Saturday, March 4, 2017
Pluralism News – a weekly bulletin from the Center for pluralism
Can we live securely and leave that legacy to our Children?
How do we bring sense to the divisiveness and feel secure in living your daily lives? Knowledge about each other leads to understanding and understanding ‘leads’ to acceptance of the other.
Our programs are designed to bring Americans Together; the more often we see each other in social, cultural, civic, religious, Political and other settings, the stronger the antidote would be against divisiveness, resulting in fewer misunderstandings and misperceptions between us.
We need to reassure each other, including the disconnected ones among the White Americans, that together as Americans, we are committed to safeguarding the American way of life. No American needs to worry about losing his or her way of life. As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our Constitution.
We will continue to bring non-stop actions in practicing pluralism in religion, politics, society and culture and be a catalyst for a safe and a secure America for each one of us.
EVENTS THAT OPEN OUR MINDS, HEARTS AND SOULS
RELIGIOUS, POLITICAL, CULTURAL AND CIVIC EVENTS
Hinduism, why should you learn about it?
Understanding the essence of Hinduism
When: Tuesday, March 7, 2017 1:00 PM- 3:30 PM
Where: The Church of Scientology National Affairs Office,
Address: 1701 20th Street Northwest, Washington, DC 20009
RSVP at – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hinduism-understanding-hinduism-seminar-tickets-32047632331
Why do you want to learn about Hinduism? When we live as neighbors, work as fellow workers, study as students, players, activists and inhabitants in the same city and in the same community, it behooves us to learn about each other’s beliefs, motivations, moments of celebrations, devotions or commemorations. The more we know about the other, the less mythical they would become forging a friendly environment for all of us to function effectively in whatever we do.https://centerforpluralism.com/hinduism-seminar-in-dc/
Understanding the essence of religions, all religions is our 3rd series of 13 religions in 13 monthly workshops. They are all in alphabetical order – All workshops are listed at: https://centerforpluralism.com/workshops/
Do American Muslims Want Sharia?
American Muslims owe it to fellow Americans to clarify the myths about Sharia. We hope to mitigate this fear through a conference with the Imams and Islamic scholars on the one hand, and those who make it their business to oppose Sharia on the other hand. We have put this behind and focus on living our lives instead of this non-stop frustrations to one and irritation to the other.
When: Sunday, May 21, 2017 1:00 PM- 4:30 PM – refreshments provided
RSVP – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/do-american-muslims-want-sharia-tickets-31434295825
Details: https://centerforpluralism.com/sharia-do-american-muslims-want-sharia/
Do Muslims have enough faith in Quran?
If you believe Quran teaches violence, this seminar is for you as it may release you from the anxieties that come with misinformation. This seminar is also for Muslims who are skeptical about Quran and need a healthy dose of confidence.
When: Sunday, June 11, 2017 1:00 PM- 4:30 PM – refreshments provided
RSVP – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/do-american-muslims-want-sharia-tickets-31434295825
Details: https://centerforpluralism.com/does-quran-promote-violence/
Radio Pluralism in Washington DC
Information at: https://centerforpluralism.com/radio-pluralism-in-washington-dc/
Media Training for Muslims
The purpose of this course is to train men and women, youth and seniors to speak about Islam as practiced by American Muslims in public square. Program is open to every American. This is the third and final session of the course. In the other two courses the basics of Islam were taught and how they contribute to the well being of our communities.
15 spots are available on a first come first serve basis. All are welcome. There is a shortage of speakers to speak about Islam in places of worship, Civic centers, Public Safety departments, Homeland Security, Work Places, Schools, universities and the media and hope the community welcomes these new speakers.
Katherine Kerr and I will train about dealing with the media and responding to crises. This is my final responsibility with the American Muslim Institution. The training program may continue with AMI, but most certainly, we will carry the program forward empowering students not only with Islamic knowledge but also knowledge about other faiths.
Its on Saturday, March 11, 2107 between 11:00 and 4:00 PM – Serious inquiries only – text with your name, interest to Mike Ghouse at (214) 325-1916 and we will send you the address and information.
Did President Trump listen to our suggestion?
President Trump’s first few sentences in his address to the joint session on February 28, 2017 were as follow;
“Tonight, as we mark the conclusion of our celebration of Black History Month, we are reminded of our Nation’s path toward civil rights and the work that still remains. Recent threats targeting Jewish Community Centers and vandalism of Jewish cemeteries, as well as last week’s shooting in Kansas City, remind us that while we may be a Nation divided on policies, we are a country that stands united in condemning hate and evil in all its forms.”
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Here are the first few sentences in my letter given to the President through Matt Schlapp, Chairman of the Conservative Union (C-PAC), Vice President Pence, and innumerable emails to the White House.
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“Fellow Americans, you chose me to be your president, and now I ask you to help me do the right thing for the good of all Americans. Listen carefully; stop those people who are making bomb threats against fellow Americans, particularly against the Jewish community Centers, which is not acceptable. We will hunt them down and punish them accordingly. Stop them from harassment of Jews, Muslims, Sikhs, Immigrants, and African Americans…..”
Full Letter and the story that happened at CPAC convention is at https://centerforpluralism.com/cfp-delivers-the-letter-to-president-trump/
Nothing will change if we don’t make the effort.
We have a lot of work planned, I will be happy to mail you a tiny brochure summarizing the work we are doing. Need your physical address to mail.
We are making several efforts to reach out to Congressmen and Senators, we are not asking them to do a favor, but just asking them to be a catalyst in shaping our nation. CFP is not a business to expect quarterly returns on your investment of time and money; it is a service that builds sustainable harmony and stability.
Meanwhile, please make a generous donation – your name will be listed for supporting our efforts in building a cohesive America. You can donate at. https://www.paypal.me/AmericansTogether
This weekly bulletin comes to you from the Center for Pluralism. The Center for Pluralism is about building a cohesive America, where no American has to live in anxiety, discomfort or fear of another American. By learning to respect the “otherness” of others and accepting the God-given uniqueness of each one of us, we pave the way to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill. Then we all can live our lives and not worry about other’s religion, race, sexual orientation or ethnicity. We are all Americans.
Mike Ghouse, President
Center for Pluralism | Research and Activism
(214) 325-1916 | Washington DC | Mike@Centerforpluralism.com