Minutes for December 16, 2009 Planning Committee Meeing

Published by admin January 25th, 2010 in Minutes. 0 Comments

Attendees
Ron Abrams, Vic Compher, Katy Friggle-Norton, Ayala Guy, Peter Handler, Lance Laver, Brenda Lazin, Jim McGovern, Ruthy Lachman Paul, Peter Pedemonti, Dom Roberti, Carole Roberti, Jeanne Swartz, Frank Toia, Linda Toia, Ayesha Weinberg, Skip Wiener, Justina Wiggins, Renate Woessner, Aisha Yasin.

Opening reflection (Jim McGovern) – Jim read a letter from a Maryknoll priest who was recently diagnosed with Leukemia and chooses to refuse medical treatment. He has decided to be buried in a village in Bangladesh in a Muslim cemetery where he lived for many years. Everyone in attendance shared their reflection on the letter and/or best wishes to Vic Compher for his forthcoming five months in Botswana.

Update on Paul Randleman’s recovery – Linda reported on Paul’s progress recovering from quadruple heart bypass surgery.

Presentation – Skip Wiener gave a slide show presentation of his work in West Philadelphia in developing gardens with local children. The following people volunteered to discuss when and how the Peace Walk members might get involved in assisting garden projects in West Phila.: Ruthy, as convener, Katie, Ayala, Justina and Vic (when he returns).

Reports:
– 2010 Peace Walk Program Committee update – Due to limited meeting time, Linda briefly summarized that “we are bubbling along.”
– Restructuring the Outreach team – Katie and Vic reported on their meetings with Mothers In Charge: the Peace Walk’s contribution is grassroots interfaith energy/force. Vic suggested recruiting Wilbert McCabe for advising on outreach into the West Phila. community. Frank offered his newly edited PW DVD for outreach purposes.
– Israel-Palestine Dialogue – Brenda and Lance shared their experience with the Jewish Dialogue Group. Vic led a discussion about the need for a safe place to discuss issues on which we may differ. A list of three dialogues: race; Israel-Palestine; escalation of Afghan war was passed around to sign up if seriously interested.
– New Jerusalem work day – Ruthy gave a summary of the successful work day.
– PW Brochure – Dom’s newly designed brochure was distributed with rave reviews.
– Financial Report – Vic passed the finance responsibility on to Carole Roberti. Our current balance is $613; the ‘hat’ was passed for donations.

Volunteers for next meeting – Peter Handler, reflection; Peter Pedemonti, facilitator; Carole Roberti, minutes.

Brenda Lazin

Agenda — January 27, 2010

Published by Edd Conboy January 25th, 2010 in What We Do. 0 Comments

Facilitator: Peter Pedemonti; Recorder: Carole Roberti
–Opening reflection (P. Handler)
–Brief introductions and welcome of guests
–Agenda review (including additions/changes)
–Minutes from previous meeting (see attached below)
–Financial Report (C. Roberti)
–Presentation:
–Rabbi Mordechai Liebling and Lynne Iser will speak about the Pachamama Alliance global warming symposium: Per ML: A peaceful relationship with the earth has to be the foundation of peace, [and] as long as human behavior is doing such violence to the earth, the basic paradigm of society is violence. Global climate destabilization and competition for scarce resources is already a cause of violence and in the coming years it will be even more intensified. There is no separation any more in working for a world that is peaceful, environmentally sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling.
–Reports, Planning and Discussion:
–2010 Peace Walk Program Committee update (L. Toia)
–Outreach team (K. Friggle-Norton)
–Other 2010 Peace Walk committee items:
–Publicity
–Transportation
–Food
–”Shepherds” and other safety concerns
–Announcements of upcoming events
–Passing the hat
–Volunteers for next Peace Walk meeting (Wednesday, 2/24/10 at Al Aqsa)

2009 PeaceWalk Statement of Purpose

Published by admin October 18th, 2009 in What We Do and Peace Partners. 0 Comments

2004peacewalkiconic.jpgThe Philadelphia Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation began when a group of Jews, Muslims and Christians came together in November 2003 to plan the first Philadelphia Interfaith Peace Walk for Jewish - Muslim Reconciliation that took place in May 2004 through the streets of Philadelphia. The Walk included stops for prayers, teachings, singing and fellowship at a mosque, synagogue, church and Independence Mall. The second Peace Walk took place in May 2005; a third occurred in June 2006; a fourth in June 2007; a fifth in May 2008; and a sixth in May 2009. The seventh Walk is planned for April 2010.

The statement of purpose written for the first Walk explains the group’s intention:

We invite people of all faiths to join us on a spiritual journey. As we walk from Al-Aqsa Mosque to St. Augustine’s Church to Congregation Rodeph Shalom, we will lament war and the loss of life. We will pray for the safety and freedom of all people. We will embrace hope, not fear. The true pathway of peace is God’s desire for love and justice, not military might. Join with us to show that peace between people of all faiths is possible.

Let us call out Salaam. Let us call out Shalom.
Let us call out Peace in the language of Love.

The walks endeavor to help people provide witness to reaffirming the common roots of our different religious traditions (as we are all children of Abraham); to achieve peace with justice; to use the positive energy in this country among religious groups to transform our communities, based on the covenants we have with our Creator; to discuss our preconceptions and misconceptions and truths; and to be part of the solution, not the problem.

Walking from/to the other group’s house of prayer and affirming spiritual values are the primary intentions. As such, the walks focus on prayer and are intentionally non-political, and no signs or slogans are permitted; however, subsequently—by walking, praying and giving witness to suffering together, participants have decided to fast together (during Ramadan), study [texts] together and discuss political issues/work together.

The Walks have been spiritually enlightening and peace affirming events for participants of the three Abrahamic faiths, as well as for people of other religions (including Sikhs, Buddhists, Hindus, Bahá’i members) and secular participants. In early meetings, the planners spoke about their reasons for participating from their religious traditions, including:

  • Seek peace and pursue it.
  • God bestowed different tribes into the world. We need to go beyond ignorance of the other.
  • Love your neighbor as yourself.
  • There is unity in the world in the oneness of God.
  • God wants us to bring about Shalom to heal the brokenness of the world; and God knows that humans are needed for this task.
  • On a personal journey, I can learn new things from God through interaction with people of other faiths.
  • Since 9/11, there is support for transformation percolating around the world. We need to continue the search for unity.
  • As Rabbi Hillel said: If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? If not now, when?
  • Worship, submit to God’s will, love the Creator and care for one another.
  • In a troubled world, we need to seek peace. We have a duty to reach out and extend a hand.
  • We need to change our perception, change stereotypes.
  • We need to be passionate about peace, especially through interfaith dialogue.
  • We need to be part of healing together; and we should be able to pray together.
  • This is an important opportunity to seek peace and repair the world together.

Since our inception in 2003, we have continued to hold monthly meetings—with ongoing dialogue and prayers from our various traditions—to plan the Walks and organize other interfaith activities together, including:

  • God’s October Surprise: Interfaith Ramadan/Sukkot Celebration (with workshops on human rights & the image of God; links between Phila./Iraq and peace within Islam and with the world; religious/spiritual approaches to healing the earth; responding to Hurricane Katrina; empowering the poor; and stopping gun violence) followed by a program on Independence Mall with music, teachings and prayer from Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Sikh leaders and a Ramadan Iftar break-fast.
  • A joint clean-up day in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, near Al-Aqsa Islamic Center.
  • A Compassionate Listening/Opening of the Heart workshop.
  • A three-session, small group dialogue, focusing on sharing personal spiritual journeys.
  • A “getting-to-know-each-other” fellowship picnic in Fairmount Park, Philadelphia.
  • An Iftar break-fast and discussion during one of the Ramadan holy days.
  • Two group workdays at the Philadelphia Food Bank / Philabundance—and another planned for April 2008.
  • Sacred Seasons, Sacred Earth program to celebrate the confluence of major religious observances with keynote talks on earth stewardship by Muslim, Christian and Jewish representatives; call to action on global warming; Sukkah ritual; music, poetry and dancing; and teachings by faith leaders on Hindu, Buddhist and Catholic subjects; and Muslim teachings and Ramadan Iftar breakfast.
  • A group workday at the New Jerusalem Now rehabilitation center and its Peace Garden.
  • A two-session small group dialogue, focusing on our feelings about the situation in the Middle East.
  • A one-day visioning retreat to review the group mission and direction.
  • A one-day program and subsequent dialogue sessions with Mothers In Charge (MIC) to establish a collaborative partnership toward violence prevention and anti-violence/support education in Philadelphia.
  • Hosting of 2008 Fulbright Fellows in Philadelphia as part of a program at the Dialogue Institute at Temple University.
  • Encountering Other Faiths – An interactive, six-part interfaith dialogue program for Peace Walk planners facilitated by Maria Hornung of the Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia.

We have also organized meetings between the U.S. State Department and members of the Sikh community about treatment of Sikhs and turban inspections in airports; held dialogues regarding the Danish cartoon depiction of the prophet Mohammad; taken a stand against a billboard depicting a Muslim man in “terrorist” garb; and written a statement calling for humanitarian aid and dialogue during the Israel-Gaza conflict.

To be informed of Peace Walk meeting dates and upcoming interfaith activities, please visit our website at www.interfaithpeacewalk.org.

Philadelphia Interfaith Peace Walks – 2004-2009
The Philadelphia Interfaith Peace Walks have included prayers, teachings, songs and chanting at the following venues:

2004 – Center City Philadelphia
Al-Aqsa Mosque & Islamic Center
St. Augustine’s Church
Independence Mall
Congregation Rodeph Shalom

2005 – Center City Philadelphia
United Muslim Masjid
Congregation Rodeph Shalom
St. Malachy’s Church
Al-Aqsa Mosque & Islamic Center

2006 – Center City Philadelphia
Al-Aqsa Mosque & Islamic Center
St. Peter’s Church
Christ Church
Society Hill Synagogue

2007 – Northwest Philadelphia (Co-sponsor: Neighborhood Interfaith Movement)
Al-Aqsa Mosque & Islamic Center
Masjid Muhammad
St. Vincent de Paul Church
Germantown Mennonite Church
Germantown Jewish Centre

2008 – Northwest Philadelphia (Co-sponsor: Neighborhood Interfaith Movement)
Al-Aqsa Mosque & Islamic Center
Masjid Muhammad
First Presbyterian Church in Germantown
Unitarian Universalist Church of Germantown
Mishkan Shalom

2009 – West Philadelphia
Philadelphia Cathedral (including Jewish prayer and music)
Philadelphia Masjid
Millcreek Baptist Church / Mt. Olivet Tabernacle Baptist Church
Philadelphia Cathedral


AZ PeaceWalk Founder Needs Your Vote

Published by admin October 1st, 2009 in Peace Partners. 0 Comments

Here is an email message from Arizona:

Hi Brothers and Sisters,

I bear greetings from Tucson’s Muslim-Jewish PeaceWalk.

One of our founders is in an online race for jewish hero of Arizona.

If you could spread the word she could use your votes it would be appreciated.

She is running second in this contest ending Oct. 8. She could win in our region with a concerted effort. No one needs be jewish to vote and one can vote for multiple cnadidates as often as possible. But only every 12 hours for the same candidate. Dina Afek winning locally would send a message for sure. And it’s a message you would embrace.

You can find her at www.jewishcommunityheroes.org/nominees/profile/dina-afek

If you wish to be in contact with me feel free.

In peace and reconciliation,

Ted Warmbrand

Minutes for July 22, 2009 Planning Committee Meeing

Published by admin August 17th, 2009 in Minutes. 0 Comments

Attendees
Ron Abrams, Amina Agha, Vic Compher, Patricia Coyne, Katy Friggle-Norton, Peter Handler, Lance Laver, Peter Pedemonti, Dom Roberti, Carole Roberti, Jeanne Swartz, Frank Toia, Linda Toia, Renate Woessner.

Opening Reflection and Introductions
Ron opened with a reading from Elie Wiesel on glorifying peace rather than war. He described his participation in a group which aims to reduce the nuclear arsenals, stop testing, and stop further development of nuclear weapons. It is challenging work because security seems to be at the top of everyone’s priorities. It was pointed out that there are other weapons of massive destruction besides nuclear weapons and that weaponization of space is a real concern.

Financial Report
Vic gave a financial report showing a balance of $1550.85. A refund of $20 from the bus company will be added to the balance. It was decided to give a stipend of $150 to the treasurer, an employee of Tabernacle Church who provides financial services to the Peace Walk, along with a letter of gratitude.

Review of 2009 Peace Walk
Linda announced that the date for the 2010 walk will be April 25, taking place in West Philadelphia. St. Francis deSales Church at 47th and Springfield will be the point of beginning and ending, thus providing a loop to return drivers to where their cars are parked. The walk will cover about 30 city blocks, or approximately three miles. It was suggested that the route include Clark Park. St. Francis Church has a diverse congregation and a peace room in their school where conflict resolution is practiced. There will be a stop at the invitation of Rabbi Lauren Grabhel Herman of the Jewish congregation housed within Calvary Methodist Church. She is contacting the pastor for permission to offer the church as a stop. It was noted that Hillel at University of Pennsylvania will participate in the walk, but it will not be a scheduled stop. A possible Islamic stop is Masjid Jumah at 42 and Walnut. It was decided to conclude the walk with an interfaith ritual service, using symbolic elements like fire and water, with perhaps music in the Taize style. There is the possibility of a charge for the police coverage, which could be from $1500 to $2000. Although the fee has been waived in the past, we must be prepared for it. It was suggested that interaction between walkers be further encouraged, and that this is fostered by longer walking times. Perhaps a specific practice to begin introductions and interactions, telling personal stories in small groups, could be scheduled into the stops. Linda reported some success in improved African-American interactions, with contacts far ahead of this time last year. There was a report on the evangelical (African-American) national conference in Cherry Hill, NJ, where Pecki gave a reading in Hebrew from the Hebrew scriptures, which was very enthusiastically received. It was suggested that possible contacts in West Philadelphia would include Sister Muhammad, Brother Leon, and Pastor Dolores McCabe.

Inviting City Dignitaries
Although it was felt that having dignitaries scheduled on the program would bring publicity, it was felt that there was too much risk of becoming political. It was decided to invite City Council representatives from the districts where the Walk passes through, as participants, not speakers. Pat Coyne will draft a statement of policy on inviting dignitaries. There will be an attempt to have City Council pass a proclamation. A new strategy for publicity should focus on personal interest stories on participants in the walk. The word “peace” has become controversial, being associated with protest marches, but it is central to the concept of the IPW, which is faith-based and prayerful. It was suggested that the word “justice” be added to the title of the group. This topic should be included on a future agenda.
Dialogue on Race Relations
A committee has been meeting to form a program to increase our sensitivity to racism. It is proposed that there be a two-part series, on October 18 and 25, from 3 to 7 pm, including a meal. There would be six African-American participants and six from the peace walk, including two facilitators. The participants would dialogue in depth and learn from each other. Since there is room for only a limited number of participants, it is anticipated that there would be additional groups formed, several times a year. The dialogue would be based on reflections in advance of the meeting and include storytelling about events in life related to race consciousness. Rev. Rhetta Morgan will be one facilitator. Frank would serve as the other facilitator if needed, but it would be preferable to have someone from outside the group.
Picnic or Social Event
It was suggested that a social event would help members connect in a different way. It was pointed out that Ramadan would offer a complication, but that a fast-breaking event might be used as the social. Clark Park would be a good site, but it is necessary to have a permit. Membership seemed favorable to having an event, but not coming forward to work on it. It was suggested that we could participate in Al Aqsa’s Ramadan event; Pat Coyne will follow up.
Steering Committee
Vic noted that there often are decisions to be made between peace walk meetings, and an informal group of members, Vic, Lance and Adab has been serving as a sounding board. It was proposed that a steering committee of three persons be appointed to formalize this arrangement. This committee would take some of the micromanagement out of the Peace Walk meetings. It was suggested that the committee consist of a Christian, Muslim, Jew, and other faith, with at least one member being carried over each time to provide continuity. It was decided to place the proposal on the agenda for a future meeting. It was suggested that a brief and simple statement of the responsibility of the steering committee should be drafted.
Israeli-Palestinian Conference
Jeanne reported on efforts to produce a major conference on Jewish-Palestinian relations in November at St. Paul’s Episcopal in Chestnut Hill. There is need for vendors and additional groups to sponsor. Currently need an Islamic speaker. In reply to a request to use the IPW mailing list for publicity, it was stated that our policy is not to share our list with other organizations; however, we would be able to publicize the event on our web site and by making announcements available. It was agreed that IPW would not formally endorse the event.
Announcements
Pat Coyne announced that a mural on interfaith relations would be installed at 15th and Girard. Pat will make further information known as it becomes available. She also called attention to a forthcoming interfaith dialogue at Temple University among professional Israeli women. In addition, she called attention to a Weekend of Peace in West Philadelphia offering an opportunity for our members to participate. Particularly accessible is the Gospel festival at Kingsessing Center on August 2.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 pm. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at 6:30 pm at Al Aqsa Islamic Center. Meeting Facilitator and Reflection: Peter Handler, Recorder: to be recruited.

Carole Roberti

Agenda — August 19, 2009

Published by admin August 17th, 2009 in What We Do. 0 Comments

–Opening reflection (Peter Handler)
–Brief introductions and welcome of guests
–Agenda review (including additions/changes)
–Minutes from previous meeting (see below)
–Financial report (Vic Compher)
–Reports and items for discussion/decision
–Update: 2010 Peace Walk planning (Linda Toia)
–Inviting city dignitaries to future Interfaith Peace Walks (Patricia Coyne)
–Update: Dialogue on race relations (Brenda Lazin)
–Formation of a Peace Walk Steering Committee (continued discussion)
–Announcement of upcoming events
–Volunteers for the next meeting (September 23, 2009) (chair, reflections, minutes)

Vic Compher’s Documentary

Published by Edd Conboy June 23rd, 2009 in In the News. 0 Comments

icbs_photo.jpgPeaceWalk Co-Founder and Arts & Spirituality Artist-in-Residence Vic Compher’s Documentary Selected for the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival I CANNOT BE SILENT: Testimonies of Peacemaking.

The film will screen at Dave & Busters (325 N. Columbus Avenue, Philadelphia) on Sunday, June 28, at 5:05 p.m as a part of the Philadelphia Independent Film Festival. The Arts & Spirituality Center is pleased to serve as a fiscal sponsor of this intergenerational film that documents elder peace advocates sharing their adventures in peacemaking and their timely wisdom with young people. Their stories address historical and current violence; escape from slavery; opposition to war; childhood escape from a Nazi concentration camp; and opposition to urban gun violence. Limited tickets be available at the door, so purchase yours today at: PIFF 2009 online box office.

Lights of Peace

Published by admin May 7th, 2009 in What We Do. 0 Comments

LIGHTS OF PEACE - Interfaith Illuminations -
Poems, Stories, Reflections and Songs by members of our diverse Peace Walk community.
To download the 32 page booklet in pdf, click HERE.

Official Program - 6th Annual PeaceWalk

Published by admin May 2nd, 2009 in What We Do. 0 Comments

6th Annual Phila. Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation
People of Light, People of Hope, People of Courage
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – Sunday, May 3, 3009

Al Aqsa Mosque – 1501 Germantown Avenue (at 3rd & Jefferson Sts.)
12:50 PM * Welcome to all assembled peace walkers by Adab Ibrahim, Al Aqsa Islamic Society
12:53 PM * Peace talk by Musa Levin, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship
12:57 PM * Invitation to participate in the Salat prayers in the men’s and women’s section
(instructions by Adab Ibrahim, Al Aqsa, and Ayesha Weinberg, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen Fellowship)
1:00 PM * Call to prayer
1:05 PM * Dhuhr prayers in the mosque led by Imam Muhammad Shahada, Al Aqsa Mosque
1:25 PM * BOARD BUSES. Buses depart at 1:30 PM for Philadelphia Cathedral.
Philadelphia Cathedral – 3723 Chestnut Street (entrance on 38th Street between Chestnut & Market Sts.)
1:55 PM * Enter the Cathedral to music by Makelat Micha’el: Mishkan Shalom Community Choir, Jan Hamer, Conductor: Samuel Adler: Psalm 96: Worship the One and Andrew Bleckner: Psalm 96: Let the Heavens Be Glad
2:00 PM * Opening prayer by Rabbi Lauren Grabelle Herrmann, Kol Tzedek
2:04 PM * Prayer by Maria Hutchinson, Penn Catholic Student Association
2:07 PM * Youth Poetry Project of Arts and Spirituality Center with Cathy Cohen
2:12 PM * Sing together with the Mishkan Shalom choir: And Everyone ‘Neath Their Vine and Fig Tree
2:16 PM * Peace talk by Rev. Paul Randleman, Hebron Tabernacle Church
2:20 PM * Introduction of the Interfaith Peace Walk and offering request by Frank Toia
2:22 PM * General Peace Walk welcome and outline by Patricia Coyne, Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations – with Cross and Crescent Ministry & Gloria Dei Church
2:25 PM * Music by the Mishkan Shalom choir: Jan Hamer: And They Shall Beat Their Swords Into Plowshares
and Doron Henkin: Psalm 113: Praise
2:30 PM * Leave the Cathedral
2:34 PM * WALKING
Philadelphia Masjid – 4700 Wyalusing Avenue
3:11 PM * Enter the mosque
3:15 PM * Welcome by Bro. Leon Shamsid’Deen, Philadelphia Masjid
3:20 PM * Greeting your neighbor and passing the peace (by Peace Walk participants) – introduced by Bro. Leon Shamsid’Deen
3:23 PM * Peace talk by Imam Malik Mubashshir, Philadelphia Masjid
3:27 PM * Talk on student interfaith peace work by Sam Adelsberg, President, Univ. of Pennsylvania PRISM
and co-founder, LendforPeace.org
3:31 PM * Walking the Walk, Interfaith Center of Greater Philadelphia, youth group presentation w/Nicole Diroff
and Yasmine Hadjar, Foundation for Islamic Education; Emily Eisen, Main Line Reform Temple; and
Batholomew Lyons, 59th Street Baptist Church
3:36 PM * Leave the mosque
3:40 PM + WALKING
Millcreek Baptist Church – 641 North Preston Street
4:10 PM * Enter the church outdoor space to music by Dr. Wilbert McCabe, Millcreek Baptist Church
4:13 PM * Welcome by Rev. Dr. Dolores E. Lee McCabe, Pastor, Millcreek Baptist Church
4:16 PM * Talk by Dorothy Johnson-Speight and Ruth Donnelly, Mothers In Charge + moment of silence
4:21 PM * A celebration of traditional and contemporary African dance by Jeannine Osayande,
Dunya Performing Arts Company
4:25 PM * Music by Dr. Wilbert McCabe as people leave the church outdoor space
4:29 PM + WALKING
Philadelphia Cathedral – 3723 Chestnut Street
4:53 PM * Enter the church to music by the Temple Beth El choir, Norman Zafanyah Gladden, conductor
4:56 PM * Welcome by Dean Lloyd S. Casson, Philadelphia Cathedral
4:59 PM * Call to prayer and announcement of Salat prayers by Abdul Baseer Bivens, Bawa Muhaiyaddeen
Fellowship (Note: Space is available on the lower level for Salat prayers)
5:01 PM * Baha’i healing prayer sung by Chere Kjrsten-Kifer, Baha’i International Community
5:04 PM * Buddhist chant and prayer by Jeffrey Carr and Susan Simmons, Tibetan Buddhist Center
5:09 PM * Sikh shabad (hymn), Sikh community youth members
5:14 PM * Closing comments about reception and offering reminder, Linda Toia
5:17 PM * Recitation from the Qu’ran by Imam Muhammad Shahada, Al Aqsa Mosque (and translation)
5:21 PM * Music by the Temple Beth El Choir
5:26 PM * Food and fellowship in the Cathedral

Welcome and General Instructions
We welcome everyone to this Interfaith Walk for Peace and Reconciliation. Please see the following general instructions:
1. This Walk is a spiritual event. Please respectfully enter and leave each house of prayer in communal singing or silence (we will use an extended hand “V” signal to request group silence, as appropriate). Please also refrain from displaying any political signs.
2. People with colored armbands will be present as guides and ushers and available to answer any questions about Walk logistics.
3. Please proceed to each location as a single group.
4. Rest rooms and/or refreshments will be available at each location.
5. A bus will be available to transport anyone needing assistance, and medics will be available to treat anyone needing attention during the Walk. Contact a guide or usher if required.
6. The times listed below are estimates and may vary based upon the conditions of the day.
7. If you are interested in follow-up activities, please sign the participants’ sheets available from the guides/ ushers during the Walk or contact us at phillyinterfaithwalk@gmail.com.
For additional information, see: www.interfaithpeacewalk.org.

Peace Walk Intention
“We invite people of all faiths to join us on a spiritual journey.
As we walk we will lament war and the loss of life.
We will pray for the safety and freedom of all people.
We will embrace hope, not fear.
The true pathway of peace is God’s desire for love and justice,
not military might. Join with us to show that peace between
people of all faiths is possible.”
(from Jewish Muslim Peace Walk, Fellowship of Reconciliation www.forusa.org)

Talking Your Walk: Questions for Interfaith Conversation
Suggestions for engaging others during the Peace Walk:
• Find someone to walk with from a different faith tradition or point of view from your own.
• Approach the conversation with warm regard, respect, caring and a desire to understand.
• Concentrate on listening rather than preparing your response while the other person is talking.
• Don’t hesitate to ask questions for clarity. “Are you saying that….?”
• Talk out of your own personal experience and convictions rather than for your whole faith tradition.
• Don’t be afraid to express your doubts and struggles as well as your convictions.
• Share how the ideas and practices of your tradition affect your everyday life.
Some Possible Questions:
• What in your own belief system particularly inspires you to do this walk today?
• What do you most want others and me to understand about your faith tradition?
• What misconception(s) about your tradition do you wish you would never hear again?
• How have you come to hold the beliefs you now hold?
• In what ways, if any, have your beliefs changed over the years?
• What person, past or present, from a different faith tradition do you admire? Why?
• What contemporary person from your own faith tradition do you admire? Why?

Transport: Please note that buses will be available to transport drivers of cars from the pre-gathering at Al Aqsa Islamic Society to the Philadelphia Cathedral at the start and back to Al Aqsa following the conclusion of the final Cathedral program (at approx. 5:30 PM)—and during and after the “Food and Fellowship” part until approx. 7:30 PM.

Parking Map

Published by Edd Conboy April 22nd, 2009 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments

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