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Convergence of Sacred Days

​Recently we held a wonderful exchange with our dialogue partners on the convergence of sacred days in April, into May. This is the first time all of these holy days come in such close proximity and intersection in more than thirty years. What meaning can we derive from this? Some of our dialogue partners shared their holy days and what they mean in our day as we all come together.
The Internet has transformed every area of human interaction – including religion – more than any other invention in history. The new technology is disrupting traditional definitions of community, authority, beliefs, and even what it means to be human and present to one another. The Internet can be used to further divide people of different faiths and worldviews, or it can foster greater understanding – the choice is up to us. Interfaith Youth Core invites you to be part of a new generation of interfaith leaders who understand the power of the Internet, appreciate how it can be used to promote understanding across lines of difference, and are fully trained to maximize the impact of the technology for the common good. Join us by participating in our #Interfaith curriculum to strengthen your interfaith leadership online.
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Developed INTERFAITH YOUTH CORE and platformed on RELIGION AND PUBLIC LIFE. 

Introduction to Interfaith Leadership

This is one video used in the interfaith leadership training of the Interfaith Youth Corp. Founded by Eboo Patel (in video) they are embarking on providing resources for what is called, Building Interfaith America.

Faith in Ukraine: Faith Leaders Solidarity Mission to Ukraine

In times of crisis, friendship and solidarity are offered. Elijah Interfaith Institute’s vision of “Friendship Across Religions” finds concrete expression in the solidarity mission of faith leaders, of all major faith traditions, to Ukraine. A high-level delegation of religious leaders will pay a historic visit to refugee camps and the city of Chernivtsi, Ukraine. Scroll down for a list of participants.
The leaders will visit the Chernivtsi region and surrounding encampments to demonstrate friendship, offer comfort, and share experiences of maintaining spiritual well-being under distressing circumstances.
As part of this visit, a public event will be held in the city’s main theater, where the faith leaders will address refugees and other citizens impacted by war. Their words will be accompanied by live musical interludes from faith institutions outside the Ukraine, testimonies from refugees, and interactions with audience members. This will be the first public event permitted at the theater since the war began.
We invite you to follow this unique pilgrimage of friendship, to be inspired by the testimony it offers and to become part of the journey. View our live stream. Religious Leaders: Affirm the Declaration of Friendship Across Religions. All supporters – lend your voice.

Ways We Can Help Ukraine

We come together as peoples of different faiths and secular points of view to protest, pray, and act in justice over the blatant and unjustified invasion of Russian troops into the sovereign nation of Ukraine. As we gather in prayer, we also would suggest other ways we may help the people of Ukraine. Below are a few possibilities.

Charity organizations are offering a wide range of support for those affected by the war. Here are a few that have received high marks (three to four stars) from Charity Navigator, which assesses groups’ efficiency, transparency and other factors.
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  • Donations through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Eastern Europe Crisis Response.
  • Donations the Catholic Relief Service.
  • Global Giving supports non-profits around the world through crowdfunding. Its Ukrainian crisis relief fund is working toward a goal of $7m to provide food, water, shelter and other assistance to refugees.
  • ​​Direct Relief is working to fulfill a list of medical needs provided to the organization by Ukraine’s health ministry.
  • For local media in Ukraine, you can support the English-language Kyiv Independent and the New Voice of Ukraine directly. There is also a GoFundMe page to support Ukrainian media more broadly as journalists risk their safety.
  • An array of Resources to help Ukrainian refugees, especially those who cross the Polish border.
  • ​Nova Poshta Global launches the Humanitarian Nova Poshta project — to help the Ukrainian defenders and people in need. We collect humanitarian aid from international organizations and volunteers all around the world.
  • Rabbi Jennifer Rudin sends needed supplies to a trusted independent source which regularly brings materials over the Polish border for refugees. A Ukrainian shopping list is here.
  • Download the Peace in Ukraine Dove below, designed by Russian designer Natasha Alimova. She created this icon of peace using shapes from the national symbol of Ukraine. The logo is free to use for any purpose. It can be posted on windows, reproduced on t-shirts, and many more uses.
peacetoukraine.png
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Here are some pics from our Candlelight Vigil for Ukraine. More resources for helping Ukraine will be posted as more efforts are organized on the ground. Let's continue our prayer, action, and advocacy.
Download below a Ukrainian prayer used during our prayer vigil and an interfaith compilation of prayers for peace.
ukraineprayer.docx
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interfaith-prayers-of-peace.pdf
File Size: 342 kb
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Muslim Christian Dialogue on Creation

Fascinating conversation with a diverse audience on reflections of our common Creator from a Muslim and Christian perspective. Shaheen Ahktar from the Islamic Center of Boston, Wayland, Rev. Cindy Jacobson from The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Woburn, and Fr. Carl Chudy of Our Lady of Fatima Shrine, Holliston.

Statement of Support for our Jewish Neighbors after the Latest Attack on Members of the Synagogue in Colleyville, Texas

The two links above are: Metrowest Interfaith Dialogue Project and Rabbi Cytron-Walker of Congregation Beth Israel

Responding to Racist, Homophobic, and Antisemitic Incidents in the Local Public Schools

​In light of recent racist, homophobic, and antisemitic  incidences in the public schools of the town of Holliston, school and town officials, along with local religious leaders have been in dialogue about responding with opportunities for community forums in town. The Metrowest Interfaith Dialogue Project, with members deeply involved, will be publishing a statement in this regard and providing online listening sessions during the week of November 14. 
We are holding a listening session for all those who wish to share their own thoughts and prayers in light of these hateful incidences. Join us November 17, Wednesday at 7 pm. Contact us for the zoom link.

Active Bystander's Training 

The Metrowest Interfaith Dialogue Project is collaborating with The Jewish Family Services and Open Spirit Interfaith Center to offer Active Bystander's Training to faith communities and other organizations and individuals. Using the Quabbin Mediation Model, the Training Active Bystanders (TAB) program helps participants recognize when they are bystanders, analyze situations, and evaluate the consequences for everyone involved. TAB heightens bystanders’ power. It teaches how bystanders can interrupt harm-doing and generate positive actions by others. Active bystandership does not mean aggression against the harm doer. It means taking responsible action to help people in need instead of remaining passive and becoming complicit. Bystanders gain the competencies they need if they decide to take action when they witness something they feel is unfair, or wrong, or troubling.

Metrowest Interfaith Dialogue Project in the Local News

Dialogue that Crosses Faiths

Twelve members of faith organizations in MetroWest, including Our Lady of Fatima Shrine in Holliston, work on a regular basis to make their communities more inclusive. They called it the MetroWest Interfaith Dialogue Project (MIDP).
“Our hope is to the honor the religious and nonreligious diversity of our communities and neighborhoods by creating an interfaith community within communities of different faiths. We focus on three goals: Foster opportunities to come together in order to come to know one another and the faiths that inspire us; Gain insight on how much we share in common through our faiths and values; Discover how interfaith dialogue and action can make a difference in our communities and neighborhoods and helps us all flourish together,” he said.