This past Sunday, around 1,000 people of all faiths and denominations came together for Unity Walk 2017 in Washington, DC, gathering to promote interfaith solidarity and inclusiveness. As one organizer said, "We want to model that people do care about each other and want to learn about each other." READ MORE (Voice of America) ...
Is There a Religious Way to Be Angry?
In our current political, social, and cultural climate in the United States, it can feel like outrages and injustice are coming at us from every side, be it an unjust new law, a rally in support of racism and hatred, or even simply national discourse that diminishes groups of people and calls into question whether or not they are a legitimate part of US society. If you care about social justice, it can be easy to feel angry at these events. Anger is a natural emotion, but what is the right way ...
Art and Empathy
Issues of religion, gender, and ethnicity can often seem difficult to discuss or fully understand when not tied to our daily lives and concerns. Rohina Malik, a nationally-recognized playwright and performer, talks with us about how theater can spotlight these issues in an approachable and empathetic way. Her one-woman show, Unveiled, looks at the lives of five Muslim women from differing backgrounds and how they challenge, confound, and exceed the stereotypes placed on them by others. LISTEN ...
Teaching – not Preaching – Religion in Public Schools
Increasingly, educators are realizing that, in our connected and diverse societies, it is important to teach students religious literacy—knowledge of, and ability to understand, different religions. But, teaching about religion in public school can often prove tricky, and teachers must find ways to teach their students about religion without accidentally promoting a religion or religions. In Chicago, public school educators are taking part in workshops on teaching religious literacy, which ...
Revival of Religion in Higher Education
All around the country, colleges and universities are taking steps to promote interfaith dialogue and awareness among their students and to teach religious literacy, leading to a "revival of religion" in higher education. Not only does this knowledge enrich students' college experiences and honor the values and beliefs of students, religious literacy and the ability to work with people despite differences are crucial skills for success in a diverse global world. READ MORE (Huffington Post) ...