Challenging recent Islamophobic rhetoric, leaders from Jewish, Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim traditions unite for illuminating dialogue and action in solidarity with Muslim communities.
WHEN: Thursday, December 17th
WHERE: "Holy Hill," intersection of Le Conte and Scenic Avenues, Berkeley, CA
WHAT:
- GTU Solidarity Statement and Panel Discussion, 3pm - 5pm: Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley, CA Scholars and leaders will offer strategies and tactics to counter Islamophobia, and share solidarity statements from the schools and organizations they represent.
Panelists:
Rev. Dr. H. James Hopkins, American Baptist Seminary of the West
Dr. Munir Jiwa, GTU Center for Islamic Studies
Dr. Naomi Seidman, GTU Center for Jewish Studies
Imam Zaid Shakir, Zaytuna College
Dr. Rita Sherma, GTU Center for Dharma Studies
Moderator: Jakada Imani, Ignite Institute Director
Welcome: Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy, Pacific School of Religion
- Multi-faith Prayer, Vigil, and Call to Action: Keeping the Doors of Dialogue Open, 5pm: Begin at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave., Berkeley, CA
Theological schools and colleges spanning faith traditions will open their doors, welcoming community members in a prayerful walk around "Holy Hill." Opening remarks by Rev. Victor H. Kazanjian, Jr., Executive Director, United Religions Initiative.
- For God's Sake: Program at Zaytuna College, 6 pm 2401 LeConte Ave., Berkeley The founders of Zaytuna College, the first Muslim undergraduate institution of higher learning in the U.S., will discuss Islamic teachings on peace. Hamza Yusuf, Zaid Shakir and Hatem Bazian will speak to the following: The wars, hatred, and chauvinism polarizing many parts of the world, including our own country, are causing many to justify the wanton slaughter of “them” in the interest of protecting “us.” We can only bridge this lethal divide when we recognize that there is no “them,” there is only “us" — because God has sanctified all life.
CO-SPONSORS include American Baptist Seminary of the West, Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Dominican School of Philosophy & Theology, GTU Center for Dharma Studies, GTU Center for Islamic Studies, GTU Center for Jewish Studies, the Graduate Theological Union, the Ignite Institute at Pacific School of Religion, the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University, Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary, Pacific School of Religion, San Francisco Theological Seminary, Starr King School for the Ministry, United Religions Initiative, and Zaytuna College
MORE INFORMATION: www.igniteatpsr.com/solidarity