Wonderings

Raymond Zeigler of MCCP shares his thoughts On May 23, 2023, a remarkable gathering unfolded at the Holy Apostles and the Mediator Church in Philadelphia bringing together delegations from various Zones of Peace, converging to champion the cause of peace within the city. Among the esteemed attendees were community and faith leaders including: the inspiring Rev. Meagan Esterby of University Lutheran Church , the dedicated David Chiles , Executive Director of Lutheran Settlement House , the visionary Abdul Rahim , founder of ICPIC New Africa Center , the esteemed Rev. Dr. Donna Jones, founding pastor of Cookman Beloved Community Baptist Church , the dynamic Raymond Zeigler of Metropolitan Christian Council of Philadelphia , the indefatigable Rev. Andy Jacob, Executive Director of Chester Eastside , the spirited Manisha Patel and the passionate Lisa Parker of Peace Day Philly , the driven Hugh Taft-Morales representing Peace Day Philly and the Philadelphia Ethical Society , the

During our virtual Spring session of  Build Religious Literacy: A Window into Your Neighbors' Faith ,  participants delved into the vibrant tapestry of various faith traditions, gaining valuable insights into the lived experiences of others.  Inspired by the thought-provoking conversations that unfolded during the program, eight of the participants decided to gather in person for a live Iftar dinner —an occasion deeply cherished by Muslims during the month of Ramadan as they break their fast after sunset. The students represented a diverse range of faith backgrounds, including Muslims and Christians of several denominations such as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and Swedenborgian. Stimulating topics were explored, challenging and inspiring all those present and igniting a sense of connection and understanding. The engagement and camaraderie displayed during the program and the subsequent Iftar dinner are a testament to the lasting impact of our   Leadership Institu

Colleen Guiney Murray, Abby Stamelman Hocky, Executive Director, Mary Grace Murray, Walking the Walk alumna, Rev. Dr. Jay Gardner, Zones of Peace Associate, and Gerry Murray Our Bridges, Not Barriers Breakfast, held on May 11, 2023, at Beth Am Israel in Penn Valley, was a remarkable occasion that fostered inspiration, deep faith, and a sense of togetherness. It also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of interfaith work in building a just and compassionate society.  The morning was filled with music, laughter, inspiring dialogue, and testimonials. Beth Am Israel’s, Hazzan Harold Messinger, opened with the song, "Modeh Ani (I am Grateful)." This was followed by remarks from Interfaith’s Executive Director, Abby Stamelman Hocky, who discussed the parallels between our founding in response to the aftermath of 9/11, the prevailing divisions we see today, and the indispensable role Interfaith Philadelphia continues to play in our region now and in the future. Attend

  The Avins/Solomon family at an Interfaith Philadelphia program over a decade ago We are excited to highlight a family that has been in the Interfaith Philadelphia circle since the beginning. The Avins/Solomon family got involved in Walking the Walk Youth Initiative’s inaugural year and has become a core part of our circle ever since. Through Walking the Walk , internships, thought partnerships, and as overall friends, we are so grateful for Carol, Ray, Claire, and Jess. We asked the whole family some questions, and are excited to share their responses with you.   How has interfaith work impacted your lives? Claire: My participation in Walking the Walk shaped much of my work, and my relationships, in college and beyond. I was introduced to the IFYC (Interfaith Youth Corps, now Interfaith America) through Walking the Walk , and my IFYC Fellowship in college enabled me to bring vital programming to campus while also introducing me to a cohort of folks who became thought leaders and

Students from Bryn Mawr College enjoy a traditional langar (dinner) with the Sikh community at the Upper Darby Gurdwara. Since 2007, Interfaith Philadelphia has organized Alternative Break Trips for student leaders from colleges, universities, high schools, and youth groups. We were grateful that we have been able to return to in-person programs during the 2022-2023 season. This Spring, we hosted trips for students from Bryn Mawr College, LaSalle University, and Penn State University.  During their time with us, they visited the congregations of more than two dozen distinct faith communities while engaging in service projects to tackle such important social issues as homelessness, food insecurity,  racism, and poverty. For many, this unique experience was not only educational but also transformative.    Alternative Breaks provide youth the opportunity to engage with individuals and organizations from various worldviews. This includes visits to places of worship and meetings with peopl

  Gesu School students participate in Passport to Understanding program Interfaith Philadelphia is collaborating with Gesu School , an independent Catholic school in North Philadelphia committed to interculturality. The new program offers 7th graders the opportunity to gain skills for interfaith dialogue and engagement, using our Passport to Understanding practices  Youth Programs Manager, Elexus Freeman-Filmore , and Sara Zebovitz , Director of Institutional Advancement are leading the students in a 5-part Passport to Understanding   program. Each week, they focus on a different Passport practice essential for interfaith travel: Be Curious ; Venture Out ; Welcome In ; Stand Tall ; and Stand With . Through asking curious questions of one another, trying new foods, writing poetry, and making “life maps,” these students are learning and practicing skills to carry them forward in our plural world. Youth Programs Manager, Elexus Freeman-Filmore; Ed Beckett, Vice President for Mission, I

  Imam Quaiser Abdullah, Board Chair, Valarie Kaur, and Abby Stamelman Hocky, Executive Director On March 2, 2023, Interfaith Philadelphia honored Valarie Kaur with our 2023 Dare to Understand Award at Bryn Mawr Presbyterian Church. Associate Pastor, Rev. Rebecca Kirkpatrick's invocation set the tone for a meaningful experience. Imam Quaiser Abdullah , Board Chair of Interfaith Philadelphia, spoke about the critical work of Interfaith Philadelphia in these times and highlighted the significance and past recipients of the Dare to Understand Award . Rev. Joyce Shin presents the 2023 Dare to Understand Award  Board Member Rev. Joyce Shin presented Valarie Kaur with the award, a print titled “Understanding” created by Krista Bard. Rev. Shin remarked, “[Valarie Kaur] has listened to victims and perpetrators, to allies and opponents. …We can make a change that stands the test of time if we ground it in wisdom about how to love others, our opponents, and ourselves.” Trina Gary

Asheq Fazlullah describes Muslim prayer practices This Spring, Interfaith Philadelphia presented before approximately 100 sixth graders at C.C.A. Baldi Middle School, a public school in N.E. Philadelphia. The social studies class had been studying world religions and the  classroom walls were adorned with vibrant posters and artwork that beautifully depicted the essence of their learnings. Their teacher had asked us to speak with the students about prayer in diverse spiritual and religious traditions.  Sara Zebovitz dons her tallit , Jewish prayer shawl Suhag Shukla , Executive Director of the Hindu American Foundation, and three members of Interfaith Philadelphia’s staff team:  Bronwen Henry , Director of Curricular Innovation, Asheq Fazlullah , Director of the Leadership Institute, and  Sara Zebovitz , Director of Institutional Advancement, spent the day visiting the students in their classrooms. They shared prayer practices and rituals from their respective faith traditions an

Leaders, facilitators, and workers from all walks of life are more effective when they understand the many ways people practice and orient around religion and spirituality.  Build Religious Literacy: A Window Into Your Neighbor’s Faith is a new (virtual) mini-course that takes a deep dive into the lived experiences of people of diverse faith traditions.   This spring, the six-part interactive series introduced participants to Judaism, Islam, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and the Baha’i faith.  Each session includes a “living library” – diverse practitioners - who interact with participants on core aspects of their faith, share personal stories, and answer questions.  The series opens with an unusual twist – “un-defining” common terms frequently used in conversations about religion, followed by practice in respectfully asking curious questions. When we expand our religious literacy, we better understand the news, arts, and culture, as well as our neighbors, co-w