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In This Issue:

1. Executive Director's Updates
   • Not Without You
   • Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty
   • 3rd National Conference on Interfaith Youth Work
   • Imam Hussain Day
   • Interfaith Training Program: Building Abrahamic Partnerships
   • Voting Rights Act at 40
   • Interfaith Worker Justice National Conference
   • Earth Day - April 22nd …. Again?
   • NAEIS - National Association of Ecumenical and Interreligious Staff
   • NAIN - North American Interfaith Network
   • Remembering the Armenian Genocide
   • Spiritual Activism: A Prophetic Progressive Interfaith Spiritual Movement
2. We Are All Connected
   • Religious leaders worldwide mourn the loss of Pope John Paul II
   • A Malawian "Thank You"
   • Historic Accord Reached by Religious Leaders of Albania
3. An Introduction to The United Methodist Church
4. Off the Shelf
   • Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq
• Let My People Eat: Passover Seders Made Simple
• North of 49 - A Story of Arson, Forgiveness & Healing in a Post September 11th World
• New Schottenstein Talmud
• War and Peace in World Religions
5. Food for Thought: Mahatma Gandhi
6. Donate to Religions for Peace - USA
7. Subscribe/Unsubscribe

From Our Executive Director…

Not Without You

Your support is critical to the work of Religions for Peace - USA. In the past two years, we have taken some big steps to expand our work, adding programs, communications, staff, and many volunteers. We simply cannot continue to do it without you.

This e-newsletter is free. Running Religions for Peace-USA is not. Twice each year we ask our readers to consider making a contribution. Do you want to see interreligious councils built and supported in local communities? Do you believe that it is important for religious leaders to come together to act on pressing issues of the day? Do you feel that non-Natives and Native Americans have some reconciling to do? Do you want people of faith to speak up about issues of foreign policy? If you have answered "yes" to any of these questions, we are asking you to join us by making a contribution in accordance with your means. Giving is easy. Simply click here.

Where do we get our funding? From religious communities, foundations, and wonderful people like you. Ms. Arunima Sinha, a Hindu representative from South Carolina, recently sent a large donation earmarked for a gathering of US religious leaders that we are planning later this year. It was above and beyond what her religious community has given. She believes in what we are doing. Mr. Omar Ali, a young entrepreneurial Muslim from Long Island already donates, very generously, but wanted to do still more. He is sending a gift card for Staples.

Can't give now? Please take 30 seconds to tell a friend or two about our free e-newsletter. We make it simple. Visit our website, click the tell a friend link, and then fill out the form that appears on your screen.

Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty

One of the original impetuses for the formation of Religions for Peace was the growing concern over the growing nuclear stockpiles amassed in the Cold War. Unfortunately, many of the security concerns in the world today are still framed around the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, only the some of the contexts have changed.

There is an important opportunity in May to review the international treaty that guides nuclear weapons and energy. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is aimed at: prevention efforts at stemming the spread of nuclear weapons and weapons technology, cooperation in the peaceful uses of nuclear energy, and the achievement of nuclear disarmament and general and complete disarmament. For background on the Treaty please visit the UN's Peace and Security through Disarmament website.

Religions for Peace-USA is co-sponsoring a discussion forum on Thursday, May 12 from 1:15-2:45 p.m. at the Church Center for the United Nations. Entitled "Can International Treaties Promote the Goals of Disarmament and Development?," the event will feature Dr. Clarence J. Dias, President of the International Center of Law in Development, a Third World NGO concerned with human rights in the development process. For more information, visit the Alliance for the Global Wellness Fund Treaty.

3rd National Conference on Interfaith Youth Work

Religions for Peace - USA supports the work of the Interfaith Youth Core. The National Conference on Interfaith Youth Work builds the interfaith youth work movement by gathering its key partners to: 1) discuss the theory and practice of interfaith work with youth and young adults; 2) cultivate networks and collaborations within and across relevant fields and leadership levels; and 3) exchange skills, resources, and knowledge in interfaith youth work.

On May 16-17, 2005, this year's National Conference at DePaul University will focus on building the National Days of Interfaith Youth Service (NDIYS). NDIYS will be experienced in 2005 this coming weekend with dozens of teams across the country participating in interfaith service. In May, both established and potential organizers of NDIYS events will gather to share best practices and take NDIYS to the next level in 2006. Deadline for registration is April 20. For more information see www.ifyc.org.

Imam Hussain Day

Along with Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwani of Orange County and several other religious and civic leaders, Executive Director Rev. Bud Heckman spoke about "Building Effective Interfaith Relationships for Peace" at the 26th Annual Imam Hussain Day in March. Shi'ite Muslims honor Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, in the "Yaum-e-Ashura," a day symbolizing his martyrdom in the plain of Karbala (which is in modern day Iraq). Pictured here (l to r) are: Dorothy Savage, RFP-USA Consultant; Bud Heckman, Executive Director, Religions for Peace-USA; Janab Ubai Nooruddin, Chief Priest - Bohras Community NY; Syed E. Naqvi, Founder and Convener, Imam Husain Day Committee, Shk Tayeb Poonawala, President, Indo-American Interfaith Forum, NY.

Interfaith Training Program: Building Abrahamic Partnerships

Hartford Seminary is offering a new interfaith training program for clergy, religious educators, and seminarians. The initiative is called "Building Abrahamic Partnerships" and is made possible by grants to the Seminary from the William and Mary Greve Foundation and the Alan B. Slifka Foundation.

The goals of the new program are threefold: 1) educating participants about the beliefs and practices of all three faith traditions; 2) creating a safe and supportive environment for persons to forge mutually beneficial relationships across communal boundaries; and 3) helping participants acquire pastoral skills useful in interfaith ministry.

The format for the training programs will be eight-day intensive seminars in January and June. The third round of the program is scheduled for May 29 to June 5, 2005.

For additional information, please contact Prof. Yehezkel Landau by e-mail at ylandau@hartsem.edu or by phone at 860-509-9538. General information on Hartford Seminary and registration information for this program can be found here.

Voting Rights Act at 40

When the Civil Rights Act of 1964 came up to its 40th Anniversary on July 2, 1964, there was some hoopla. But less fanfare has followed with the marking of the 40th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. On March 11, 1965, Congress passed the landmark legislation enabling equality in access to voting privileges. What was the difference? Let's look at an example: Congressman John Lewis has pointed out that in Selma, Alabama in 1965, 2.1% of blacks of voting age were registered to vote. Today, well more than 70% are registered. What is your community doing to honor its passing? Don't think it matters? It does. Key provisions of the VRA will time out in 2007. The VRA was signed into law on August 6, 1965.

Interfaith Worker Justice National Conference

Previously called "The National Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice," but now known more simply as "Interfaith Worker Justice," IWJ is holding its Interfaith Worker Justice Conference in Chicago, May 22-24. Social justice advocates from all faiths are invited to talk about becoming "more effective in organizing to improve wages, working conditions, and benefits for workers in our society." For more information, go to their website. Religions for Peace - USA has collaborated with them on the local level and supports the work of IWJ.

Earth Day - April 22nd …. Again?

Last month we advertised a series of Earth Day happenings. Did you miss it? Don't worry there seems to be a split over when to exactly celebrate it. And since we are not in the business of determining orthodoxy at Religions for Peace - USA, we will tell you about both. The other Earth Day - by far the more widely recognized of the two - is just around the corner.

What are you planning for Earth Day? This year marks the 35th Anniversary of Earth Day, and Earth Day Network has suggested the theme of "Protect Our Children and Protect Our Future." Here are some helpful websites for resources and your planning: Earth Day Network, The Earthsite, Envirolink, and the EPA.

NAEIS - National Association of Ecumenical and Interreligious Staff

NAEIS will be meeting July 9-13 in Indianapolis, Indiana and program brochures are now available. Meeting under the banner "The Power of Connecting: A Call of Hope!," the conference features many speakers including: Dr. Edward L. Wheeler, President Christian Theological Seminary; Rev. Dr. Bob Edgar, General Secretary, National Council of Churches USA; Rev. Noelle Damico, University of the Poor, School of Theology; Rev. Dr. Michael Kinnamon, Professor, Eden Theological Seminary; Dr. Sayyid Muhammad Sayeed, Secretary General, Islamic Society of North America; Rev. Jean-Arnold de Clermont, President, European Council of Churches; and Dr. Ken Bensen, Fundraising Consultant. Details will be posted at www.naeis.org later in April.

For more information, write to Jan Leng at naeisjan@aol.com. Religions for Peace - USA staff will be in attendance.

NAIN - North American Interfaith Network

NAIN (North American Interfaith Network) will be meeting August 9-12 in Las Vegas at the University of Nevada. NAIN is an 18-year-old consortium of interfaith groups from around the country. The annual "Connect" is an opportunity for leaders from more than fifty interfaith agencies to share their work, concerns, and dreams.

The theme for the meeting is Hospitality, Gratitude and Sharing: Interfaith in Action in Our World. More information and online registration is available at www.nain.org. Religions for Peace - USA staff will be in attendance.

Remembering the Armenian Genocide

The Joint Committee to Commemorate the 90th Anniversary of the Armenian Genocide is planning a series of events to mark the Genocide on Sunday, April 24, 2005. The Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern) and Eastern Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America are part of the member communities of Religions for Peace - USA. For more information please visit, www.remembergenocide.com.

Spiritual Activism: A Prophetic Progressive Interfaith Spiritual Movement

Meeting July 20-23 in Berkeley California, this conference is the first in a series of actions called by the Tikkun Community in coordination with the University of California Peace and Conflict Studies Program and Beyt Tikkun Synagogue.

The conference is billed as an effort to "create a network of progressive spiritual activists" to "challenge the anti-religious and anti-spiritual biases in liberal culture" and "create a prophetic spiritual agenda for American politics" and "to challenge the misappropriation of God and religion to serve the purposes of hatred, war, and selfishness of the wealthy." Conference speakers include: Jim Wallis, Michael Nagler, Cornel West, Riane Eisler, Arum Gandhi, and Ched Myers.

Updated information on the conference program will be posted at www.tikkun.org. For other information, email jordan@tikkun.org or joe@tikkun.org or call Jordan or Joe at 510-528-6250.

New Staff

Ms. Ayesha Khan joined the Religions for Peace-USA staff as a volunteer in March. A graduate of Chestnut Hill College with a BS in Sociology and a BA in French, Ayesha is a Sunni Muslim who was born in Karachi, Pakistan. Most recently, she has been working on the Return to the Earth Project, completing the compilation of edits on a study guide to be released soon. “Working for RFP-USA,” Ayesha says, “gives me the opportunity to engage in truly meaningful work that is focused on healing and helping others rather than meeting self-interests. I feel that our souls yearn to make a difference for the better rather than to look the other way when we see violence and suffering. This gives me a real way to respond.”

Religious leaders worldwide mourn the loss of Pope John Paul II

"The death of Pope John Paul II is an occasion for sorrow in religious communities around the world," stated His Royal Highness Prince Hassan bin Talal, the Moderator of the World Conference of Religions for Peace (Religions for Peace), the world's largest multi-religious organization. Prince Hassan noted that "John Paul II exercised historic leadership in advancing good will and cooperation among the world's diverse religions." Prince Hassan singled out with appreciation His Holiness' powerful and steadfast commitment to building respectful relations among religions, citing the Pope's visit to a mosque in Syria and his kissing the Holy Koran as gestures of good will deeply appreciated by Muslims. Prince Hassan said: "The Pope maintained an abiding and learned respect for religious differences, and demonstrated in action his deep commitment to the bonds of unity shared by all peoples."

The Secretary General of Religions for Peace, Dr. William F. Vendley, stated that "the Pope's actions expressed his practical commitment to transform relationships among the world's religions into an engaged moral alliance for peace and justice." He cited the Pope's hosting the Sixth World Assembly of Religions for Peace in the Synod Hall of the Vatican. The Assembly, which brought together over 700 diverse religious leaders from all continents to plan multi-religious action projects, took place just days after an important synod of African Catholic bishops in the same hall. Dr. Vendley recalled that the Pope, sitting beside an eminent Buddhist, Rev. Nikkyo Niwano, noted with humor and affection that this world gathering of senior religious leaders around the issues of peace was for him also a kind of "synod."

Orthodox Chief Rabbi David Rosen, one of the International Co-Presidents of Religions for Peace, a Jewish leader and a frequent visitor to the Vatican, expressed appreciation for the "sea-change" in the relationships between Jews and Roman Catholics during the papacy of Pope John Paul II. Pointing out that His Holiness John Paul II was the first Pope to visit a synagogue (Rome, 1986), Chief Rabbi Rosen said: "His Holiness was committed to the healing of the past as much as to building future bridges of cooperation among the world's religions."

The Very Rev. Leonid Kishkovsky, the Vice-Moderator of Religions for Peace, an Orthodox priest and member of the Executive Committee of the World Council of Churches, noted that many leaders of the world's historic religions are committed to advancing multi-religious collaboration. Rev. Kishkovsky said: "Religious people of all convictions can find inspiration in the faith and courage that marked the life of the Pope."

A Malawian "Thank You"

Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words. Jim Cairns, Director of Child and Family Advocacy at Religions for Peace, and his local colleague Tsegaye received a series of gifts from leaders in Malawi. It culminated in a gift of a goat. Their work in Africa is supported by a Norwegian Agency for Development Co-operation (NORAD) grant.

Historic Accord Reached by Religious Leaders of Albania

March 18, 2005 - Tirana, Albania Religious leaders of Albania sign historic "Statement of Shared Moral Commitment" to promote religious tolerance

The religious leaders from the Albanian Islamic Community, Orthodox Church, Roman Catholic Church and Bektashi Community signed an historic "Statement of Shared Moral Commitment" on March 18, 2005.

These religious leaders of Albania, whose communities endured great suffering during the Cold War, jointly acknowledged their diverse faith traditions, affirmed their shared moral values, and committed themselves to work together to promote a vibrant civil society in Albania. They also called upon the relevant national authorities to protect religious freedom.

During the signing ceremony moderated by the World Conference of Religions for Peace and attended by leading national figures and representatives including of many foreign embassies, the Statement was presented by the religious leaders to the Albanian peoples. The religious leaders pledged to work together on the development of civil society and the growth of religious freedom. During the ceremony, The Prime Minister of Albania, H. E. Fatos Nano, declared his support for the multi-religious initiative, stating that "these religious leaders are far more important (to Albania) than any political officer."

With over 50 member religious communities and over 90 members on its three councils, Religions for Peace-USA, wishes to occasionally spotlight individual members or communities. This issue features The United Methodist Church and the work of its General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns.

On April 23, 1968, The United Methodist Church was created from two denominations, each with histories of earlier amalgamations of denominations. Bishop Reuben H. Mueller, representing The Evangelical United Brethren Church, and Bishop Lloyd C. Wicke of The Methodist Church joined hands at the constituting General Conference in Dallas, Texas. The third largest Christian denomination in the US was born. Today, The United Methodist Church has more than 35,000 churches, including at least one in every U.S. county, and nearly 45,000 clergy.

Owing largely to the vision laid out by John Wesley, The United Methodist Church has a long history of concern for social justice issues. Though it is broadly diverse theologically and politically, its members have often taken forthright positions on controversial issues involving Christian principles. Much of this aspect of the work is guided by the General Board of Church and Society, based in Washington D.C. next to the Supreme Court. The organization of each aspect of the work of the UMC is carefully spelled out in The Book of Discipline. It’s polity is representative and democratic, much like the US government. The General Conference, an elected assembly every four years, is the top legislative body; the nine-member Judicial Council is the supreme court; and the Council of Bishops is similar to the executive branch.

Bishops of The United Methodist Church provide spiritual leadership to more than 11 million persons in a broad range of settings on four continents, including North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. Bishops play an important leadership role in helping to set the direction of the church and its mission throughout the world.

The interreligious and ecumenical work is lead by the General Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns based in New York City. In 2004, Bishop William B. Oden became the Ecumenical Officer for the Council of Bishops and Rev. Dr. Larry Pickens became the General Secretary of the GCCUIC. The GCCUIC focuses on “the full reception of the gift of Christian unity” and on “the establishment and strengthening of relationships with other living faith communities.”

For further information, please visit the GCCUIC at www.gccuic-umc.org or visit the general church website at www.umc.org.

In this section we feature interesting, replicable projects of our member religious communities or thought-provoking publications for our common mission.

Librarian of Basra: A True Story From Iraq

Trying to find a constructive way to talk about war with your children? It's difficult. This beautiful children's book may be just the ticket. Jeanette Winter's Librarian of Basra tells the story of Alia Muhammad Baker, who is the librarian of Basra, Iraq. For fourteen years, her office has been a meeting place for those who love books. But now the war has come, and Alia fears the library will be destroyed. She asks government officials for help, but they refuse. So Alia takes matters into her own hands, working secretly with friends to move the thirty-thousand new and ancient books from the library and hide them in their homes. There, the books are stacked in windows and cupboards and even in an old refrigerator. But they are safe until the war moves on--safe with the librarian of Basra. (Harcourt Press, Jan 2005). Click here to order today.

Let My People Eat: Passover Seders Made Simple

Seders are often attended by non-Jews as a means of teaching about the history of the Jewish people. Written by Zell Schulman of Cincinnati, this cookbook does more than share recipes. It includes instructions and information on hosting seders, including diagrams for table setting, background and antedotes. It is a great visual entry point for Jew and non-Jew alike.

North of 49 - A Story of Arson, Forgiveness & Healing in a Post September 11th World

Under the auspices of Faith and Values Media, North of 49 aired nationally on the Hallmark Channel in March. The hour-long documentary by Richard Breyer and David Coryell is about four teenagers who destroyed the Sikh Interfaith Center in Oswego, New York. The documentary tells of their encounter with the peoples' lives who they affected. What happens when a tragedy is transformed into a loving, community-building experience? Now available on DVD ($35) or VHS ($30). To order a copy, visit here.

New Schottenstein Talmud

Brooklyn-based Mesorah Publications recently announced the publication of a 73-volume translation of the Talmud. Named after a businessman, whose foundation underwrote a good bit of the scholarship by which it is based, the Schottenstein Talmud is now available in English and Hebrew in a variety of formats.

War and Peace in World Religions

Editor Perry Schmidt-Leukel, Chair of World Religions for Peace at the University of Glasgow, has pulled together a wonderful collection of religious perspectives on war and peace as part of the Gerald-Weisfeld Lectures of 2003. The collection - which largely features German and English scholarship - gives an overview on the teachings and practice of religions in relation to war and peace and also on major inter-religious peace activities in the present. It includes feature pieces on Hans Kung's "Global Ethic" and the multireligious cooperation work of Religions for Peace. (London: SCM Press 2004).

In Honor of the 75th Anniversary of Gandhi's Salt Marsh Walk….

"I can say with assurance, as a result of all my experience, that a perfect vision of Truth can only follow a complete realization of Ahimsa (non-violence). To see the universal and all-pervading Spirit of Truth face-to-face, one must be able to love the meanest of creation as oneself. And a person who aspires after that cannot afford to keep out of any field. That is why my devotion to Truth has drawn me into the field of politics. I can say without the slightest hesitation, and yet in all humility, that those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics do not know what religion means. And all that is passing before our very eyes, but there are none so blind as those who will not see." - Mahatma Gandhi