tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77301050465000900822024-02-19T09:03:20.009-05:00Multi-Faith DialogueAs a follower of Jesus I am compelled to be a peacemaker through multi-faith dialogue. It has been an amazing journey with great people of other faiths who have become dear friends.Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-18482732496006902952021-02-19T04:10:00.000-05:002021-02-19T04:10:05.834-05:00The Joy of Reading<p> For those of you who have followed my multi-faith work in Indiana, I have started a new blog: https://freedomtoflourish-thejoyofreading.blogspot.com/</p><p>This is my first post: </p><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: large;">My Joy of Reading Journey</span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">These past two years my reading, which has always been a favorite pastime, has escalated into a significant reading project, a book club, and ways of communicating with friends and families. Reading has taken a prominent place in my life, a place it could not be when I was a mother of young boys, working as a teacher and developing a multi-faith dialogue in northern Indiana. Life has changed. I now live in Göteborg, Sweden, my sons are raised and I have grandchildren. The morning alarm does not call me to go to work every day. In 2018 I read 24 books. In 2019 I read 54 books. In 2020 I read 75 books. </span><i style="color: #f9cb9c;">My hope is that through writing I can make my reading a spiritual endeavor. My hope is that by bringing together the eclectic books I have read I will form in myself a new way of being in the world. My hope is to post at the beginning of each month what I have read the previous month. </i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">I invite you to join me on my joy of reading journey.</span><br /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span><br /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">What I read:</span><br /><span style="color: white;"><i>Book Club: </i></span></span><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: medium;">In 2018 I started a book club in Sweden with women I met in my Swedish classes. These women are from Brazil, Poland, Greece, and Sweden. Each month we read one or two books and rotate through these categories: Contemporary, Classic, Swedish, and Spiritual. We have now read 30 books together.<br /> <br /></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: white;">Great Books of the Western World:</span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">In 2018 my brother, my sambo (Swedish word for someone who lives with their romantic partner) and I started a ten-year reading project of the Great Books of the Western World. We have a reading list for each quarter of the year. After our reading is completed for the quarter, we each do a write-up of what we have read using Mortimer Adler and Charles Van Doren’s, </span><i style="color: #f9cb9c;">How to Read a Book. </i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">(Robert Hutchins and Adler founded the Great Books of the Western World reading program)</span><br /><i style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>What is the book about as a whole?<br /></i><i style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>What is being said in detail and how?<br /></i><i style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>Is it true?<br /></i><i style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>What of it?<br /></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">After almost two years I have added these questions to my write-ups of the reading.</span><br /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span><i style="color: #f9cb9c;">What is the nature of Man?<br /></i><i style="color: #f9cb9c;"><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span>What is the nature of Society?<br /></i><i style="color: #f9cb9c;"> What is the nature of God?<br /></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">These questions launch us into our seminar-style discussions each quarter.</span><br /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span><br /><i><span style="color: white;">Family Book Club:</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">My Mom, the same brother, and I started reading the classics together. My Mom was an avid reader when she was young and she is reading again. There are many classics I have not read and reading with my Mom has deepened my respect for her as her curiously and intellect make for meaningful discussions. We have read many </span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #f9cb9c;">classics</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">, such as Anna of Karenina by Leo Tolstoy and Gilgamesh. We have read 21 books together.</span><br /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><o:p></o:p> </span><br /><i><span style="background-color: #990000; color: white;">Friends read together:</span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> My friend, from a neighboring town where I grew up in North Dakota, and I are reading together. We talk every week about books and about life. We have a shared history and reading together has deepened our friendship an</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #f9cb9c;">d</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> our connection.</span><br /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"><o:p></o:p> </span><br /><i><span style="color: white;">Learning Swedish:</span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> A person can’t live in another country without taking on the task to learn the language. My Swedish language skills needed to move beyond the sing-song voice of the Swedish Chef on Sesame Street. I am tackling the Swedish children’s book genre. When my sons were in third grade, they read Pippi Longstocking by Astrid Lindgren, a famous author from Sweden. I am proud to say I have read Pippi Långstrump in Swedish.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><i><span style="color: white;">Audio Books:</span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> My brother, same as above, has listened to many audio-books, and now he has become a narrator himself. Because of him, I have started listening to books during that part of my day when I can not sit down to read. These tend to be non-fiction or historical fiction. With America in political turmoil, it has been important to learn in more detail the history of the United States.</span><br /><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </span><br /><i><span style="color: white;">Poetry and Art</span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> are a part of my daily reading. When I read poetry, I always read it out loud, for it creates another meaning when the words are spoken. Every day I read a Psalm from the Bible and have read through many poetry books.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: #f9cb9c; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i><span style="color: white;">Reading with my littles</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">: </span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;">Having two granddaughters who love books</span><span lang="EN-US" style="color: #f9cb9c;">,</span><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> reading to them via the internet is an absolute highlight of my week. When my sons were small, we would sit with a stack of new books from the library and read and read. They never became tired. Even over the internet little Izzy sits and listens as we read one book after another.</span></span></div><div style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><i><span style="color: white;">Hobbies:</span></i><span style="color: #f9cb9c;"> Finally, I love to cook, garden, and bird watching. Those types of books are never far from my reach.</span><br /><o:p style="color: #f9cb9c;"> </o:p></span></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-27813537118876739392012-06-05T12:57:00.000-04:002012-06-05T12:57:59.887-04:00Beneath the Surface<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">During our winter break we traveled to
the Caribbean. While we were there we snorkeled every day. When sitting on the
beach enjoying the warmth of the sun and looking across the ocean it is impossible
to see the beauty that is beneath the surface of the water. Even when I entered
the water to swim I could not see what was beneath the surface. In order to see
this beautiful world of astonishing color, of the various fish and coral, special
equipment was needed. I couldn’t wait to don my mask and flippers so that I
could see this world which was directly below the surface.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">That has been my experience with the
multi-faith efforts that I have been a part of throughout the year. On the
surface there have been Haven Interfaith Parent (HIP) meetings; moderating Interfaith Events,
Multi-Faith Events and Interfaith Forums; changing the name to multi-faith from
interfaith; attending religious events; helping design a multi-faith room at a local hospital and speaking at various locations. But
the true beauty of these different events <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lie beneath the surface. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As in snorkeling there is special
equipment which is needed in order to see the beauty beneath the surface of all
these endeavors. The tools which I have discovered which have helped me to see
this beauty have included convicted civility, dialogue, and promoting social
inclusivism. Throughout this blog are postings on each of these topics. In
using these tools in multi-faith dialogue I have seen a beauty which has deeply
impacted my life. Thank you to my many
friends of other faiths and to those of my own faith, who have helped me learn
how to use these tools. It has been a beautiful year.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Roman 3:18, “If it is possible, as far
as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”</span></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-52188433037133644512012-05-09T11:30:00.001-04:002012-05-09T13:40:15.492-04:00Listening Like Your Life Depended On ItThe audience's role in creating a successful Multi-Faith Event: How Good Must I Be? <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> </span> can not be understated. At the event the audience demonstrated a desire to understand and to learn by listening like their life depended on it. <span id="goog_999433356"></span><span id="goog_999433357"></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwLCRVCeGuKngz8YXxCGUYKsvIi-KgIw9-Wyn_rv9oHHZoseEfgqG8yLAVFv1u97o5fp3zAKWDqOGRQ4WIw_D0pymtiG1N73y4pFoGHjKH3YOOpfFEz6FBJLRJWRQzkKBuciXwCp2HYo/s1600/DSC_0109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbwLCRVCeGuKngz8YXxCGUYKsvIi-KgIw9-Wyn_rv9oHHZoseEfgqG8yLAVFv1u97o5fp3zAKWDqOGRQ4WIw_D0pymtiG1N73y4pFoGHjKH3YOOpfFEz6FBJLRJWRQzkKBuciXwCp2HYo/s320/DSC_0109.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
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Below are a few notes I have received since the event:</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What a
magnificent evening of thoughtful exchange you assembled at Canterbury last
week. Congratulations on a really significant accomplishment. I wish I could
have attended the Taylor dialogue too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">This is
remarkable work; may you continue to provide our community with this most
sacred of sacraments: real, honest, meaningful connection. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Another great event. It is
comforting & encouraging to see that the similarities of the different
faiths far outweigh the differences. Exposed only to news media most would not
realize that. Thanks for another outstanding job as moderator. As a fellow Christian brother you are clearly
a shining example of the love of our Lord Jesus Christ.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Blessings to you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Our Lord Christ is working through you to help bring peace into this
world. There is no greater work than what you are doing. I just
feel blessed to be a part of it, and I watch in amazement at your
accomplishment through His Hand.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">The use of lay persons provided a
good transition to the normal relationship/dialogue among persons not trained specifically
in theology. An evolution from top down to horizontal communication. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You
should know just how impressed I have been with your work on this. You put
together a very clearly thought-out and executed event. Your comments leading into
the evening last night were stellar and your facilitation of the dialogue was
superb; you had a “light touch” (hard to accomplish). Well done Ramona! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Excellent diversity of faiths. Straight forward presentations of each perspective. </span></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Email from someone who watched the event on youtube:</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I've been
watching this morning, and I'm just captivated. I will be sure to attend the
next event. Your events are like the best of college--the stimulating,
fascinating discussion--without the test!</span></div>
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<br /></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-25249469350493252192012-04-20T22:55:00.000-04:002012-04-23T10:09:18.639-04:00Multi-Faith Event on YoutubeThe Multi-faith Event: <i>How Good Must I Be? </i>has been put on youtube. It has been uploaded in six clips.<br />
Introduction<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G6wgWNfPEU" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1G6wgWNfPEU</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPomqS-ZFW-k7KgAl0mKUs8z90lnnV66w7IWBrr5VWuoy3_IaY3kWqZz-OUKtTuSiFAHQv8PASKoa8SaFAVSSgMkF5jAKEEQIIvXvC68QG7AcdnSqPkyyMMaLybhGwiVX9VkT4o6teZg/s1600/DSC_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinPomqS-ZFW-k7KgAl0mKUs8z90lnnV66w7IWBrr5VWuoy3_IaY3kWqZz-OUKtTuSiFAHQv8PASKoa8SaFAVSSgMkF5jAKEEQIIvXvC68QG7AcdnSqPkyyMMaLybhGwiVX9VkT4o6teZg/s320/DSC_0120.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Question 1: What constitutes wrongdoing?<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhQAewNabdk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhQAewNabdk</a><br />
<br />
Question 2: What are the consequences of our choices?<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhQAewNabdk" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhQAewNabdk</a><br />
<br />
Question 3: How good must we be?<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aft7ZWxKPDg" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aft7ZWxKPDg</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq8JvUR7nde8t0KRfAVdJ44RVRNNqz9R8QBtElofrirrhhFF7UV5kEEgyRTCg2E7TnsxXWnLy4hYvBGyISpMBh0CSe4CLD4_6eLlOrhEGCDdfmuCQv5z0B3wCgMlsKozlJmnJ4tOjUj4/s1600/group+pan+th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMq8JvUR7nde8t0KRfAVdJ44RVRNNqz9R8QBtElofrirrhhFF7UV5kEEgyRTCg2E7TnsxXWnLy4hYvBGyISpMBh0CSe4CLD4_6eLlOrhEGCDdfmuCQv5z0B3wCgMlsKozlJmnJ4tOjUj4/s320/group+pan+th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Discussion: How do you deal with guilt? Clip 5<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoFoGWsXg7c&feature=youtu.be" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FoFoGWsXg7c&feature=youtu.be</a><br />
<br />
Discussion on forgiveness and conclusion. Clip 6<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s5FPb_G09c&feature=relmfu" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0s5FPb_G09c&feature=relmfu</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMPpfdroAeD5jqBoj2eS9NKIImthF13FF2FVzOlBzIj6AffCUMFMSkrENoV-dDFXxmmOWElIimoZNbK5qc_AXjQFfsSw3uCAPjr8rHm5bxuDBkldq7SdGJCNTZM1gC-oseTwEPG8Y5pk/s1600/group+pic+stage+th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfMPpfdroAeD5jqBoj2eS9NKIImthF13FF2FVzOlBzIj6AffCUMFMSkrENoV-dDFXxmmOWElIimoZNbK5qc_AXjQFfsSw3uCAPjr8rHm5bxuDBkldq7SdGJCNTZM1gC-oseTwEPG8Y5pk/s320/group+pic+stage+th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />
Thank you to Mary and Lance Clark for videotaping the event and to Maria Kirkland for taking pictures.Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-31625817173247919952012-04-19T11:42:00.000-04:002012-04-19T11:42:22.082-04:00Interfaith Forum "Love Thy Neighbor"<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Tuesday
evening I moderated an Interfaith Forum at Taylor University. This was the
first interfaith forum held at the university and it was the first time I have moderated
an event away from Canterbury School. Taylor University <a href="http://www.taylor.edu/" target="_blank">http://www.taylor.edu/</a> is a Christian university located in Upland, Indiana. I have come to know several of the students from the university
because of the multi-faith work I am doing in Fort Wayne. Many Taylor
University students desire to learn how to live out their faith in a
pluralistic world.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
Interfaith Forum was entitled <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Love Thy
Neighbor.</i> There were four faiths represented on the panel, Evangelical
Christianity, Hindu, Islam, and Judaism. From my perspective, the evening was a
wonderful success. It was evident the presenters were committed to dialogue.
They were honest in portraying their own beliefs and they spoke from the heart.
We realized that we do not have a common theology but we do have a common
ethic. That common ethic is what makes us a community.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
presenters addressed three questions. </span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">From
the perspective of your faith and scriptures, respond to the statement
"love thy neighbor."</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"></span>Give a story from your scriptures that
demonstrates love.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>How
has your faith helped you love someone (even when it was difficult)?</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Through
the dialogue we discovered that love is transformational, unselfish, goes
beyond what is expected, and it is mercy demonstrated. All faiths agreed that
it is the fear within that hinders <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">loving
thy neighbor.</i> It was a wonderful evening; we learned about other faiths and we were challenged to love our
neighbors. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Thank
you Taylor University for allowing me to be involved in this important work.</span></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-62105133678454798072012-04-14T17:34:00.000-04:002012-04-14T17:34:22.635-04:00Speakers at "A Multi-Faith Event: How Good Must I Be?"<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWmy9G95BmsnMiuPNw3eQBhnyCu2I-WkZhsqxNkjtxEtxppu3_A-Z5JTf3GqVPd-7tP2Yl_Eounxp1vHGepYbLqrjolhqXwOdHlaeFH3Y7uhLoGXD4vbVBgy716zf1bBMi_lKR6LZnb8/s1600/group+pic+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpWmy9G95BmsnMiuPNw3eQBhnyCu2I-WkZhsqxNkjtxEtxppu3_A-Z5JTf3GqVPd-7tP2Yl_Eounxp1vHGepYbLqrjolhqXwOdHlaeFH3Y7uhLoGXD4vbVBgy716zf1bBMi_lKR6LZnb8/s320/group+pic+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Speakers</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A Multi-Faith Event: How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My Choices</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Kent Eilers, PhD. Assistant Professor of Theology, Huntington University</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Mohammed Saad Ghazali, MD, Pediatric Cardiology Associates, P.C. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ramona Fisher, Canterbury School, Moderator</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rabbi Javier E. Cattapan, Congregation Achduth Vesholom<br />
Preeti Dembla MD, Internal Medicine </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
William Smits, MD, The Asthma and Allergy Center </div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-42281693482191803092012-04-13T12:38:00.000-04:002012-04-13T12:38:45.875-04:00An Evening of Dialouge<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
The Multi-Faith Event: How Good Must I Be? was an evening of dialogue which illuminated the common ethic among the five religion represented at the event. The five religions were: Bahai, Evangelical Chirstian, Hindu, Islam and Judaism. Below are the opening remarks for the event. <br /><br />The Multi-Faith Events at Canterbury School were started as a result of the Haven Interfaith Parent (HIP) mission statement. The HIP mission statement can be found in your program and it states, <i><b>The Haven Interfaith Parents support the mission of Canterbury School and encourage an understanding and appreciation of all beliefs and faiths, with the goal of promoting peace in our community.</b></i> This event is the fifth event sponsored by HIP. <br /><br /> While at a conference in January of 2011 in New Orleans I told about the interfaith work that I have been doing in Fort Wayne. The suggestion was made to change the way I referred to the work from ‘interfaith’ to ‘multi-faith’. After the conference I began researching the difference in these two words. In my searching I came across an article written by Rick Love of Peace Catalyst International. His thoughts on the difference of these two words resonated with me. And as of this past January I changed the name of these events to multifaith from interfaith to more accurately represent what we are doing at Canterbury School. Rick Love has three key points:<br />
<ul>
<li><i>Multi-faith dialogue is based on common ethics and the common good rather than common theology.</i> This has been true of the past events. We have discovered a common ethic among all faiths.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li> <i>Multi-faith dialogue expands the conversation to conservatives.</i> In all faiths the conservative people have been reluctant to enter interfaith dialogues fearing they would have to compromise their beliefs. At these events we want each faith to clearly tell us what they believe without having to compromise.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><i>It allows for “theological exclusivism” while promoting “social inclusivism.</i> These events encourage us to be peacemakers even though we theologically disagree.</li>
</ul>
When I started my interfaith work I asked a group of Canterbury School parents to join me in this new endeavor. As a follower of Jesus my faith is incredibly important to me. Those I asked to be in the group were people I knew were deeply devoted to their faith. At the interest meeting I discussed my hope for this ‘interfaith’ group. My hope was that the members would be willing to discover what we had in common; they would be willing to listen to each other; they would discuss our differences in a civil manner; and they would do the hard work of being peacemakers. Truly, this is not an easy task. This group met for three years. Through the ground rules the group wrote we were able to find the common ground but we were also to dialogue about our differences. Over the three years each person’s faith was deepened and strengthened. And we became friends. We were doing multi-faith dialogue <br /><br /> Understanding the meaning of words is important, like the words interfaith and multi-faith. During the dialogue with my friends from other faiths I discovered the importance of knowing the meaning of words so we could truly understand each other. During a dialogue we often would use the same word, but the meaning for that word was quite different. Sometimes I took the time to clarify exactly what was meant by a word, but quite honestly, many times I did not. When I failed to have a word clearly defined I knew true understanding had not occurred. It takes time and effort to ensure words are understood correctly. It takes time and effort to have a dialogue. It takes time and effort to be a peacemaker. <br /><br /> With the mission to promote peace, it is dialogue not debate or discussion that must occur tonight. I recently heard someone say dialogue is listening to someone as if your life depended on it. In order to survive everything must be remembered. That is intense listening. When I have truly listened to others I find that they are more likely to listen to me. This is the basis of all relationships. For us to understand each other we must be in relationships and we must listen to each other. There is a passage in the Bible that tells me how to dialogue. I Peter 3:15 states, “Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” It is in dialogue that we can be honest and with gentleness and respect say what we believe. Being in dialogue says we care about the relationship. These Multi-Faith Events are intentionally designed to be a dialogue because I desire for those in our community to be in relationship with each other. This evening I hope you will listen like your life depended on it; that you will leave here with the desire to be in multi-faith dialogue with those in our community and that you will become a peacemaker. <br /><br /> The topic for this event is "How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My Choices." This topic was chosen as another way for us to learn about each other. After listening to each other we may find that we do not have a common theology but I am convinced that we will find there is a common ethic among all of us. <br /><br />Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-64061674094101516482012-03-26T17:24:00.000-04:002012-03-26T17:24:26.083-04:00Debate, Discussion or Dialogue?<br />
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<span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">The Multi-faith Events at
Canterbury School were started as a result of the Haven Interfaith Parent (HIP)
mission statement. The HIP mission statement reads, <b><i>T</i></b></span><b><i>he
Haven Interfaith Parents support the mission of Canterbury School and encourage
an understanding and appreciation of all beliefs and faiths, with the goal of
promoting peace in our community. </i></b><span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">The
upcoming event, <i>How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My Choices</i> is
the fifth event sponsored by HIP.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">A criticism I often hear
about the Multi-faith Events is that I don’t allow the speakers to ‘go at
it’. The thought is, if the presenters become heated during the event,
the <i>real</i> truth will be expressed. In our culture this sort of debate of
people ‘going at it’ has become entertainment. It is especially
entertaining if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i> side makes the
best points and if <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">our</i> side makes the
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">other</i> side look ridiculous. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">As a teacher I use debate,
discussion and dialogue in my classes depending on the objectives of the
lesson. In a debate there is always a winner and a loser. After a debate the
winners continue to strengthen their side of the issue. The losers have become
aware of the weaknesses in their debate and will work on strengthening those
weaknesses. Instead of thoughts, opinions and ideas being changed, each side continues to
bolster their position. If the goal is to change someone’s mind or develop an
understanding of another way of thinking a debate is the least effective way
for that to occur.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">Even discussion does not work
for the Multi-faith Events. The goal of discussion is to take apart a topic
and persuade others to a certain way of thinking in order to reach a common
outcome. The premise of the Multi-faith Events is the theologies of the various faiths are
different. The purpose of the events are not to find a common theology. As
</span>Rick Love of Peace Catalyst International has written, “Multi-faith
dialogue is based on common ethics and the common good rather than common
theology.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the Multi-faith Events the
common ethic is discovered but the goal is not to create a common theology.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">The mission of HIP is to, “<i>encourage an understanding and appreciation of
all beliefs and faiths, with the goal of promoting peace in our community</i>.”
With the goal of promoting peace, dialogue is what must occur at the events. I
recently heard someone say dialogue is listening to someone as if your life
depended on the information. In order to survive everything
must be remembered. That is intense listening. When I have truly listened to
others I find that they are more likely to listen to me. This is the basis of
all relationships. For us to understand each other we must be in relationships
and we must listen to each other.</span> <span> There
is a passage in the Bible that tells me how to dialogue. I Peter 3:15 states,
“Always be prepared to give an answer for the hope that you have. But do this
with gentleness and respect.” </span>It is <span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">in dialogue that we can be honest and with gentleness and respect say what we believe. Being in dialogue says we care about the relationship.</span><span style="font-family: ""serif"","serif";">The Multi-faith Events are intentionally designed
to be a dialogue because I desire for those in our community to be in relationship with each other. I hope you will attend the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Multi-faith
Event: How Good Must I Be?</i> and will listen like your life depended on it.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-13685600666609050832012-03-19T11:22:00.000-04:002012-04-19T19:43:34.219-04:00Additional Information at Multi-faith Event<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
At the Multi-faith Event: <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">How Good Must I Be? </i><i>The Consequences of My
Choices</i> there
will be tables in the lobby to learn about the religions represented at the
event. The religions represented are: Baha'i,
Evangelical Christian, Hindu, Islam, and Judaism. Attendees of the event can browse
the information before or after the event. After the event the speakers will be
at the tables to answer questions and discuss their religions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
These organizations will have information tables at the
event.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The mission of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Indiana
Center for Middle East Peace</b> is to promote critical awareness of issues
that impact a just peace in the Middle East and to facilitate intercultural and
interfaith awareness both locally and globally. We host monthly lectures
and symposia with local, national, and international speakers, as well as
sponsor study and solidarity tours to Israel and Palestine where we meet with
Jews, Christians, and Muslims who are working for a non-violent, just peace. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.indianacmep.org/">http://www.indianacmep.org/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n5i-Sz-UdMX7JNWdZJRrAgpN7QswNtRCLyoXwY1sRAdPVCRtuHpNIL8hAWIWuoYxnPStIKz6MXBXT8Tv6xmN0iZm_DHz-HdHem0OJIaCY_PdL1gd7he6D9TUmETGIiILgBObv2UqzDI/s1600/indiana+center+peace+th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1n5i-Sz-UdMX7JNWdZJRrAgpN7QswNtRCLyoXwY1sRAdPVCRtuHpNIL8hAWIWuoYxnPStIKz6MXBXT8Tv6xmN0iZm_DHz-HdHem0OJIaCY_PdL1gd7he6D9TUmETGIiILgBObv2UqzDI/s320/indiana+center+peace+th.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Taylor University
Office of Global Engagement</b> - The Office of Global Engagement exists to
encourage and facilitate global engagement within the student body, to connect
and streamline existing campus organizations working on globally-focused
initiatives, and to incorporate a global mindset into the Taylor Student
Organization.</div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">IPC</b> - The purpose
of the <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Interfaith Peace Cabinet</b> of Taylor
Student Organization is to engage the campus community in loving, peaceful
relationships with persons of other faiths, especially in the central Indiana
region. This is accomplished through
interfaith dialogue, service, partnership and religious education.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.taylor.edu/" target="_blank">www.taylor.edu</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Upcoming event hosted
by Office of Global Engagement and IPC</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Tuesday, April 17,
2012, 7:00 p.m.</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">An Interfaith Panel: Love Thy Neighbor</b></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Moderator: Ramona
Fisher, Canterbury School</div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Rediger
Chapel/Auditorium</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZtONNW26uy9gMMdfZyijycoV0fRyGL34w_bMDfGevGgNp8mjCegALkRwnxRe4oius2SehqrwynIKdSECkJuFhJkbIsSCpImBXWW5ZIm65FX1TkhQsne3aZvhof3cTBZvRA5XFDgNVuk/s1600/Huntington+booth+th.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSZtONNW26uy9gMMdfZyijycoV0fRyGL34w_bMDfGevGgNp8mjCegALkRwnxRe4oius2SehqrwynIKdSECkJuFhJkbIsSCpImBXWW5ZIm65FX1TkhQsne3aZvhof3cTBZvRA5XFDgNVuk/s320/Huntington+booth+th.jpg" width="250" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Huntington
University: </b>With the conviction that all truth is God’s truth, Huntington
University exists to carry out the mission of Christ in higher education.
Students are educated in the liberal arts and their chosen academic
disciplines, always seeking to examine the relationship between the disciplines
and God’s revelation in Jesus Christ. We welcome students of all faiths who are
willing to be part of our learning community. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Regionally, Huntington University is a major partner in the
Harmony Initiative. The organization is dedicated to implementing the City of
Huntington’s mission statement, which recognizes that residents’ “ethnic,
economic, and religious diversity provides the strength that holds our
community together” and declares Huntington, Indiana to be “a community of
civility and inclusion, where diversity is honored and differences are
respected.” </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://www.huntington.edu/" target="_blank">www.huntington.edu</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Since 1972 <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Friends of
the Third World</b> have been empowering people all over the world to overcome
poverty and prime the fair trade markets for the growing demand for economic
justice. In addition to job-training for needy people in Fort Wayne, the
house of the Friends of the Third World helps sell products made by exceptional
enterprising groups in the Third World, including the Bombolulu Workshop for
the Handicapped in Mombasa, Kenya, as well as trying to help Nicaraguan Medical
Aid. Friends of the Third World continues to work for economic justice
through ongoing fair trade development for crafts, coffee, tea and other
products made by millions of people escaping the grip of
poverty. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://friendsofthethirdworld.org/">http://friendsofthethirdworld.org/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-7659056990392415652012-03-12T11:18:00.000-04:002012-03-12T11:18:09.213-04:00Questions for Multi-faith Event<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Last week I met with the speakers for the upcoming Multi-faith
Event: How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My
Choices. The purpose of our meeting was to determine the questions for the
event. When I meet with the speakers before an event I start the meeting by discussing Martin Marty’s observation, “People these days who
are civil often lack strong convictions, and people with strong religious
convictions often are not very civil. What we need is convicted civility.” My
desire at the Multi-faith Events is that the speakers will honestly and with
conviction share their beliefs, but with that conviction and honesty is a
tone of civility. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
As we were discussing the question,
How Good Must I Be? we ourselves practiced convicted civility. It
immediately became clear that how a question was asked could possibly make presuppositions that would be incorrect for the faiths represented at the event.
As a group we crafted each question in a manner which would allow the speakers
to honestly portray the beliefs of their faith.
As a group the desire was to move from the theological to a personal understanding
of the concept.We discussed making
amends, forgiveness, repentance and guilt. Those topics will be addressed at the event by the speakers after the formal presentations. It was a wonderful meeting and it
truly represented multi-faith dialogue.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The questions for the event:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>According to your faith what constitutes wrong doing?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>According to your faith what are the consequences of our choices?</i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>According to your faith how good must I be? How should I live my life?</i></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
The Multi-faith Event: How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My
Choices is Wednesday, April 11<sup>th</sup> at 7 p.m. at Canterbury School,
5601 Covington Road, Fort Wayne, IN.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The speakers
for the event are: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
William Smits, MD, The Asthma and Allergy Cente<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">r, </span></span>Baha'i<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span> <br />
Kent Eilers, PhD. Assistant Professor of Theology, Huntington University, Evangelical Christian<br />
Preeti Dembla MD, Internal Medicin, Hindu <br />
Mohammed Saad Ghazali, MD, Pediatric Cardiology Associates, P.C, Muslim <br />
Rabbi Javier E. Cattapan, Congregation Achduth Vesholom, Jewish </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Hopefully you can attend. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-23889232267623003062012-02-17T11:49:00.000-05:002012-02-26T14:43:13.567-05:00Peacemaking Efforts<span id="goog_1997532723"></span><span id="goog_1997532724"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a>Along my journey of becoming involved with multi-faith dialogue I was asked a question which challenged me and ultimately led me to be doing what I am doing today. The question was asked by David Streight, the president of Council of Spiritual and Ethical Education (CSEE), at a conference I was attending with other independent school teachers. He asked the question, “What are you doing to be a peacemaker?” I knew I was not doing enough and when I left the conference I began many multi-faith endeavors at Canterbury School and Fort Wayne. As my journey continues it is inspiring to discover people who are involved in the courageous and important work of peacemaking. Here are two links which are worth looking at to become aware of what is happening in our world. What are you doing to be a peacemaker? Please leave a comment so I can be aware of the many other peacemaking efforts which are occurring in our world.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://traubman.igc.org/vidnigeria.htm" target="_blank">http://traubman.igc.org/vidnigeria.htm</a> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.carlmedearis.com/blog/2012/02/1051/" target="_blank">http://www.carlmedearis.com/blog/2012/02/1051/</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://visualpeacemakers.org/index.php?%2Fblog%2Fentry%2Fa_peace_of_my_mind%2F" target="_blank">http://visualpeacemakers.org/index.php?%2Fblog%2Fentry%2Fa_peace_of_my_mind%2F</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.tanenbaum.org/programs/peace/peacemakers-action-nominees-top-ten%20on%20Peacemaking%20Efforts" target="_blank">https://www.tanenbaum.org/programs/peace/peacemakers-action-nominees-top-ten%20on%20Peacemaking%20Efforts</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.fltfilms.org.uk/imam.html" target="_blank">http://www.fltfilms.org.uk/imam.html</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="http://www.withinbrokenborders.com/Site1/Home.html" target="_blank">http://www.withinbrokenborders.com/Site1/Home.html</a> </span><br />
<br />
<br /></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-68738091791999838592012-02-09T08:33:00.000-05:002012-02-09T08:33:31.257-05:00At Complete Peace<br />
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After the Haven Interfaith Parent open house I was reminded
of the importance of the work that we are doing. As we reflected on our experience of being a
multi-faith group several themes became evident. The first was the safety each
member felt to express their beliefs even if their beliefs were different than
the rest of the group. Several factors contributed to this feeling of safety. The
mission statement and the ground rules helped define the meetings for the
members. The understanding between the members, because of the mission
statement and the ground rules, was that we were there to learn, understand and
be peacemakers. This understanding allowed members to know they were safe to
share a different belief. The group
members might have been reluctant to admit it, but the various silly and
not-so-silly activities that we do at each meeting helped us realize that even
though we have different beliefs we are
all human. Being human means we share many common experiences. Sharing those experiences with each other
also helped us feel safe to share our beliefs at the HIP meetings.</div>
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The second theme I heard
was that being in the group made us more comfortable and confident to
talk about spiritual and religious topics with people outside the group. Someone
said that prior to being in the group she didn’t talk about religious or
spiritual topics with someone from another faith for fear of offending them.
Being a member of HIP has taught her how to ask questions about someone’s faith. The group also expressed the confidence that
has developed to address inaccuracies about other faiths. This was expressed by
Muslims who hear negative comments about Christians and it was expressed by
Christians who hear negative comments about Muslims. The group conveyed that
being able to talk about spiritual and religious topics with others has
deepened and enriched their lives.</div>
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And finally there was a simple but profound statement. A Muslim gentleman said that when he was at HIP meetings he was at complete peace.
HIP is a group where we have discovered we have much in common but we
also discuss our differences. What a wonderful testament to the importance of
multi-faith work; being at complete peace.</div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-18175362354372036942012-02-05T14:53:00.000-05:002012-02-05T14:53:58.877-05:00World Interfaith Harmony WeekThis week is the second time World Interfaith Harmony Week is being celebrated. <a href="http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/" target="_blank">http://worldinterfaithharmonyweek.com/</a> As the website states, "The World Interfaith Harmony Week is based on the pioneering work of <span style="color: black;"><span style="color: white;">The Common Word initiative</span>. </span>This initiative, which started in 2007, called for Muslim and Christian
leaders to engage in a dialogue based on two common fundamental
religious Commandments; Love of God, and Love of the Neighbour, without
nevertheless compromising any of their own religious tenets." This week is a reminder of the importance of spiritual hospitality, making room for others in our hearts and minds, as we strive to be peacemakers in our communities. I will be involved in two programs this week as part of World Interfaith Harmony week. One is for Canterbury School parents and the other is open to all who are interested. Hopefully I will see you at either the open house or the movie.<br />
<br />
Canterbury School parents are invited to an open house hosted by the Haven Interfaith Parents (HIP) to learn about the multi-faith efforts occurring at Canterbury School. The open house will be Tuesday, February 7th from 7-9 pm in the Haven (located in the Middle School). The questions which will be discussed are on the HIP page.<br /> <br />
A Seed of Common Ground (an interfaith group in Fort Wayne) is sponsoring the movie "Cities of Light" with a
discussion to follow. The movie and discussion will be Wednesday, February 8th from 7-9 pm
at Allen County Public Library, Meeting room C (Main floor, southeast
end, close to Dunkin' Donuts.Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-49337604892775395562012-02-02T11:30:00.000-05:002012-02-05T09:22:47.123-05:00A Multi-faith Event: "How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My Choices."The speakers have been finalized for the upcoming Multi-faith Event: "<i>How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My Choices."</i> The event will be held at Canterbury Middle School, Fort Wayne, Indiana on Wednesday, April 11th from 7:00-8:30 pm. The speakers and I will be meeting in the near future to determine the questions which will discussed at the event. Those questions will be posted once they are finalized.<br />
<br />
The mission of the Haven Interfaith Parents states: <b><i>The Haven Interfaith Parents support the mission of Canterbury
School and encourage an understanding and appreciation of all beliefs
and faiths, with the goal of promoting peace in our community.</i></b> The speakers at this event will be excellent ambassadors of their faiths and will allow us to learn about other faiths in our community.<br />
<br />
The support and encouragement which I have received from Canterbury School and the Fort Wayne community for the previous events has been amazing and appreciated. This too will be another great event. I hope to see you there.<br />
<br />
The speakers are:<br />
William Smits, MD, The Asthma and Allergy Center - Baha'i <br />
Kent Eilers, PhD. Assistant Professor of Theology, Huntington University - Evangelical Christian<br />
Preeti Dembla MD, Internal Medicine - Hindu<br />
Mohammed Saad Ghazali, MD, Pediatric Cardiology Associates, P.C. - Islam<br />
Rabbi Javier E. Cattapan, Congregation Achduth Vesholom - Judaism <br />
<br />
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<br />Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-14325009512866910302012-01-28T15:43:00.000-05:002012-01-28T15:43:34.224-05:00TED: Jonas Gahr Støre: In defense of dialogue<span>In this TED video Norwegian Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr
Store speaks to the importance of developing communication skills to solve the problems of our world. From my experience I know it can be difficult to dialogue when there are fundamental disagreements. Yet if we can not talk to one another, how can we solve problems? The Foreign Minister refers to Nelson Mandela's imprisonment for 27 years and that Mandela chose to see his enemies as human beings. This is what allowed him, after being released, to move forward in peace. After the last Interfaith Event: <i>Why Must I Suffer? </i>I was reminded that we have different beliefs but we are all human beings and we all suffer. Even though we may fundamentally disagree; learning to dialogue is in the best interest of all. I encourage you to watch this insightful TED presentation</span><br />
<span><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/jonas_gahr_store_in_defense_of_dialogue.html" target="_blank">http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/en/jonas_gahr_store_in_defense_of_dialogue.html</a></span>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-56490243041643215172012-01-19T13:58:00.000-05:002012-01-19T13:58:02.380-05:00What I Do Daily is Most Important<br />
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If I am to tell you the truth, I have no idea why
students come to the Haven. The Haven, a spiritual center, is open once a week for the Lower School
students. The students must give up the
loved lunch recess to come to the Haven. When I was in elementary school,
growing up in North Dakota, I would have done anything to get out of the cold,
but this is Indiana. In particular, elementary
children (and maybe especially boys) love recess because they can run and play to
their hearts’ content. Yesterday I had twenty first and second graders come to
the Haven. Thirteen boys and seven girls gave up their recess where we were
quiet, read, used a singing bowl, and held a ribbon to connect ourselves during
prayer time. They leave saying it’s the best time ever. I don’t get it.</div>
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What I do know, beyond a shadow of doubt, is that I am blessed
to be doing what I am doing at Canterbury School. As the religion teacher at a
college prep school I take seriously and am honored by the role I have in the
spiritual and moral development of the children at our school. Canterbury School is
based on Christian principles but our hope is that no matter what faith is
practiced, all children will feel welcome at our school. It is this multi-faith
context that has lead me to be active in multi-faith dialogue. As important as
the multi-faith efforts are to me, I realize that my real impact is what I do
every day. </div>
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With the understanding that what I do daily is most important in the next few months I will be involved in several multi-faith
endeavors and dialogues. I will post the details as they unfold but I wanted to
make you aware of what they are:</div>
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<ul>
<li>February 5:Speaking at Trinity Episcopal Church, Fort Wayne </li>
<li>February 7: Haven Interfaith Parent Open House for Canterbury School parents </li>
<li>February 8: A Seed of Common Ground (an interfaith group I belong to Fort Wayne) is sponsoring of movie and discussion, <i>The Rise and Fall of Islamic Spain </i></li>
<li>February 21: Attending Project Dialogue at Vanderbilt University </li>
<li>February 24: Meeting with local hospital chaplains on creating a Multi-faith room </li>
<li>April 11: Moderating <i>“A Multi-faith Event: How Good Must I Be? The Consequences of My Choices” </i>at Canterbury School </li>
<li>April 17: Moderating a multi-faith forum at Taylor University </li>
<li>April 19-21: Council for Spiritual and Ethical Education in Los Angeles </li>
<li>April 26: Hosting a multi-faith dialogue for a local community</li>
</ul>
</div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-21125858114277058172012-01-13T09:57:00.002-05:002012-01-13T09:57:48.091-05:00Multi-faith Dialogue<br />
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Last year while I was at a conference in New Orleans I told
about the interfaith work that I have been doing in Fort Wayne. The suggestion was made to
change the way I referred to the work from ‘interfaith’ to ‘multi-faith’. After the conference I began researching the
difference in these two words. In my searching I came across an article written
by Rick Love of Peace Catalyst International. His thoughts on the difference of
these two words resonated with me.<a href="http://www.peace-catalyst.net/blog/post/multi-faith-dialogue:-being-both-friendly-and-faithful" target="_blank"></a> He has three key points:</div>
<ul>
<li>Multi-faith
dialogue is based on common ethics and the common good rather than common
theology.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Multi-faith
dialogue expands the conversation to conservatives and fundamentalists.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>It
allows for “theological exclusivism” while promoting “social inclusivism.”</li>
</ul>
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When I started my interfaith work I asked a group of Canterbury
School parents to join me in this new endeavor. As a follower of Jesus my faith
is incredibly important to me. Those I asked to be in the group were people I
knew were deeply devoted to their faith. At the interest meeting I discussed my
hope for this ‘interfaith’ group. My hope was that the members would be willing
to discover what we had in common; they would be willing to listen to each
other; they would discuss our differences in a civil manner; and they would do
the hard work of being peacemakers. Truly, this is not an easy task. This group
met for three years. Through the ground rules the group wrote we were able to
find the common ground but also discuss our differences. Over the three years each person’s faith was
deepened and strengthened. And we became
friends.</div>
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Understanding the meaning of words is important. During the dialogue
with my friends from other faiths I discovered the importance of knowing the
meaning of words so we could truly understand each other. During a discussion
we often would use the same word, but the meaning for that word was quite
different. Sometimes I took the time to clarify exactly what was meant by a
word, but quite honestly, many times I did not. When I failed to have a word clearly defined I
knew true understanding had not occurred. It takes time and effort to ensure
words are understood correctly. It takes time and effort to be a peacemaker.</div>
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Even though I will continue to use the word ‘interfaith’ I
will be changing the name of my blog and the events I host to ‘multi-faith’.
Words are important and my desire is to accurately reflect the dialogue that is
occurring at Canterbury School and in Fort Wayne. For it is through multi-faith dialogue that we
are striving to be peacemakers.</div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-12653892689051009842011-12-15T07:30:00.000-05:002011-12-20T07:32:38.836-05:00It's A Choice<br />
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Twice in the past six weeks I have heard three words which
profoundly impacted me. Those words are: It’s A Choice. </div>
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At the Interfaith Event: <i>Why Must I Suffer? </i>Robert Rogers
told the heart breaking story of losing his entire family during a flash
flood in Kansas. He shared the memory of his deep pain and how those
around him would have understood if he had turned to drugs, alcohol or
other things to ease his suffering. Instead, Robert said, "You either
trust God or you don’t. It’s a choice." Today, Robert’s life is a
testimony to his choice. Not only the choice to trust God initially, but
the choice to trust God everyday. In his choice to trust God he has
given hope and strength to countless others who are suffering. Truly, if
Robert can make that choice, I can make that choice.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSU_2MsefEbT8f0GP3jAPwqIxp2s7JqrEjNRHYrCaYkSfjUfM098hPD01m_1M9fCeXOiYPrdtHujgzCdh9kjtLK5MvJaMGIaw0o_koquL1gWDIAZwW5mTWxt3NEIOGB9Br2IBlHu_ffU/s1600/zRabbi+reading.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkSU_2MsefEbT8f0GP3jAPwqIxp2s7JqrEjNRHYrCaYkSfjUfM098hPD01m_1M9fCeXOiYPrdtHujgzCdh9kjtLK5MvJaMGIaw0o_koquL1gWDIAZwW5mTWxt3NEIOGB9Br2IBlHu_ffU/s320/zRabbi+reading.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Later I heard Dalia Eshkenazi speak. Her story has been written by
Sandy Tolan in "The Lemon Tree: An Arab, a Jew, and the Heart of the
Middle East". Dalia shared that as a Jew, her first choice for peace was
opening the door for Bashir, the Arab, whose home she now lived.
Dalia shared that her journey of making peace between one Jew and one
Arab required a choice. Again, as with Robert Rogers, not just one
choice, but a choice needed to be made every step along the way to stay
on the path to peace. She shared events where that choice seemed almost
impossible to make. Truly, if Dalia can make that choice, I can make
that choice. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4lGwiEc-3xdZuirft7EXqPmox3I7RQLcFaci2st0fVAiczacHBfJ4xbcRbMq96kgIUi_QzvfJHcafwBwRiSUfDSkuvYadLti4IELmVPd3kaRr_Gqbz7UXYRQzLQyyy4XrUZS7B0tRGA/s1600/2011-12-04_20-40-41_440.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4lGwiEc-3xdZuirft7EXqPmox3I7RQLcFaci2st0fVAiczacHBfJ4xbcRbMq96kgIUi_QzvfJHcafwBwRiSUfDSkuvYadLti4IELmVPd3kaRr_Gqbz7UXYRQzLQyyy4XrUZS7B0tRGA/s320/2011-12-04_20-40-41_440.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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As a follower of Jesus I am compelled by the mystery of Christmas.
The mystery that God would become flesh and know the suffering of
humankind. The mystery that God would become a baby and be born in a
profoundly humble setting; that he would carry our sins in his death;
and be resurrected so that I am free to live. It is in understanding that mystery that I am compelled to heed the words of Jesus. In Matthew 22 Jesus says "Love the Lord your God with all your
heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.This is the first
and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor
as yourself." This Christmas I pray that I will make the choice to love
God and to love my neighbor. For truly, it is a choice.</div>
</div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-30488951815413127492011-12-13T13:29:00.001-05:002011-12-14T08:46:19.336-05:00An Interfaith Event: April 11th, 2012<br />
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The date for the next Interfaith Event has been changed to Wednesday, April 11<sup>th</sup>, 7:00–8:30 pm. Please mark your calendars with this new date.
I am in the process of finalizing the topic and I am beginning to invite
speakers for the event. </div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-34672755675693529532011-12-06T18:54:00.001-05:002011-12-16T07:44:35.529-05:00Comments on An Interfaith Event: Why Must I Suffer?Over the past few weeks I have received many emails and notes about An Interfaith Event: <i>Why Must I Suffer? </i>I am thankful for the convicted civility demonstrated by the speakers and for an audience who was committed to being humble listeners and willing to learn about others. Below are some of the notes which I have received. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3tmHTaOACGdJTncTx6goz4AsoYXr5MpOBFaiyuva3D5ZD314EML4vTcM7fQGR9Aq0Tn5nr_BL7OE5fOm6RVc58cT4pOC0rq5sdQRgEjza-YO8e9xoQ2Tlp-nzMzZ2TikudqIGDPbJRM/s1600/zDr+Ghazali.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL3tmHTaOACGdJTncTx6goz4AsoYXr5MpOBFaiyuva3D5ZD314EML4vTcM7fQGR9Aq0Tn5nr_BL7OE5fOm6RVc58cT4pOC0rq5sdQRgEjza-YO8e9xoQ2Tlp-nzMzZ2TikudqIGDPbJRM/s320/zDr+Ghazali.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Protestant:<br />
Powerful. Highlighted commonality. We all grow when facing life's greatest obstacles.<br />
<br />
Muslim:<br />
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The selection of the topic and the presenters was excellent
and the experience of each of them was a lesson for all of us to be grateful to
Almighty God for the little and the great Blessings that He has
bestowed upon all of us and for the trials and tribulations of this life.
Thank God for the old friends and the new ones. May God provide all of us with
the knowledge and understanding to appreciate each other.</div>
<br />
Christ-follower:<br />
This was a precious two hours we had together to discuss the pain of suffering, common to all people, that unites us with each other and with God. <br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAvLc-v5Lw18_SDDXDzxJkbyiSbhGtkwTsxIv67oO1Z2xuxaucESDUj18KrTn6_gd48f4ClIWtLx6-i_sRpFQ64tj3MBEjCm-yx23C9ibw8wPXyzDf53jarayGOkMXL4dhEQFQjgkAuY/s1600/zaudience+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaAvLc-v5Lw18_SDDXDzxJkbyiSbhGtkwTsxIv67oO1Z2xuxaucESDUj18KrTn6_gd48f4ClIWtLx6-i_sRpFQ64tj3MBEjCm-yx23C9ibw8wPXyzDf53jarayGOkMXL4dhEQFQjgkAuY/s320/zaudience+4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Judaism:<br />
It was a wonderful experience to come together and share our theology and humanity.<br />
<br />
Muslim:<br />
We all suffer in the same way, we all have the same feeling, pain, and look to the creator to help us through.<br />
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Protestant:<br />
Together for a brief time. Going our separate ways. Knowing we share, but not always remembering that.<br />
<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Muslim:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">This
was an excellent event.We were totally spellbound.This kind of
event makes us appreciate every single moment, every little thing that we are
blessed with.The topic and selection of speakers was excellent.We really
enjoyed it. No matter what race, religion, color, ethnicity we belong to, we are all human beings and we all feel
pain, suffering, happiness in the same way and we all breath the same air. God
bless you and all humanity.</span></div>
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Catholic:<br />
Suffering often triggers the questions, "why?". Why me? Why my friend? Why my child? Why anyone? Getting lost in that question can block us from an awareness of how close God is to us during suffering. "Why God?" is rarely answered and distances us from God. "Be with me" is answered and brings us closer to God. It's always answered. Stop asking "why?".<br />
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Evangelical:</div>
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Thank you for hosting the series of Interfaith Dialogue
events at Canterbury and especially
this most recent event focusing on suffering.
I was very impressed by how cordial and respectful the group conducted
themselves. I found their comments and
perspectives interesting. </div>
<br />
Muslim:<br />
A powerful discussion by representatives of various
faiths. An eye-opener in regards to commonalities among faiths. Liked it
very much.<br />
<br />
Christian:<br />
I attended the Interfaith Event on suffering. It
was the first Interfaith Event I have attended. I just wanted to say how
impressed I am for someone like you to take time out of your busy
schedule to put together an event of that nature. I'm a Christian but
found a little something from all the guest speakers to be interesting.
My favorite two verses in the Bible come from 1 Peter 4:7-8, " The end
of all things is near. Therefore be clear minded and self controlled so
that you can pray. Above all, love each other deeply because love covers
over a multitude of sins." To me this lets us know as Christians how we
should live.<br />
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<br />Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-81351540204890252722011-11-27T16:24:00.001-05:002011-12-01T08:03:07.634-05:00Video of "An Interfaith Event: Why Must I Suffer?"<div style="text-align: left;">
<pre style="font-family: inherit;"> <span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span></pre>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once again I would like
to thank Dr. Prasad Mantravadi, Arjia Rinpoche, Robert Rogers, Amani Elhefni, Dr. L.
Michael Spath, and Rabbi Mitchell Kornspan for speaking at "An
Interfaith Event: Why Must I Suffer?.
Lance Clark of LC Media in Fort Wayne filmed the event. As I watched the event I appreciated
the willingness of the speakers to let us enter into their lives as they shared
their stories of suffering.
Using the topic of suffering we were able to learn about other faiths in our
community. I also appreciated the
honest manner in which the speakers spoke in explaining their faiths. Hopefully
as you watch the event you
will more fully understand your own faith and also be willing to learn
about others.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Shalom! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">The event has been posted to Youtube in six sections. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">Introduction:<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chs8MKSbVMY%20" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=chs8MKSbVMY </a></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">Sharing of life stories:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-6u3vUAOiE%20%20%20" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-6u3vUAOiE </a></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">Answering the question,
why must I suffer?<br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYnIiCzLKJ4%20" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bYnIiCzLKJ4 </a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">From the viewpoint of
your faith, what words of hope can we give to those who are suffering?</span><u><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";"><br /><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M7LCLgZE28%20" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9M7LCLgZE28 </a></span></u></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">Discussion:</span></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIscIO2Tm1Y&feature=related%20%20%20" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIscIO2Tm1Y&feature=related </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "inherit","serif";">Conclusion:</span></span></div>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7rB7apX3mo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7rB7apX3mo</a><br />
<pre style="font-family: inherit;"></pre>
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<pre style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></pre>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0Fort Wayne, IN, USA41.079273 -85.139351340.8877665 -85.4552083 41.2707795 -84.823494300000007tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-58061696824415040182011-11-17T09:45:00.000-05:002011-11-17T09:45:43.999-05:00Spiritual Hospitality<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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When I began my interfaith journey
I never expected that my own faith would be deepened and strengthened. It has
come as a complete surprise to me. If I would have known this was going to be
the result of making friends with people from other faiths I would have started
along time ago. I feel so blessed by my new friends. </div>
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Richard Mouw, who is the president
of Fuller Theological Seminary and actively involved in interfaith dialogue, writes
about spiritual hospitality. It is through spiritual hospitality that my faith
has been deepened and strengthened. When showing hospitality I attend to a
person’s physical needs, I make room for them in my physical spaces. I prepare
food. I provide a bed. I make sure their needs are met. Spiritual hospitality
is making room for people in my heart and my mind. Making room for someone does
not mean that I change my beliefs. Instead when I make room for someone my life
is enriched. I care about them as my friends. I pray for them. I listen to
them. I want to know them. My faith is deepened and strengthened.</div>
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As we approach the Thanksgiving
season I hope that you will demonstrate spiritual hospitality to those in your
community. In the Fort Wayne
community there are two important interfaith services occurring were hospitality
can be demonstrated. </div>
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The first is an Interfaith
Thanksgiving Service to be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday,
November 22, beginning at 7:00 pm.
It is being jointly sponsored by Plymouth Congregational Church UCC, First
Presbyterian Church, Trinity Episcopal Church, Trinity
English Lutheran
Church, Temple Achduth Vesholom,
and the Fort Wayne Islamic Center (Masjid al-Quds). This year's preacher
is Imam and Khateeb J. Tamir Rasheed from the Muslim community. </div>
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The second is on Sunday, December
4, 6:00 pm, at First Presbyterian
Church. Representatives from nine religious traditions in our area (Baha'i, Buddhist,
Christian, Ethical Humanist, Earth Traditions, Hindu, Jew, Muslim, Sikh) will gather
together to commemorate the 63rd anniversary of the United Nations Universal
Declaration of Human Rights, in an Interfaith Prayer for Human Rights.<span> </span>Prayers, Scripture, song, dance, and other
expressions of faith from the various religious traditions will be shared.<span> </span>Dalia Eshkenazi Landau, from Jerusalem,
founder of The Open House of Ramle, and a main character of Sandy Tolan's internationally-acclaimed
“The Lemon Tree”, will be the keynote speaker.<span>
</span>Fellowship will follow with sweets and treats from various cultures.</div>
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<span> </span>Showing spiritual
hospitality will enrich your life more than you can imagine. Happy
Thanksgiving.</div>
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<br /></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-58673084948617695462011-11-10T16:35:00.001-05:002011-12-01T08:03:26.468-05:00Suffering Leads to Understanding<br />
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Last night was a powerful experience for me. Using the topic of suffering as a lens to look
at the faiths in our community proved to be a powerful tool of understanding.
More so then I could have imagined. We truly did learn much about each other. Each
story that we heard was heart breaking but moved us closer to understanding each other.</div>
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The purpose of the Interfaith Events is to learn about those
in our community who are of different faiths so that we can live at peace
together. For truly how can we say we live at peace together if we know very
little about each other? In the past I have challenged the speakers and the
audience with the words of Martin Marty, a Lutheran theologian, "People
these days who are civil often lack strong convictions and people with strong
religious convictions often are not very civil. What we need is people with
convicted civility." When I met
with the speakers several weeks ago we once again discussed convicted civility.
I told each speaker to be convicted about what they would be presenting, so
that I could learn, so that the audience could learn. But I also asked them to
be civil in how they presented their theologies to the audience. The answers the
speakers gave to the second question, “Why Must I Suffer?” highlighted the differences in our theologies.
As the speakers spoke we could clearly identify the differences in our faiths.
The speakers were civil, kind and convicted in telling us their beliefs.</div>
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It was in the answering of the last question, “From the
viewpoint of your faith, how should we response to those who are suffering?” that
we once again saw the commonalities among our faiths. Each speaker discussed
the importance of just being present when someone is suffering. They also
talked about the importance of silence.We heard the common things that meet our heartfelt, human need when we are suffering.</div>
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After the event someone made the comment to me that even
though we have our own beliefs, an event like this reminds us that we are all people. "And just like me," she said, "we all suffer."
Thank you to the speakers who were convicted in their theologies but who
were civil in their presentations. They helped us find our similarities and
they helped us identify our differences. Thank you to the audience for being
humble listeners. You truly demonstrated the desire to learn and to strengthen
our community. Thank you for a great evening!<br />
Photographer for Interfaith Event: <i>Why Must I Suffer? </i>Maria Kirkland, Fort Wayne, IN. She may be reached at mkirkland@canterburyschool.org.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2k8SK5LILqQMQLTsNqSLXi4J0-VQC46f8ZO9UWzcAi6GcD9cNpb59qi8yBuAY9dlnWGW2Hup7E7D8AQyGsqrEiAPYFLX8QIvPbuc5siZqSNQpkNPBD83pE43wYcO2BCIevZmbIEAbQU/s1600/Cropped+Picture.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="169" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2k8SK5LILqQMQLTsNqSLXi4J0-VQC46f8ZO9UWzcAi6GcD9cNpb59qi8yBuAY9dlnWGW2Hup7E7D8AQyGsqrEiAPYFLX8QIvPbuc5siZqSNQpkNPBD83pE43wYcO2BCIevZmbIEAbQU/s320/Cropped+Picture.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Speakers:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Buddhist: Arjia Rinpoche, Protestant: Dr. L. Michael Spath, Islam: Amani Elhefni</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Ramona Fisher - Moderator</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Judaism: Rabbi Mitchel Kornspan, Hindu: Dr. Prasad Mantravadi, Catholic: Robert Rogers</div>
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</div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-9334218060492510762011-11-01T11:12:00.001-04:002011-11-24T10:29:27.996-05:00Come Early or Stay Late<br />
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At the Interfaith Event: <i>Why
Must I Suffer</i> there will be tables set up to purchase books written by the
speakers at the event and to become aware and involved in several important
causes. Attendees of the event can look
at the displays and purchase books before or after the event. After the event the speakers will be at the tables to talk with audience members.</div>
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The week of the Interfaith Event, Canterbury
School will be in the midst of
their annual canned food drive for Associated Churches of Fort
Wayne. It would be wonderful if the attendees of
the Interfaith Event would bring canned food to the event to support Associated Churches and their important work in Fort
Wayne.</div>
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<b>Bright Stars of
Bethlehem</b> will have information about the work they are doing in Bethlehem
at Dar al-Kalima
College. The Dar
Al-Kalima College
is committed to building a culture of democracy, critical thinking, and free
expression, thus contributing to the strengthening of the civil society in Palestine.
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<a href="http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/">http://www.brightstarsbethlehem.org/</a><br />
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<b>Compassion
International</b> is an organization who focuses on the spiritual, physical,
economic and social needs of children in poverty. Through their sponsor-a-child
program Compassion is actively involved around the world in meeting the needs
of children in poverty. </div>
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<a href="http://www.compassion.com/">http://www.compassion.com/</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mMzUhYsGFjvWphR4jNiKYBka2ihVwU87ikkTEo0kIciUS-2XM30hfJeFlRdYf2nD6pjrHBDMvaeUTyhzlsHbTqoUDyoKMTiYIHEDG2CecnlXJxzfnR4Kx2Pl5HjVzMlWbe6bUYi8FCA/s1600/zCollis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1mMzUhYsGFjvWphR4jNiKYBka2ihVwU87ikkTEo0kIciUS-2XM30hfJeFlRdYf2nD6pjrHBDMvaeUTyhzlsHbTqoUDyoKMTiYIHEDG2CecnlXJxzfnR4Kx2Pl5HjVzMlWbe6bUYi8FCA/s320/zCollis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Robert Rogers</b>,
will be offering his book, Into the Deep: one man’s story of how tragedy took
his family but could not take his faith, for a donation of any amount. In
2004, Robert began Mighty in the Land Ministry to help others Know God and Live
a Life of No Regrets. Robert depends on God mightily in his life.
After the Interfaith Event, Robert will be available to discuss arranging
a speaking engagement at your church, community, or organization. (He has
no agent and charges no fees.)</div>
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<a href="http://intothedeep.org/">http://intothedeep.org/</a></div>
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<b>Arjia Rinpoche</b>
will be selling his memoirs, Surviving the Dragon: A Tibetan Lama's Account of
40 Years under Chinese Rule. This book provides insight into the
situation in Tibet
and China after
the Communist occupation. Rinpoche is accompanied by seven monks from
Tashi Kyil Monastery, a Tibetan refugee monastery re-established in north India
by monks who escaped from Tibet
in 1967. Tashi Kyil is very poor and its ninety-plus monks are in
need of help and support. Rinpoche wishes to assist them and he hopes
with all of his heart that his friends will help them. </div>
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<a href="http://www.tmbcc.net/info/Main.aspx?Page=Rinpoche">http://www.tmbcc.net/info/Main.aspx?Page=Rinpoche</a><br />
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The mission of the <b>Indiana
Center for Middle East Peace</b> is to promote critical awareness of issues
that impact a just peace in the Middle East and to
facilitate intercultural and interfaith awareness both locally and
globally. We host monthly lectures and symposia with local, national, and
international speakers, as well as sponsor study and solidarity tours to Israel
and Palestine where we meet with Jews, Christians, and Muslims who are working
for a non-violent, just peace. </div>
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<a href="http://www.indianacmep.org/">http://www.indianacmep.org/</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xsozuZVarfgMFlTmySUHhC593_09yJE4Da_m0eNQwV_WzfRQCpYufKFc5A_Uf8eFMoaHaaFhMNhnQegId4aeqE0PuZBe5Q0aFhFI_1mkUqu5vBY_YQZaIlLhM3QVRHc2ibDBG5epSJU/s1600/zMiddle+East+Peace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7xsozuZVarfgMFlTmySUHhC593_09yJE4Da_m0eNQwV_WzfRQCpYufKFc5A_Uf8eFMoaHaaFhMNhnQegId4aeqE0PuZBe5Q0aFhFI_1mkUqu5vBY_YQZaIlLhM3QVRHc2ibDBG5epSJU/s320/zMiddle+East+Peace.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The mission of <b>Associated
Churches Food Bank </b>states, “We are communities of faith united through acts
of compassion, education and service to our region.” Associated Church is drawn
into fellowship by the recognition of the gift of Christian Unity offered to us
through the example of Jesus Christ.
They honor the community of rich culture from which we come. As
such, Associated Churches will strive to build relationships that are
humane, compassionate and just while committed to ecumenism that engages
and partners with other faith traditions.</div>
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<a href="http://www.associatedchurches.org/">http://www.associatedchurches.org</a></div>Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7730105046500090082.post-17144229744253563782011-10-26T11:59:00.000-04:002011-12-01T08:03:46.141-05:00Why Suffering?People often ask me how I pick my topics for the Interfaith Events. There is no one set way that I determine the topics. The topic of suffering has been brewing in me for awhile. Over a year ago a friend of mine lost her recent husband to cancer. My friend and her young child were left behind to carry on this life. A life which she was hoping to build with the love of her life. I did not reconnect with my friend until several months after the death of her husband. When we spent time together she had determined that she did not believe in a God who would allow this sort of suffering. She also could not come to terms with how Christians had prayed during her husband's suffering. I am a follower of Jesus so my friend's words challenged me in my own views of suffering and how people of faith communicate their beliefs about suffering. Then over the past year our school community has had unexpected deaths, accidents and illnesses. A community often experiences sadness but what we were experiencing was heartbreaking. The topic of Why We Must Suffer? comes out of my own experience in my own community.<br />
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Once I had chosen the topic I knew who spoke at the Interfaith Event was crucial. In my experience, I am not interested in listening to someone talk about 'suffering' if he/she has not experienced suffering. This is one of those topics where life experience gives a person the right to be heard. Each of the speakers for this Interfaith Event: Why Must I Suffer? have walked through their own fires. For some of them it has been heartbreaking personal tragedy and for others they see suffering daily in their professional life. It is their depth of understanding of suffering that will make this event especially an enlightening evening. Each speaker will be addressing how their suffering has been formed by their faith.<br />
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At the end of the evening hopefully we will have learned about the faith communities in Fort Wayne through the lens of suffering. As the topic of suffering is discussed, hopefully we will also see more deeply that there is hope even in our suffering.Ramona Fisherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11546471580502806014noreply@blogger.com2