The Pluralism Project at Harvard University
Calendar of Events - 2009
North American Graduate Student Conference in Buddhist Studies, April 17-19, 2009, Berkeley, California
The graduate students of the Group in Buddhist Studies at the University of California Berkeley will select approximately 15 papers, on a wide range of topics in Buddhism, to be presented at the conference.
For more information, visit http://www.shin-ibs.edu/events/?event=32
Jewish Women International, Fourth International Conference on Domestic Abuse, April 26-29, 2009, Crystal City, Virginia
The "Fourth International Conference on Domestic Abuse will feature opportunities for individuals and organizations to connect with one another, build concrete skills to take back to their communities, share struggles and challenges as well as best practices, and reflect on what has been accomplished and envision the future. The conference will include: Trainings and skill building sessions for advocates, social workers, mental health professionals, clergy, lawyers and community leaders; an advocacy day on Capitol Hill; facilitated networking sessions; special sessions on prevention work and promoting healthy relationships; and a survivor speak-out, among many other features."
For more information, visit http://www.jwi.org/site/c.okLWJ3MPKtH/b.2237741/k.E6C7/Fourth_International_Conference_on_Domestic_Abuse.htm
Mobilization to End Poverty, April 26-29, 2009, Washington, D.C.
"The Mobilization to End Poverty will be a history-making gathering. Christians from across the country will come together in a powerful movement committed to the biblical imperative of reducing domestic and global poverty." Events include: Keynote Addresses and Plenary Sessions, Workshops and Trainings, Capitol Hill Day, and Networking and Worship Opportunities. Hosted by Sojourners, a national Christian social justice network, and sponsored by World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization.
For more information, visit http://www.sojo.net/index.cfm?action=events.m2ep&item=m2ep-home
Pluralism Sunday, May 3, 2009, Nationwide
"On May 3, 2009, churches around the world will dedicate their worship to a celebration of our interfaith world. Progressive Christians thank God for religious diversity! We don’t claim that our religion is superior to all others. We recognize that other religions can be as good for others as ours is for us. We can grow closer to God and deeper in compassion - and we can understand our own traditions better - through a more intimate awareness of the world's religions. Churches will be using elements of other world faiths in their sermons, litanies, and music; many will feature speakers and singers from other faith traditions." Initiated by The Center for Progressive Christianity, a network of about 370 churches nationwide.
For more information, visit http://pluralismsunday.org/
American Jewish Committee Annual Meeting, May 6-8, 2009, Washington, D.C.
"American Jewish Committee (AJC), established in 1906 by a small group of American Jews deeply concerned about pogroms aimed at Russian Jews, determined that the best way to protect Jewish populations in danger would be to work towards a world in which all peoples were accorded respect and dignity."
The AJC Annual Meeting includes: "nearly two dozen small group workshops to build advocacy skills, private dinners with distinguished guests and AJC Experts, and book club lunch discussions with various authors and AJC Experts." The conference is organized around three programming areas: "Identity, Security, and Pluralism."
For more information, visit http://www.ajc.org/site/c.ijITI2PHKoG/b.4832293/k.FB8A/Register_for_AJCs_BRAND_NEW_Annual_Meeting.htm
Inclusive Prayer Day, May 7, 2009, Nationwide
"The National Day of Prayer falls on May 7th this year, and in most parts of the country, there is a religious 'litmus test' limiting participation to fundamentalist Christian evangelicals. Focus on the Family, the largest organization on the Christian Right, and groups allied with it control the occasion, calling themselves the National Day of Prayer Task Force and asserting that their website is the 'National Day of Prayer Official Website'....In conjunction with our Call for an Inclusive National Day of Prayer, we are listing alternative interfaith observances of the day."
For more information, visit http://www.inclusiveprayerday.org/
National Day of Prayer, May 7, 2009, Nationwide
"The National Day of Prayer Task Force's mission is to communicate with every individual the need for personal repentance and prayer, mobilizing the Christian community to intercede for America and its leadership in the seven centers of power: Government, Military, Media, Business, Education, Church and Family….[During the National Day of Prayer] millions will unite in prayer as thousands of events take place from coast to coast. The theme for this year is 'Prayer... America's Hope' and is based on the verse from Psalm 33:22 which states: 'May your unfailing love rest upon us, O Lord, even as we put our hope in you.'"
For more information, visit http://www.ndptf.org/about/index.cfm
FEZANA 22nd Annual General Meeting, May 23-24, 2009, Orlando, Florida
"The Federation of Zoroastrian Associations of North America (FEZANA) is a non-profit religious group...formed to function as the coordinating organization for Zoroastrian Associations of North America. FEZANA serves as the coordinating body for 27 Zoroastrian Associations in the United States and Canada."
For more information, visit http://www.fezana.org/Events
Islamic Circle of North American (ICNA) Convention 2009, May 23-25, 2009, Hartford, Connecticut
"This year’s theme is 'Global Crisis - Islamic Solution.' Ultimately a global crisis requires a global solution. Find out what Islam can offer to stabilize the global turmoil. The convention puts you in front of world-renowned scholars with solutions designed specifically to address the crisis American Muslims are facing today. A weekend at the ICNA-MAS convention will put at your fingertips a holistic view of today’s most challenging issues and insight into Islamic Solutions."
For more information, visit http://icnaconvention.org/
2009 American Humanist Association Conference, June 5-7, 2009, Phoenix, Arizona
“Don’t miss one of the largest gatherings of humanists, atheists, and freethinkers from across the country! This exciting three-day event will feature: breakout sessions on topics ranging from human rights and bioethics to religious reform and First Amendment liberties; training sessions for humanist chapter leaders and activists; afternoon and evening banquets honoring humanist awardees; book signings by celebrity authors; exhibitors featuring EvolveFISH merchandise; and, more!”
For more information, visit http://www.americanhumanist.org/conference/
Interfaith Worker Justice 2009 Leadership Summit, June 13-15, 2009, New Orleans, Louisiana
“Interfaith Worker Justice (IWJ) is a network of people of faith that calls upon our religious values in order to educate, organize, and mobilize the religious community in the United States on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and conditions for workers, and give voice to workers, especially workers in low-wage jobs. The summit will bring leaders from throughout the country together, with an opportunity to reflect on our success, share our struggles and build our movement."
For more information, visit http://www.iwj.org/template/page.cfm?id=92
Pagan Spirit Gathering (PSG), June 14-21, 2009, Salem, Missouri
"Pagan Spirit Gathering, also known as PSG, is one of America's oldest and largest Pagan gatherings. PSG 2009 will be held June 14 - 21. As in past years, PSG will include presenters and musicians from around the USA and a wide range of program activities - rituals, workshops, discussions, leadership training, youth program, concerts, merchanting, firespinning, drumming, dancing, and more."
For more information, visit http://www.circlesanctuary.org/psg/
A WATER Institute: Creative Feminist Ministers: Education, Training, and Networking, June 15-18, 2009, Silver Spring, Maryland
The first of several programs designed to bring women in ministry together and train them "in feminist approaches to the pastoral arts" will focus on combining "field experience and critical reflection with rich opportunities for worship and contemplation." The program aims to replace the influence that systematic injustices have had on theological curricula with "earth-loving, inclusive, social justice approaches that put the needs of women and dependent children at the heart of what we do," allowing each participant to return to her ministry with a deeper understanding of how to face the challenges of today's world.
For more information, visit http://www.his.com/%7Emhunt/09files/programs/fem_min_inst.html
Jakara Movement’s Annual Conference: Remember 1984: Reflect. Respond React, June 18-21, 2009, Fresno, California
Jakara is an annual conference that gives young Sikhs the “opportunity to come together and openly discuss the issues that they face as individuals and as a part of a greater Sikh community.” Run exclusively by students and covering social and religious concerns, the Jakara movement aims to give voice to the next generation of leaders in the American Sikh community.
“While twenty-five years have passed since the [1984] attack on our sacred home, much has changed and much has remained the same. For the Nishan Sahib of our Nation to remain tall, it is for us to study our history, remember the past, and continue the fight for justice.”
For more information, visit http://www.jakara.org/
The University of Michigan-Dearborn, Worldviews Seminar, June 22-27, 2009, Dearborn, Michigan
The Worldviews Seminar "has its origins in the aftermath of events of September 11, 2001. The Episcopal Church, the Diocese of Michigan, Christ Episcopal Church Dearborn, the Michigan Roundtable for Diversity and Inclusion (formerly NCCJ) and the University of Michigan-Dearborn joined together to create an educational opportunity to acquaint people with the religious diversity of Metropolitan Detroit. The hope was that the seminar would provide opportunities to build community through awareness and dialogue. Lectures and discussions at the university and Christ Episcopal Church Dearborn are combined with visits to a variety of religious centers including Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Muslim, Native American, and Sikh.
The seminar's facilitator is Lucinda Mosher who holds a Th.D. from the General Theological Seminary. Based in New York City, she is Executive Director of Religions for Peace USA. In addition she works locally and nationally as a consultant and educator, in parishes as well as universities and seminaries, on inter-religious relations, specializing in America's religious diversity and Christian-Muslim understanding, and is an assistant to the staff of the Anglican Communion Network on Inter Faith Concerns (NIFCON). Dr. Mosher is the author of Faith in the Neighborhood, a new series of books published by Seabury Press, that explore what it means to live and worship among the many faiths unique to America's neighborhoods.
The seminar is open to all people who have an interest in learning about other religions and meeting Detroiters of different faiths. Over the years, the course has attracted over 200 people from a wide variety of cultural, racial, ethic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Participants include clergy, laity, community leaders, teachers, and seminary and university students."
For more information, visit http://www.casl.umd.umich.edu/684479/
North American Interfaith Network (NAIN) Connect 2009: Experiencing the Spirit in Education - The Challenge of Religious Pluralism, June 25-28, 2009, Kansas City, Missouri
"Many interfaith organizations provide interfaith education to the general public, and many educational institutions have developed advanced multifaith programs. NAIN Connect 2009 will bring together representatives of these two environments to inform each other – to share stories, ideas and strategies for interfaith education so that we can all become more effective." The mission of NAIN is to "provide communication, understanding and mutual strength among interfaith organizations, agencies and offices of denominations, religious, and educational institutions."
For more information, visit http://www.nain.org/
Joint Jewish-Christian-Muslim Programme: A Religious Mosaic in the Holy Land, July 2009, Israel
"Students and faculty from all parts of the world are invited to a unique interfaith seminar that will utilise the Galilee in the north of Israel - the origin of religious traditions and the living place of Jews, Christians, Muslims, Druze (and other religious groups) - as a living example of interfaith dialogue and co-existence."
For more information, visit http://www.galilcol.ac.il/page.asp?id=235
The Islamic Medical Association of North America: 42nd Annual Convention & Scientific Assembly, July 2-4, 2009, Washington, D.C.
"The mission of IMANA is to provide a forum and resource for Muslim physicians and other health care professionals, to promote a greater awareness of Islamic medical ethics and values among Muslims and the community at large, to provide humanitarian and medical relief, and to be an advocate in health care policy… IMANA's [annual convention] offers physicians and their families an entire week of learning, social activities, sight seeing and youth programs."
For more information, visit http://web.memberclicks.com/mc/community/eventdetails.do?eventId=217411&orgId=imana
46th Annual Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Convention, July 3-6, 2009, Washington, D.C.
The theme of this year’s annual convention is "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness." ISNA hosts conferences to "bring together people of different backgrounds so that they can share ideas, create alliances, and network with others"...."As the largest Muslim convention in North America, the annual convention brings together thousands of attendees including individuals, families, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and people of other faiths."
For more information, visit http://www.isna.net/Conferences/pages/Annual-Convention.aspx
Spiritual Deepening For Healing and Global Transformation: A Dynamic Conversation! July 10-12, 2009, Willard, Wisconsin
This retreat "will bring together presenters across spiritual traditions whose lives characterize a spiritual quest. Our intention is to engage in processes designed to bring about an internal shift. You will return home restored, more in touch with your authentic self and with a sense of greater Wholeness."
For more information, visit http://www.christinecenter.org/interfaith.shtml
Self-Realization Fellowship: 2009 World Convocation, August 2-8, 2009, Los Angeles, California
The Self-Realization Fellowship was founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, a preeminent spiritual figure of the past century best known for his Autobiography of a Yogi.
"Self-Realization Fellowship cordially invites you to the 2009 Convocation. Thousands of SRF members from around the world will gather in Los Angeles for a profoundly inspiring week of spiritual renewal and fellowship as we immerse ourselves in the teachings of our guru, Paramahansa Yogananda."
For more information, visit http://www.yogananda-srf.org/convo2009/prg_index.html
Secular Student Alliance Annual Conference, August 7-9, 2009, Columbus, Ohio
"At [the annual conference] students exchange best practices, get inspired, and connect with the larger secular movement. Although empowering student leaders and activists is the core purpose of our conferences, non-students are also very welcome."
For more information, visit http://www.secularstudents.org/conference
33rd Annual Conference of the Association for Bahá’í Studies–North America, August 13-16, 2009, Washington, D.C.
"The theme of the conference will be Environments. The teachings of the Bahá'í Faith shed light on the dialectical relationship between the human soul and its environment....How can science and religion, as complementary systems of knowledge and practice, be applied more effectively to the preservation, refinement, and improvement of the myriad environments – natural, cultural, and built – within which we live and grow?"
For more information, visit http://www.bahai-studies.ca/node/18
The 38th Annual Conference of the Association of Muslim Social Scientists of North America (AMSS): Islamic Traditions and Comparative Modernities, September 25-26, 2009, Charlottesville, Virginia
"In light of contemporary debates between religion and secularism, this year's theme encourages a re-examination of some perennial challenges between Islamic doctrine and practice, between text and culture, between the individual and society and between theology and human history. A re-appraisal of these interpretations may help us better understand the relations between different sects and/or orientations within the Islamic faith and traditions across the Muslim world." Cosponsored by the University of Virginia.
For more information, visit http://www.amss.org/Conferences/AnnualConferences/38ThAnnualConference.aspx
Atheists Alliance International Conference, October 2-4, 2009, Los Angeles, California
"[The] Atheist Alliance International (AAI) vision is to transform society into one that supports and respects a worldview based on the values of reason, empiricism and naturalism, and respects and protects the separation of religion and government....AAI's mission [is] to develop and provide educational, advocacy, and community-building programs for the atheist community that assist towards fulfilling the above vision." The 2009 convention theme is "Darwin's Legacy," and will feature speakers Richard Dawkins and Bill Maher as well as workshops on development, activism, and science, an exposition fair, and a fundraiser.
For more information, visit http://www.atheistalliance.org/conventions/2009/index.htm
2009 National Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) Convention, November 6-8, 2009, Seattle, Washington
"The Freedom From Religion Foundation, Inc., is an educational group working for the separation of state and church. Its purposes, as stated in its bylaws, are to promote the constitutional principle of separation of state and church, and to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism….The Foundation acts on countless violations of separation of state and church on behalf of members and the public."
For more information, visit http://ffrf.org/events/
United Jewish Communities General Assembly, November 8-11, 2009, Washington, D.C.
"United Jewish Communities [UJC] represents and serves 157 Jewish federations and 400 independent Jewish communities across North America. It reflects the values of social justice and human rights that define the Jewish people: the values of caring that transform lives and perform miracles. UJC represents and serves one of the world's largest and most effective networks of social service providers and programs."
For more information, visit http://www.ujc.org/section.aspx?id=42
Parliament of the World's Religions, December 3-9, 2009, Melbourne, Australia
"The 2009 Parliament of the World's Religions will be an international interreligious gathering, bringing together over 8,000 people. The theme of the 2009 Parliament, 'Make a World of Difference: Hearing each other, Healing the earth,' underscores the opportunity for religious and spiritual communities and all people of good will to act on environmental concerns and take responsibility for cultivating awareness of our global interconnectedness."
For more information, visit http://www.parliamentofreligions.org/index.cfm?n=8&sn=1
The 9th World Zoroastrian Congress: "Unity Through the Sands of Time," December 28-31, 2009, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
"It is said from tiny acorns grow mighty oaks. So too, from the seeds sown in 1960, the World Zoroastrian Congress has evolved over the years to become a physical meeting ground for Zoroastrians from far corners of the world."
For more information, visit
http://www.wzcongress.org/
Ongoing Events
The InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington Events
The InterFaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington brings together people of many religious traditions to "increase understanding, dialogue and a sense of community among peoples of diverse faiths from different races and cultures" and to "address issues of social and economic justice in defense of human dignity." For a list of events, visit http://www.ifcmw.org/events/upcoming.html.