDA seeks to change public policy and increase funding for women and girls’ programs from the United Nations, national governments, and donor organizations. The alliance will be officially launched at the three-day World Summit, to be held in Washington, DC, in spring 2008. The Summit will bring together leaders from the faith, corporate, developmental and political sectors, and will assemble a core constituency for international action.

WCRP will support the WFDA mission through its Global Network of Women of Faith. International Trustee, Ms. Donna McLarty, has helped represent WCRP in the initiative.

Failing America's Faithful: How Today's Churches Are Mixing God with Politics and Losing Their Way
Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, former Lt. Governor of Maryland, has written a spiritual memoir that is also a sharp cultural criticism. Kennedy Townsend, who was raised on the ideals of community and charity – and believes that religion ought to embody both – is disturbed by the blending of “faith” and politics in today’s America. The faith preached by politicians and prominent public figures, though seemingly growing more powerful by the second, does not, Kennedy Townsend believes, represent the faith that she lives by. Her faith has the power to unite and heal; their faith, based on violence and fear, only breeds more of the same. Kennedy Townsend holds up American society to the scrutiny of the tenets of her faith, and the comparison comes up wanting. If America’s “faithful” were truly faithful, she suggests, the obliteration of the social disparities, fear, and hate that have become commonplace in our society would be their crusade.

One World, Many Religions: The Way We Worship
The virtues of this book, by Mary Pope Osborne, are its simple telling and the quality of its images. Although readers familiar with the basics of the world religions - history, founder, creed - might not find much they don't already know in Osborne's volume, those coming to other religions for the first time will be charmed, possibly even seduced. The seduction lies in the images, which are large, vivid, and beautiful. The book includes over fifty of them, along with other clear, visual aids. A reader of Osborne's text should not expect comprehensiveness - only Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Confucianism, and Taoism are covered - but can content him/herself with the book's other virtues.

Sacred Myths: Stories of World Religions
In this book, written ostensibly for children but accessible to anyone with a taste for myth and image, Marilyn McFarlane takes five myths each from seven religious traditions and retells them against a bright tapestry of images. The book is full of helpful resources for young readers, like a glossary, a pronunciation key for unfamiliar words and names, and each religion's expression of the golden rule. While some of the stories may be familiar to American kids, like Moses in the rushes or the parable of the good Samaritan, most are sure to find at least some myths - probably many myths! - that they have not read before. The book presents each religion as good and legitimate without sacrificing its uniqueness. Some lesser known traditions are unfortunately left out, but it is always a complement to finish and only desire more.

Waging Nonviolent Struggle: 20th Century Practice and 21st Century Potential
Here, Gene Sharp presents a text that is both academic and practical. The book, at over 500 pages, is rich in information, but it is not a daunting tome. Sharp's writing is clear and engaging, and his subject matter vital. Sharp, a veritable expert in nonviolence, distills decades of thought and study on why nonviolence is not just a legitimate tool of social and political action, but a necessary one. He debunks the notion that nonviolent struggle never achieves anything, suggesting that it can achieve as much as or more than violence - with far fewer casualties. He also suggests that some common images of nonviolent action may be inaccurate. A student shaming his own government by submitting to their cruelty is not all there is to nonviolent protest. Techniques such as economic sanction can be just as effective, and do not rely on the assumed shared morality of combatants. Waging Nonviolent Struggle challenges and educates in a way that could possibly change your mind.

Subverting Hatred: The Challenge of Nonviolence in Religious Traditions
Editor Daniel L. Smith-Christopher gathers experts in eight world religions to discuss the backgrounds of peace - and violence - in the histories and scriptures of these faiths. Some of the traditions included have a long and well-documented history of non-violence. Jainism, for instance, is known for the commitment of its adherents to vegetarianism. Each of the three major religions of Indian origin, in fact, cannot be easily separated from the word "ahimsa" (no harm). The presence of violence in the Christian and Jewish scriptures, however, cannot be denied. Nor can the recent history of violence associated with the Islamic world. The essayists in this book do not try to deny religious violence. They do, however, try to confront it, and seek an alternative.

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