|
Dear Friends,
 Next Monday and Tuesday, FOR Executive Director Mark Johnson will give three presentations and discussions co-hosted by the Interfaith Peace Network and the Network of Religious Communities.
All events are free and open to the public, and we invite you and your community to join us for these conversations!
Each of these events will take place at the Network of Religious Communities, 1272 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo. View map and get directions.
Achieving Racial and Economic Justice: Structural Violence and Community Action
Monday, April 4, 12:30 to 2:00 PM
A brown-bag lunch presentation and discussion for religious leaders addressing urban violence. Communities across the United States and Mexico are brutalized by violence driven by economic inequities and serviced by small arms, and absent civil norms and structures which ensure security and well-being. What are some of the ways that active nonviolence, grounded in timeless values of truth and love, can move these communities toward organizing for peace and social justice? View event on Facebook.
From Fear to Friendship: Laying the American Mosaic with the Muslim Community
Monday, April 4, 7:30 to 9:30 PM
A coffeehouse-style presentation followed by an informal facilitated discussion led by Western NY religious leaders on the front lines of regional efforts to counteract the rising tide of hateful anti-Islamic sentiments and activities. Although Muslims have been a part of American culture from before the creation of the United States of America, we must still work with Muslims to shape an equitable, civil society. As an act of solidarity, that means taking the initiative and speaking out in support of Islam and Muslims. We live in a culture of fear, and the core fear is the fear of peace by those in power who profit from the current structures of violence in our culture and in the world. We'll talk about civilian diplomacy and advocacy, interfaith dialogue, and community organizing as methods of building the beloved community. View event on Facebook.
Exploring Nonviolence: Training and Workshops
Tuesday, April 5, 9:00 to 11:00 AM
An informal "bring a dish to pass" breakfast meeting and presentation followed by a discussion facilitated by staff of the SSJ Sister Karen Klimczak Center for Nonviolence and the Stop the Violence Coalition Inc. What are some of the resources available through FOR programs and affiliates, such as Creating a Culture of Peace and the Community of Living Traditions, to prepare individuals to be engaged in active nonviolence for social change? View event on Facebook.
No reservation is required for these events. We encourage you to bring your friends and colleagues!
Co-sponsors of these events include the Latin American Solidarity Committee at WNYPC, the Peace Education Fund at Riverside-Salem UCC, the People of Peace at Pilgrim St. Luke's UCC, the SSJ Sister Karen Klimczak Center for Nonviolence, Stop the Violence Coalition Inc., and the Western New York Peace Center.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Ethan Vesely-Flad
Communications Director
Fellowship of Reconciliation
|
