Islam in the Public Square

Dear Friends,

Please join us for a one-day conference on Islam in America, Islam in the Public Square, on Saturday, October 29, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at Town Hall Seattle.

Islam in the Public Square is a gathering of local area leaders to examine the dynamics that have led to the gap in understanding about this religious tradition. We will discuss the many issues clouding the image of Islam and Muslims in America. The conversation will seek to build understanding and tolerance across ethnic and faith lines, and look into ways all of us can confront and overcome the misunderstandings and fears that divide us. Together, as one Seattle community, we will explore ways to work together for peace and justice.

• Tickets and further information are available here.
• A Facebook event is available here.
• Please tell your friends and neighbors about this event! We hope it will be an important, informative, and inspirational day.

Background:

Muslim Americans have been part of the American narrative since our country’s foundation. They have settled in every state, fought in every war and contributed to the diversity that has made America strong. While many minority groups have been embraced and their traditions honored in the public square, Muslims continue to struggle to have their voices heard. The average American has little understanding of the positive contributions of Islam over the centuries to societies worldwide and to America at home. In fact, one out of two Americans holds negative views of Muslims and Islam. A recent Pew survey revealed that only 35% of Americans know a Muslim. More recently, criminal acts of extremists together with hateful rhetoric by certain pundits and electoral candidates have contributed to record high levels of anti-Muslim hate crimes and bullying of children nationwide.

Speakers:

• Rt. Rev. Gregory Rickel – VIII Bishop, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
• Mahmood Khadeer – Founder, Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS)
• Mark Markuly – Dean and Professor of Theology and Ministry, Seattle University School of Theology
• Varisha Khan – Senior, University of Washington major in Political Science and Journalism
• Aneelah Afzali – Attorney
• Mohamed Jawad Khaki – Founder, Ithna-asheri Muslim Association of the Northwest (IMAN)
• Phillip Ginsberg – Attorney (moderator)
• Randolph Urmston – Attorney (moderator)

Schedule:

Sponsors:

• AJC Seattle
• Archdiocese of Seattle
• Bishop’s Committee, Episcopal Diocese of Olympia
• Church Council of Greater Seattle
• Community and Middle East Peace Builders
• East Shore Unitarian Church
• Fostering Interfaith Relationships on the Eastside (FIRE)
• Holy Spirit Lutheran Church
• Ithna-asheri Association of the Northwest (IMAN)
• Kairos Puget Sound Coalition
• Kent Covenant Church
• Kirkland Interfaith Network (KIN)
• Middle East Focus Ministry, St. Mark’s Cathedral
• Muslim Association of Puget Sound (MAPS)
• Neighbors in Faith
• Minister and Board of Northlake Unitarian Universalist Church
• Pacifica Institute
• Peace Catalyst International
• St. Thomas Episcopal Church
• Temple B’Nai Torah

Questions: If you have any questions, please email us here.