“It really boils down to this: all life is interrelated. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”
– Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Building Healthy Religious Pluralism
By Rev. Dr. Thomas Duke
Minnesota communities reflect a great diversity of faiths. Many are curious to learn about traditions other than their own. The Minnesota Multifaith Speakers Network is a cooperative project of the Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN) and several faith communities to organize learning opportunities. Our network brings together interested groups with trusted, knowledgeable speakers from different faiths and spiritual traditions to provide occasions for positive encounters. Businesses, community groups, faith organizations, schools, neighbors, and friends seeking to benefit from a faith or multifaith presentation are invited to use theOnline Presentation Request Formfound on the MnMN website. Upon submission, Rev. Cynthia Bronson Sweigert will work with you to plan your desired faith or multifaith event.
Direct links to organizations or speakers from specific traditions including Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, Native American and others can also be found on the website. If you are looking for assistance or for a person to facilitate “Respectful Conversations”, contact Jerad Morey at the MN Council of Churches Respectful Conversations Program.
Understanding of the wide diversity across and within all religions is important as we learn about the variety of beliefs, traditions, values and practices of our neighbors. Intentional efforts to meet and get acquainted with people of different religious backgrounds, and to hear firsthand how diverse people practice faith can help institutions and communities build the human and social capital as foundations for the “beloved community.”
Featured Event
Exploring Local Advocacy Series Wednesdays: February 8, March 8, and April 12, 6 - 7 PM Central Time Online
In his memoir, Eboo Patel wrote "When thousands of people discover that their story is also someone else's story, they have the chance to write a new story together." Come and listen to the stories of people working together to create a better community. Join Wisdom Ways to celebrate non-profits and small organizations around the Twin Cities working for a better world. Help Wisdom Ways and Interfaith Action, Mad Hatter Wellness, Studio Inside Out and Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment write a new story together!
Thursdays 6:30-8:30 pm: January 19 and 26, February 9 and 16
Online
Ready to go big for the earth in 2023? Minnesota Interfaith Power & Light's Be the Spark program is a great way to bring your team together for climate action. Get tools and practices that help you inspire your congregation, focus your purpose, and identify tangible actions for successes you can celebrate. We use real case studies from the climate movement to help you explore a variety of methods for engaging your faith or spiritual community.
This training is aligned with MNIPL’s 2023 statewide Indigenous and Faith Leader legislative agenda. Be ready for a coordinated action at this special moment of opportunity in Minnesota’s history.
The suggested donation is $100/person, or whatever is a meaningful or affordable amount for you to contribute. Everyone is welcome to attend at any donation level! Encourage others to join you! You really can be the spark that leads your faith or spiritual community to deeper climate action. Questions? Please contact Buff Grace at buff@mnipl.org.
Guests are encouraged to watch the full 3 episodes of “The US and the Holocaust” before attending the conversation. “The US and the Holocaust” can be found on TPT.org via TPT Passport or on TPT2.
Beyond Divine Command: The Challenge of Hospitality
A program of the Encountering Islam Initiative, and co-sponsored by the Jay Phillips Center for Interreligious Studies, the University of St. Thomas Department of Theology presents the fifth annual Terence Nichols Memorial Symposium. Dr. Fuad Naeem will introduce Dr. Mona Siddiqui. Professor Mona Siddiqui is an internationally recognised academic and broadcaster at the University of Edinburgh. She is Professor Islamic and Interreligious Studies as well as Assistant Principal for Religion and Society. Registration is helpful but not required. All are welcome.
