Through our work projects we come to know one another better and build relationships of learning and other communities, as we. If you are interesting in working with the Interfaith Peace Walk organization or have ideas about local projects please contact us at interfaithpeacewalk@gmail.com or come to a monthly planning meeting. We are always looking for new projects and learning opportunities.
Interfaith Dialogue Series
The Interfaith Peace Walk offers dialogues to enhance and deepen our understanding of each other and our diverse religions and cultures. Dialogue sessions provide opportunities for us to share on deeper levels our faith journeys, life experiences, and common values. In these safe and well facilitated settings we deepen our interfaith and intercultural understanding. Sessions may be informal in people's homes or more structured in other settings, in either case, providing a relaxed and safe context for discussing a wide range of subjects. Prior dialogue topics have included Multiculturalism & Multi-faith in the U.S., Race Relations, Israel and Palestinians, Stewardship of the Earth and Care for Each Other.
Al-Aqsa Arts Project
In 2005 we worked with the community of Al-Aqsa which organized a spring clean up of open lots and a park which face the Al-Aqsa Mosque thereby enhancing the beauty of the Mosque itself. For a description of the creation of the mural façade, a collaborative project of the Arts and Spirituality Center with Al Aqsa and neighboring groups, along with the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, see: http://www.artsandspirituality.org/masterpeace/alaqsa/
New Jerusalem Now
In the fall of 2006 we spent an afternoon with residents of the New Jerusalem Now recovery center, assisting them in the transformation of a trash strewn vacant lot into a beautiful corner park. After our work together we had a period of personal sharing within their community house. There we were able to learn about the recovery experiences of the participants and how their intentional community and drug recover program works. We shared as well with them our experiences as an interfaith peace walk group. Indeed, representatives from New Jerusalem Now have participated in a number of the walks.
Outreach
Some 8 to 10 groups, each consisting of a representative of our interfaith constituents, visit, upon invitation, interested congregations in Greater Philadelphia. These gatherings are usually with adult study groups within the congregational settings and include the showing of a film about the peace walk and a period of discussion and dialogue. The spirit of mutual sharing and learning is present and the local congregations are invited to send “delegations” to the next peace walk, as well as to engage in our other activities such as the formal dialogue sessions or volunteer work projects. As always our goal is one of shared knowledge and we welcome questions and comments.
