Multi-Faith Neighbors Network to Host ‘EveryONE: Together for Peace in a Time of Outrage’
Global Faith Forum Gathers Christian, Jewish and Muslim Communities in Phoenix, Oct. 22-23
PHOENIX, Ariz., Oct. 10, 2023 — To address the topics of civility, citizenship and how to be a good neighbor from a variety of religious perspectives, Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) today announced its annual Global Faith Forum, to be held Oct. 22-23, 2023 in Phoenix, Arizona. With a theme of “EveryONE,” the event will discuss how everyone, individually and as a whole, can work to build peace in a time of outrage.
“The Global Faith Forum will spearhead a discussion that is so important in today’s world: building bridges in our communities and promoting collaboration for the common good,” said Pastor Bob Roberts, Jr., co-founder of MFNN. “This will require recognizing and embracing diversity, seeking out opportunities for partnership, being willing to have difficult conversations and taking risks. As we work towards these objectives, I believe we can build stronger, interconnected communities that reflect the richness of God’s love and grace.”
Outrage is consuming our society, with anger and hostility permeating every facet of life. Recent studies report that political polarization in the U.S. has reached a record high, resulting in an epidemic of cancel culture and a breakdown of empathy and understanding. Kindness and accountability have been abandoned in favor of political expediency and discrimination among religions is still high.
“It is time to reverse these trends. We must engage in civil discourse and embrace diverse perspectives, before it’s too late,” said co-host Imam Mohamed Magid, executive Imam of All Dulles Area Muslim Society. "Honest dialogue leads to communities that are more interconnected and resilient to hate, violence and polarization.”
The Global Faith Forum will be co-hosted by Multi-Faith Neighbors Network and Dr. Mohammad Al-Issa and The Muslim World League. Sunday night will highlight speakers from each faith group and a keynote from Dr. Al-Issa and US Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom Rashad Hussain. There will be break-out sessions on Monday, including: Religion and Race; Religion and Women; Religion and Citizenship; and Religion and Media.
“Phoenix is a great location for this year’s Global Faith Forum. It is a great example of a MFNN city that has experienced religious tension yet has seen the tremendous impact of multi-faith partnerships,” said Micah Fries, director of programs for MFNN.
Featured speakers will include:
Dr. Mohammad Al-Issa, secretary general of Muslim World League;
Co-Founder Amb. David Saperstein, former Ambassador of International Religious Freedom
Co-founder Bob Roberts, Jr., founder of GlocalNet, co-founder of Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, President of Institute of Global Engagement and Global Senior Pastor of Northwood Church in Keller, Texas;
Co-founder Imam Mohamed Magid, executive Imam of All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), chairman of International Interfaith Peace Corps (IIPC) and former president of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA);
Amb. Rashad Hussain, U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom;
Amb. Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, former U.S. Ambassador for International Religious Freedom;
Rev. A.R. Bernard, Christian Cultural Center;
Paige Alexander, The Carter Center;
Dr. Barbara Williams-Skinner, Skinner Leadership Institute;
Nadine Maenza, Secretariat, International Religious Freedom;
Rabbi Cassi Kail, Temple Beth El;
Dr. Yasir Qadhi, Fiqh Council of North America;
Dr. John Azumah, Sanneh Institute;
Jo Anne Lyon, The Wesleyan Church.
Whether you’re a religious leader like a Pastor, Imam or Rabbi, or a person of faith, the Global Faith Forum presents an opportunity to understand the issues related to faith and culture in the 21st century.
“Our hope is that this event will be a model for the very kind of society and world that all of us are trying to build – one where community, cooperation, and the common good are respected,” said Rabbi David Saperstein.
The event will be held at Central Christian Church, located at 933 N Lindsay Rd, Mesa, Arizona, 85213. Tickets may be obtained with a $5.00 donation per person or $10 per family. Registration is required as there are limited spots available.
To learn more about the Global Faith Forum and to register, visit globalfaithforum.com.
About Multi-Faith Neighbors Network
Multi-Faith Neighbors Network (MFNN) is co-founded and led by Pastor Dr. Bob Roberts, Jr., Imam Mohamed Magid and Rabbi David Saperstein to bring together an imam, pastor and rabbi in each local city across America to do good works, spread love to one another and establish resilient communities. MFNN builds mutual trust and respect among faith leaders through civic engagement, authentic relationships, and honest dialogue leading to resilient, compassionate, and flourishing communities — communities that are more interconnected and resilient to hate, violence, and polarization. The co-founders of MFNN were honored by the White House as “Uniters” in 2022 for building relationships across faiths. Currently, MFNN has engaged more than 180 congregations working together across disciplines - Religious Freedom and Multi-Faith Engagement. To learn more about Multi-Faith Neighbors Network, visit mfnn.org.
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