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Interfaith and Middle East Peace Nov 18, 2007
Prophets, Saviors, and Second Comings August 15, 2007
What do we Have in Common -- Moral Values? July 15, 2007
Interfaith Education May 20, 2007
Spring Rites, Rituals & Ceremonies April 8, 2007
What Do We Have in Common? Feb 18, 2007
Listening and Responding to the Muslim Community Nov 19, 2006


NOVEMBER INTERFAITH CELEBRATION
Sunday Nov 18 at the King Fahad Mosque in Culver City

                                    
BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the third in the 2007-08 monthly series at   religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by World Interfaith  Network, a Specialized Affiliate of Unity-and-Diversity World Council (UDC).  They involve many faith communities and interested individuals.

THEME:  INTERFAITH AND MIDDLE EAST PEACE
The Middle East has become an increasingly unstable and violence-oriented society in recent times. It is the home of three of the world's major religions, yet the religions themselves are part of the problem.  What can the interfaith movement do to help bring peace, justice, and environmental sustainability?  Bibi Haleem of the King Fahad Mosque is seeking an outstanding speaker who can help to shed light on this complicated subject.  We will then hear from our faith representatives in search for adequate answers.  Come and join in.
 
BRIEF PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

  • Bibi Haleem -- Leader, King Fahad Mosque, and UDC Board member, Hostess
  • Stephen Longfellow Fiske -- Singer, guitarist, composer; producer, Peace Sunday
  • John & Carmen Marcus – Members, Los Angeles Baha'i Center; John plays sitar
  • Keki Gandhi -- Representative, Zoroastrian Association of California
  • Laura Hunter -- Poet; follower of Sant Mat path of inner light and sound meditation
  • Rev. George Hines -- Minister, Downey Center for Enriched Living
  • Carl Hult -- Soloist and choir member, various choirs in greater Los Angeles
  • Al Duffy -- Tour guide at various Buddhist temples in Southern California
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Coordinator, Science and Spirituality book project; playwright
  • David Turner  -- Leader, Sant Mat Meditation Group; UDC Board secretary
  • Sister Moyne -- Leader, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, L.A. Center
  • Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart, Unity-and-Diversity World Council  
Others are cordially invited to come and share
 
Date:   SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2007(7), 2-4 P.M.  NOTE EARLIER TIME - Refreshments afterward courtesy of King Fahad Mosque
Venue: KING FAHAD MOSQUE, 10980 Washington Blvd., Culver City  
Directions: Take San Diego Fwy. to Washington Blvd., then go east on Washington to 10980.  Or take Santa Monica Fwy. to Overland. then south to Washington Blvd., then west to 10980.  Park on property or on street.
 
                                 ADVANCE NOTICE
Sun. Oct 21, 4:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at site.   Do come.
Sun. Dec. 9, 2-6 p.m. -- PEACE SUNDAY  at L.A. Baha'i Center, 5755 Rodeo Rd. at La Cienega, Los Angeles.  Register early for $10 donation; make out to UDC and send to address below.  Have a display table for your organization ($35).  Send as above.
WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Phone: 310-391-5735  Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com, Website: www.udcworld.org

Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
World Interfaith Network, Inland Valley Chapter
12 August 2007(7)

PROPHETS, SAVIORS, AND SECOND COMINGS 
IN OUR TRADITIONS 

The saviors stand in relation to the Infinite as the waves of the ocean are to the ocean.  On the tree of Absolute Existence-Knowledge-Bliss there hang innumerable Ramas, Krishnas, Buddhas, Christs, etc., out of which one or two appear in the world now and then to produce mighty changes and revolutions. --  Works of Sri Ramakrishna, World Scriptures, page 166

To begin on this very important subject, it would be good to define each of the terms in the title and describe how they relate to each other.  Prophets are people who foretell the future. Saviors are those whose lives are devoted to teaching spiritual truths and helping people to find their own paths to realization.  Second comings are beliefs related to the notion that a particular prophet would come again in the future to continue his/her ministry.  Though it is clear that the actual person would not be the one who is coming again, the spirit embodied in that person could well appear again in someone else who is devoted to carrying on a special focus or ministry.

We live in a time of much chaos and confusion.  This phenomenon is caused by the transition from one civilization to another, which results in a major change of values.  We are now moving from a dying western civilization to an emerging global civilization.  As the values of the previous age decay, the search for new values that can sustain life in the emerging age is necessary.  More and more, people are beginning to look within themselves in order to discover these values.  Religiously speaking, we can return just to the faith in which we were born, or we can look toward a broader faith that can support us as we attempt to live in the global age that is being born all around us.

Some people will look to the prophecies within their own faith for the answers to life's eternal questions, while others will also look beyond their faith alone to discover the answers other faiths have given. Those with prophetic gifts will tune in to this age and discover that it is telling us about the future.  What is evolving is both a deepening of the existing faiths and also the birth of new ones.  All of these are part of our universal heritage, and we can learn from all of them.  At the same time, the global age is different from previous ages, and it requires new answers that are suited to the new civilization.

World Scriptures was authored and compiled by me, with the help of the different faiths, in order to provide a basis for greater understanding of the world's scriptures as they pertain to how we are to live in this age.  This year I am working on Volume Two as a channel for drawing together prophecies from the religions and many other sources as to how we are to live in the global age.  This process was started in the 1950's, when I began working on World Scriptures, but to date that part of the book has not been published. 

At this time I am bringing forth the material put together in the 1950's and since that time, and at the same time I am inviting others who feel drawn to prophecy to make their own prophecies available.  These prophecies will first be put on our website, where some materials are already being displayed, and others will be added as they are submitted.  When the time comes for publication, which will be very soon, the materials will be examined to determine which are appropriate for being published in Volume Two.

These materials can be prose, poetry, and also artwork.  The length should be roughly three hundred words, and they must be on email.   Then they can easily be added to the existing scriptural material.  If you are interested in submitting such material, send it to the email address listed below.  We will take it from there.  Roger Eaton, coordinator of the Global Assembly Dialog now beginning, is managing our website.  He will be happy to add it to the website.  Thank you kindly for your prompt attention to this effort.

In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!

Unity-and-Diversity Fellowship
C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc.
P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201
Phone: 310-391-5735; FAX: 310-827-1987 (contact UDC first)
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org



Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.D.
World Interfaith Network
15 July 2007(7)

WHAT DO WE HAVE IN COMMON -- Moral Values?

I do feel that there is orderliness in the universe, that there is an unalterable law governing every thing and every being that lives and moves.  The law and the lawgiver are one. --Mahatma Gandhi, Science and Spirituality, Page 134

Gandhi's statement that "there is an unalterable law governing every thing and every being that lives and moves" is at the heart of morality and the need for moral values.  We may think that we are getting away with something when we violate the moral law, but in the long run the consequences creep up on us.  Today we are being tested as to how we are to respond to the morality of carrying on an endless war, as well as how we are going to respond to the need for handling global warming.  There are many such challenges that come before us, and we ignore them at our peril. 

Probably the most basic aspect of the moral law is stated in the Hebrew Bible: "You shall not kill".  Declaring a war does not exempt us from the consequences of killing.  Temporarily we may say that we are justified, but the results show that there is a much better way to solve problems.  Whatever we can do to support life, which Albert Schweitzer called having "reverence for life", is all to the good.  To destroy people and the environment only causes more problems, often with devastating effects. 

The world's religions have different ways of stating their fundamental teachings regarding moral values, but they are very similar in their results.  To have a civilization that works, we must have respect for each other, regardless of race, culture, and religion.  We must allow for individual differences of ritual, practice, and life style.  We need to grow as we become more educated, so that our attention increases as our knowledge of other matters is enhanced.  We need education in moral and spiritual values along with other kinds of education in order to become a whole person and to live life at its highest level. 

We are now entering into a global civilization.  The chaos and confusion which we see happening around us needs to be overcome by the affirmation and carrying out of a new set of moral and spiritual teachings that are the product of this age.  We also need to have available to us the teachings of all past civilizations.  Thus the need arises for World Scriptures to bring all of these teachings together, including the prophetic teachings that are arising from this age.  The time for a new moral and spiritual awakening is upon us.  How we respond to this challenge will determine our future for better or for worse, and the contrasts are startling.  We are at a crossroads.  Which way will you go?

In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!

World Interfaith Network, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066-9201; Phone: 310-391-5735; FAX: 310-827-9187 (call first); Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; 




JULY INTERFAITH CELEBRATION
Sunday July 15th, Venice, California

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the 9th in the 2006-07 monthly series at religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by World Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of Unity-and-Diversity World Council.  They involve many faith communities and interested individuals.

THEME:  WHAT DO WE HAVE IN COMMON -- Moral Values? At this special interfaith celebration, we will explore what our faiths teach regarding moral values and how they are applied at this crucial time.  How can we respect differences of cultures and religions, and yet seek the universal values which make civilized living possible?  The interfaith celebration will be 2-3 p.m., followed by a party in honor of Stephen Fiske's son, daughter-in-law, and their son visiting from Israel.

BRIEF PRESENTERS AND PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

  • Stephen Longfellow Fiske, Host – Singer/guitarist/composer; author, peacemaker 
  • Evan Gavriel & family, Special Guests – Visiting from Israel; Evan is drummer, writer
  • Rev. George Hines – Minister, Downey Church for Spiritual Enrichment
  • Sister Moyne Puri – Representative, Brahma Kumaris Center in Los Angeles
  • Andre Graham – Vice-president, UDC; member of evangelical church
  • Dr. Gary Herbertson – Member, UDC Board; Methodist minister/environmentalist
  • Carl Hult – Soloist and Choir Member, various religious centers in Los Angeles
  • Kenneth Roeder – President, Hollywood Science of Mind Center
  • Rev. Jill Soyars – Staff Minister, Hollywood Science of Mind Center
  • Al Duffy -- Tour guide at various Buddhist temples in Southern California
  • David Turner  -- Leader, Sant Mat Meditation Group; follower, Sant Kirpal Singh
  • Rene Crawford – Active with Agape Intl. Spiritual Center and UDC
  • Fred Bayer – Member, Temple Beth Emet (Judaism); L.A. steering committee
  • Sarah McGurn – Member, Institute of Noetic Sciences; healer, therapist
  • Keki Gandhi – Representative, Zoroastrian Association of California
  • Roger Eaton – Member, UDC Board; Coordinator, Global Assembly Email Dialog
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Coordinator, Science and Spirituality book project; playwright
Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart.  Others welcome!

Date:   SUNDAY, JULY 15, 2007(7), 2-3 P.M., followed by party in honor of Evan and family Refreshments afterward courtesy of the Fiske family

Venue:  Fiske Garden, 635 California Ave., Venice.  Take Santa Monica Fwy. to Lincoln; left on Lincoln to California, rt. to 635; park on street.  By surface streets go to Lincoln (between 7th & 9th in Santa Monica); go toward beach on California to 635.  Park on street.  Enter garden on driveway.

Cost:  LOVE OFFERING -- $10 suggested, $8 for members

ADVANCE NOTICE: 

Sunday July 15, 4:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at site.   Do come.

Sunday Aug. 19, 3-5 p.m.  -- Next Interfaith Celebration, Hollywood Science of Mind Center

WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Phone: 310-391-5735; Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com



MAY INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the eighth in the 2006-07 monthly series at religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by the World Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council. They involve many faith communities and interested individuals. 

THEME:  INTERFAITH EDUCATION 

The Cal State Northridge campus has an interfaith center, and its doors are open to our participation and program development.  Interfaith education is more than simply taking separate courses in religion, and we have been invited to help fill that gap.  Students are being invited to come to this event, so it is an opportunity to reach the younger generation.  Your participation will show your interest in expanding our outreach to include students in our interfaith sharing. 

BRIEF PRESENTERS AND PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: 

  • Felix Winston -- Director, CSUN Interfaith Council; UDC Executive Board. 
  • Bertha Pitts -- Associate, CSUN Interfaith Council; evangelical faith 
  • Rev. George Hines -- Minister, Downey Church for Spiritual Enrichment 
  • Bibi Haleem -- Leader, King Fahad Mosque; UDC Executive Board member 
  • Carmen & John Marcus -- Members, L. A. Baha'i Center; music by John 
  • Sister Gita annd others -- Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, L.A. 
  • Al Duffy -- Tour guide at various Buddhist temples in Southern California 
  • David Turner  -- Leader, Sant Mat Meditation; follower, Sant Kirpal Singh 
  • Fred B Bayer -- Member, Temple Beth Emet (Judaism); L.A. steering comm. 
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Science and Spirituality book project; playwright 
  • Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart 
Date:   SUNDAY, MAY 20, 2007(7), 3 TO 5 P.M.

Refreshments afterward courtesy of the CSUN Interfaith Council 

Venue:  California State University Northridge, Interfaith Center
Student Union, 2nd Floor, center of campus; Nordhoff St. at Darby St., Northridge, San Fernando Valley, NW of Los Angeles

Directions:  Take San Diego Fwy. No. to Nordhoff St., turn left (west) to Darby St. on west side of campus (18300 Nordhoff). Turn right and go beyond Prairie St. to parking lots on right with meters (free on Sun.)  Park, walk east on Prairie to Lindley.  Follow signs to Student Union area to elevator (NW section of Student Union area); go to second floor, then down hall to Multifaith Resource Center on right.

Cost:  LOVE OFFERING -- $10 suggested, $8 for members

ADVANCE NOTICE:
Sun. May 20, 5:30 p.m. – Brief WIN Steering Committee at site.
Sat.-Sun., June 9-10 – WEEKEND CONVERGENCE, Temescal Canyon, Pacific Palisades.  Theme: BUILDING COMMUNITY.  Do plan to participate and invite friends.  Includes meals, overnight, campfire concert, and interfaith celebration.  Contact UDC for flyer.

WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA 90066; Ph: 310-391-5735  Web: www.udcworld.org


Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
World Interfaith Network
C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc.
8 April 2007(7)

SPRING RITES, RITUALS & CEREMONIES IN OUR RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS*

We stand at a critical moment in Earth's history, a time when humanity must choose its future.  As the world becomes increasingly interdependent and fragile, the future at once holds great peril and great promise.  To move forward we must recognize that in the midst of a magnificent diversity of cultures and life forms we are one human family and one Earth community with a common destiny.  We must join together to  bring forth a sustainable global society founded on respect for nature,  universal human rights, economic justice, and a culture of peace.  Towards this end, it is imperative that we, the peoples of Earth, declare our responsibility to one another, to the greater community of life, and to future generations. --Preamble to the Earth Charter, Science and Spirituality, p. 55

Today for Christians is Easter Sunday, symbolic of the coming of spring and the awakening of the human spirit.  Having experienced the crucifixion of Jesus on Good Friday, Easter stands as the time of resurrection, of the rebirth of life, and of the power of the Human Spirit to overcome all obstacles. 

We are now in a transition period between the time when Easter was the principal spring festival, and Christianity was seen as the principal religion to be given consideration, to a time when there are many religions and many spring festivals to be recognized and appreciated.  However, what tends to be happening is that we are ignoring the values of these spring festivals and the sacredness of life which they represent.  In the school where I taught on Good Friday there was no recognition of either Good Friday or Easter.  And I am sure that when the Wesak Festival of Buddhism comes along, either later in April or in May, there will likewise be no mention of Wesak or its significance for Buddhists. 

Most religions have some spring festival, and those festivals carry an element of sacredness that needs to be honored as a recognition of the spiritual element of life.  If we do not give our spiritual heritage its place in our lives, we are living under a glass ceiling and therefore cannot fulfill our lives as humans.  We are spiritual beings who have bodies, minds, emotions, and relationships with others and with all forms of life.  But we are more than these dimensions of ourselves.  To be fully healthy, and to live in that consciousness, requires that we recognize and give the proper place to our spiritual nature. 

We must therefore find the proper balance between honoring our own religion and ignoring everyone else's, or going to the other extreme of ignoring everyone's heritage including our own in order to make sure that nobody is offended.  Our faith is what gives life and meaning to our existence.  It is what will bring us through the most difficult of times and circumstances if it is strong and clear enough.  But it must provide for the well-being of all and not just ourselves if it is to help "create a world that works for everyone".

One of the best ways to strengthen our faith and, at the same time, to assure the same right for everyone else, is to study the spring festivals of the various religions and, to the extent possible, share with those who celebrate these festivals.  We might also pay attention to what is probably the largest spring festival on the planet, which is Earth Day (now usually celebrated on or around its official date of April 22nd; originally it was celebrated on March 21st, the first day of spring). 

There is material for holding an Environmental Sabbath, which was developed by the United Nations Environment Program.  This emphasis helps to highlight the relationship between environment and the various faiths.  With global warming becoming such a major concern worldwide, it is important for the faiths of the world to connect these two areas and to work for environmental sustainability. 

May this year be a time for the honoring of all life and the commitment to change those aspects of ourselves and our society which prevent us from sustaining life at its highest level!

In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!

*Theme is from World Interfaith Network, Inland Valley

World Interfaith Network
C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc.
P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201
Phone: 310-391-5735; FAX: 310-827-9187 (contact UDC first)

Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org


Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
World Interfaith Network 
18 February 2007(7)

WHAT DO WE HAVE IN COMMON? 

Above all we need, particularly as children, the reassuring presence of a visible community, an intimate group that enfolds us with love and understanding, and that becomes an object of our spontaneous loyalty, as a criterion and point of reference for the rest of the human race. --Lewis Mumford, Science and Spirituality, Pages 132-133 

Religions in the past, and in many cases even now, regard themselves as unique and often superior to other religions.  The result has been that not enough attention is paid to the positive values of those other religions, as well as what is in common between them.  In this age of democracy, that whole attitude needs to change, so that there can be cooperation among the religions and a coming together when only their combined efforts can be sufficiently strong to handle certain matters. 

One of the excellent questions to ask in the context of interfaith exploration is "What do we have in common?" What is religion supposed to be about, and do we have anything in common in the way that we practice our various faiths?  Are there social or political concerns that we do share, or that we should have as common ground? 

During the time of Dr. Martin Luther King, the civil rights movement stemmed from the black churches, first of all the Baptist church but also from other churches in the black community.  It was because these churches discovered gaining first class citizenship was in their common interest that they could be a powerful enough force to succeed in gaining this result.  Since that time the interfaith movement has come into being, and now this movement encompasses the effort toward racial, cultural, and religious equality as one of its major goals. 

The San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council finds its work most of all to be in giving service such as helping the homeless, providing food and shelter to those who need it, and in general seeking to eliminate poverty and hopelessness. 

On the other hand, our World Interfaith Network finds its greatest common ground in exploring the values of the various religions, especially the reality which is called God, the Spirit, Oneness, the Supreme.  Prayer, meditation, sacredness, forgiveness, understanding, love, and the other qualities of the spiritual life are the central areas of exploration for most of us.  This does not mean that social and political concerns are ignored, but rather that religions' primary areas of focus are the qualities that unify and give meaning to life.  What is being discovered is that the various religions do have much in common, and that in coming together a much greater strength is to be found.  "United we stand; divided we fall". 

In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!



MARCH INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the sixth in the 2006-07 monthly series at religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by the World Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council.  They involve many faith communities and interested individuals.

WHAT DO WE HAVE IN COMMON?  Part 2 -- Service

Last month's use of this theme had an excellent response.  This month we are continuing the theme with a specific focus on what we have in common regarding service.  What do we mean by service, and what do our various faiths include in the realm of service?  What is primary, and what is secondary?  Does service include social concerns or only meeting individual needs? 

BRIEF PRESENTERS AND PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE: 

  • Rev. George Hines -- Downey Church for Spiritual Enrichment: HOST
  • Bibi Haleem -- Leader, King Fahad Mosque; UDC Executive Board
  • Stephen L. Fiske -- Singer, songwriter, composer, peacemaker,
  • Carmen & John Marcus -- Members, L. A. Baha'i Center; music by John 
  • Sister Moyne Puri -- Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, L. A.
  • Al Duffy -- Tour guide at various Buddhist temples in Southern California
  • Rev. Jill Soyars -- Staff minister, Science of Mind Center of Hollywood
  • Carl Hult -- Soloist & choir member, L.A. choirs; World Scriptures supporter 
  • David Turner  -- Founder, Sant Mat Group; follower, Sant Kirpal Singh
  • Fred Bayer -- Member, Temple Beth Emet (Judaism) (tentative)
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Coordinator, Science and Spirituality book project; playwright
Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart, Rene Crawford
Others are cordially invited.  Please bring members of your congregation.

Date: SUNDAY, MARCH 18, 2007(7), 3 TO 5 PM
Refreshments afterward courtesy of Downey Church 

Venue:  DOWNEY CHURCH FOR SPIRITUAL ENRICHMENT
10000 Paramount Blvd., Downey

Directions:  From downtown L.A. take 101 Fwy. So. to 5 Fwy. So.  Exit on Paramount Blvd., take Paramount toward Downey (turn rt. from fwy.).  Go less than 1 mile.  Church is on left (across from Von's, next to Bank of America).  Continue on Paramount past Florence; make u-turn and come back on Paramount past Florence; turn right into church parking lot.

Cost:  LOVE OFFERING -- $10 suggested, $8 for members

ADVANCE NOTICE: 

  • Sun. March 18, 5:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at site.   Do come.
  • Sun. April 15, 3-5 p.m. -- Interfaith Celebration venue and theme to be announced.
 WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066; Phone: 310-391-5735



FEBRUARY INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

Date: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 18, 2007(7), 3 TO 5 P.M.

Venue:  VEDANTA SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
1946 Vedanta Pl., Hollywood (call 928-273-4942 if you need help)

Directions:  Take Hollywood Fwy. to Gower St. turnoff, go north on Gower to Franklin, left to Argyle, right a very short distance to Vine St., then left to Vedanta parking lot.  Park and walk to main building; ask for Green Room.  If on surface streets, go north on Argyle (E. of Vine) under Fwy. to Vine St., then left to lot.

Cost:  LOVE OFFERING -- $10 suggested, $8 for members
Refreshments afterward courtesy of Vedanta Society

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the fIfth in the 2006-07 monthly series at religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by the World Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council.  They involve many faith communities and interested individuals.

THEME:  WHAT DO WE HAVE IN COMMON?

In our world of great diversity of race, culture, and religion, what is it that we have in common among our faiths that can help us discover the unity that exists in our midst?  What are the values upon which we can build a world that works for all?

BRIEF PRESENTERS AND PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

  • Swami Brahmavidyananda -- Monk/author, Vedanta Society of So. California
  • Bibi Haleem -- Leader, King Fahad Mosque; UDC Executive Board member
  • Carmen & John Marcus -- Members, L.A. Baha'i Center; music by John
  • Al Duffy -- Tour guide at various Buddhist temples in Southern California
  • Rev. Jill Soyars -- Staff minister, Science of Mind Center of Hollywood
  • Fred Bayer -- Member, Temple Beth Emet (Judaism); L.A. steering comm.
  • Dr. Erika Wilson -- Religious Studies Prof., Calif. State University Los Angeles
  • Keki Gandhi -- Representative, Zoroastrian Association of California
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Coordinator, Science and Spirituality book project; playwright
  • Rashid Lanie -- International recording pianist; creates "Soul Soundtracks"
  • Kenneth Roeder – President, Science of Mind Center of Hollywood
  • Zainab Mansa – Member, King Fahad Mosque
  • Rev. George Hines -- Minister, Downey Church for Spiritual Enrichment 
Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart
Tentative: Rebecca Tobias, Byron De Lear, Minoo Rahbar, Rene Crawford

Others are cordially invited.  Please bring members of your congregations.

ADVANCE NOTICE:

Sun. Feb. 18, 5:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at site. 
Sun. March 18, 3-5 p.m. -- Interfaith Celebration at George Hines' church, Downey.

WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066; Phone: 310-391-5735

FAX: 310-827-9187; Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com

JANUARY INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the fourth in the 2006-07 monthly series at religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by the World Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council.  They involve many faith communities and interested individuals in interfaith candlelighting, meditation, messages, dialogue, and action.

THEME:  TESTAMENT FOR A 
UNITY-AND-DIVERSITY WORLD

This is our first interfaith celebration of 2007and an excellent time to take a major step forward.  Our theme is the tentative title of the final section of World Scriptures.  Having compiled the essence of the world's major scriptures, plus a number of scriptures from more recent religions and spiritual movements, we now need to turn our attention to those teachings which are most central to bringing our divided world together.  What does your faith have to add to this vital undertaking?  What would Dr. Martin Luther King have to say about what those teachings should be? 

BRIEF PRESENTERS AND PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

  • Rev. Alfred Tsuyuki -- Minister, Konko Church of Los Angeles -- HOST
  • Sister Moyne Puri -- Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University Los Angeles
  • Carmen & John Marcus -- Members, Los Angeles Baha'i Center; music by John
  • Al Duffy -- Tour guide at various Buddhist temples in Southern California
  • Fred Bayer -- Member, Temple Beth Emet (Judaism); L.A. steering committee
  • Dolly Malva -- Former President, Zoroastrian Association of California
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Coordinator, Science and Spirituality book project; playwright
  • Rev. George Hines -- Minister, Downey Church for Spiritual Enrichment (tentative)
  • John Ishvaradas Abdallah -- President, South Coast Interfaith Council (tentative)
  • Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart, Rene Crawford
  • Others are cordially invited.  Please bring members of your congregations.
Date: SUNDAY, JANUARY 21, 2007(7), 3 TO 5 P.M.
Refreshments afterward courtesy of Konko Church 

Venue:  KONKO CHURCH OF LOS ANGELES, 2924 E. First St., East Los Angeles

Directions:  Corner Evergreen (cemetery across street).  Bounded by freeways #5, 10, 710, and 60.  Get to east First St., then go to 2924.  Park in church lot or at the Mexican Restaurant on right.  Note that the numbered streets are First to Fourth.  Check your street guide for further details or call UDC. 

Cost:  LOVE OFFERING -- $10 suggested, $8 for members

ADVANCE NOTICE:

Sun. Jan. 21, 5:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at site.   Do come.

Sun. Feb. 18, 3-5 p.m. -- Interfaith Celebration at George Hines' church in Downey.

WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, 
C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc.
P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066
Phone: 310-391-5735
FAX: 310-827-9187 
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; 
Website: www.udcworld.org




Rev. Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T.
World Interfaith Network
19 November 2006(6)

LISTENING AND RESPONDING TO THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY

The Opening (1:1-7, The Qur'an)

 In the name of Allah, the Compassionate, the Merciful

      Praise be to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds;
      The Compassionate, the Merciful
      Master of the Day of Judgment;
      You alone do we worship, 
      and to You alone we pray for help;
      Guide us to the Straight Path;
      The way of those whom You have favored;
      Not of those who have incurred your wrath. 
      Nor of those who go astray. 
                      -- World Scriptures, p.  441

The opening teaching of The Qur'an, as quoted above, states in a simple form the central thrust of Islam.  Allah, the Muslim’s term for God, is compassionate and merciful.  He is master of the Day of Judgment.  He is the object of Muslim prayer and devotion.  If we keep in mind this focus, then we will understand that Muslims, like the sincere and dedicated people of all religions, seek unity with other human beings and with all life.

What happens in the course of religious development is that there are cycles of faith that move from the beginning of an age, when the teachings of the prophet are very clear and central, to the end of an age, when the priestly elements have taken over and often distorted the original message.  At the end of the age, therefore, conflicts and disagreements tend to arise and cause difficulty for the faithful and for the world at large. 

How these complications are eventually transcended is through the emergence of new teachings that create a larger view of life and the world.  These new teachings are not supposed to replace the previous religions and their messages, but rather help them to shift emphasis from those elements which are divisive to those which allow for a new and more inclusive civilization to be born. 

Today, especially through the rise of science and technology, we are able to see the earth as a whole and to discover the need to bring all the various races, cultures, and religions together in this larger view.  A global civilization is being born which will do just that, to help everyone envision our unity in the midst of our diversity, a unity based upon the consciousness of the earth as a living entity with a vibrancy of its own in which all of us play a part. 

Islam has a very important role to play in this transformation.  The Middle East needs to find itself in the midst of three of the world's major religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.  It is in the best interest of the United States to help this unity emerge while respecting the differences of the religions and letting them discover ways of getting along without violence and war.  We can help provide the stimulus for these changes to happen through conflict resolution and subtle guidance.  In the future we need to take a nonviolent path and show by our example that these ways will work much better than through threats and domination. 

In the World Scriptures is a shortened form of the teachings of Islam, including sections on marriage and family, the prophets, angels, eternal life, worship, alms, fasting, the pilgrimage, and good character.  Those who are of other faiths need to become familiar with these teachings, as well as get to know Muslims who are responsible human beings.  As we gradually build a culture of peace, justice, and environmental sustainability, we will find that many Muslims will be part of that culture.  Now is the time to begin that process, or to strengthen it if we have already begun.

In the Spirit of Unity-and-Diversity!!!

World Interfaith Network
C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc.
P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201
Phone: 310-391-5735; FAX: 310-827-9187 (contact UDC first)
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website (updated): www.udcworld.org



NOVEMBER INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

Date: SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2006(6), 3 TO 5 P.M.

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the third in the 2006-07 monthly series at religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored by the World Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council.  They involve many faith communities and interested individuals in interfaith candlelighting, meditation, messages, dialogue, and action.

THEME:  LISTENING AND RESPONDING TO THE MUSLIM COMMUNITY 

With the major change in Congressional leadership in this month's election, there is likely to be a greater willingness to listen to Muslim perspectives and respond with a loving attitude.  Our visit to the King Fahad Mosque is ideally timed to provide this opportunity.  What can we do to create interfaith understanding that genuinely includes Muslims and opens the door to a united global community?

BRIEF PRESENTERS AND PARTICIPANTS INCLUDE:

  • Mrs. Aleem Muzzaffar, (Sister Bibi), King Fahad Mosque
  • HOST Mohammed Abdul Aleem, Chief Executive Officer, IslamiCity
  • Sister Moyne Puri, Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University
  • Rev. George Hines, Minister, Downey Church for Spiritual Enrichment
  • Carl Hult, Soloist and choir member, various choirs in greater Los Angeles
  • Carmen & John Marcus, Members, Los Angeles Baha'i Center
  • Al Duffy, Tour guide at various Buddhist temples in Southern California
  • Fred Bayer – Member, Temple Beth Emet (Judaism)
  • Keki Gandhi, Representative, Zoroastrian Association of California
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Coordinator, Science and Spirituality book project
Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart, Rene Crawford (tent.)

Others are cordially invited -- refreshments afterward.

Venue:  KING FAHAD MOSQUE, 10980 Washington Blvd., Culver City

Directions:  Take San Diego Fwy. to Washington Blvd., then east to 10980 (near Overland), or take surface streets.  Park in lot or on street. 

Cost:  LOVE OFFERING -- $10 suggested, $8 for members

ADVANCE NOTICE:  Sun. Nov. 19, 5:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at site. 

WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066; Phone: 310-391-5735, FAX: 310-827-9187; Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org



OCTOBER INTERFAITH CELEBRATION

Date: SUNDAY, Oct 15, 2006(6), 3 TO 5 P.M.  Refreshments by Center. 

Venue: BRAHMA KUMARIS RAJA YOGA CENTER OF LOS ANGELES
908 So. Stanley Ave., Los Angeles (betw. Fairfax & La Brea), Phone: 323-933-2808

Directions:  Take Santa Monica or Hollywood Fwy. to Fairfax or La Brea; go to Olympic Blvd. (So. of Wilshire), then to Stanley, turn north to 908; park on street.

BACKGROUND:  This Interfaith Celebration is the second in the 2006-07 monthly series at religious centers in greater Los Angeles.  These events are sponsored  by the World Interfaith Network, a Specialized Affiliate of the Unity-and-Diversity World Council.  They involve many faith communities and interested individuals in interfaith candlelighting, meditation, messages, dialogue, and action.

THEME:  PEACE WITHIN AND WITHOUT

Peace in the world will come when the consciousness of individuals changes to make it possible.   As we approach a very crucial election in November, we also have the opportunity each day to go within and to keep ourselves on the path of truth, love, and mutual understanding.  What do our faiths say on this theme?  How can they help bring clarity and meaning to our lives in this time of challenge among diverse faiths and cultures?

BRIEF PRESENTERS INCLUDE:

  • Sister Hema Patel -- SPECIAL GUEST from Brahma Kumaris San Francisco
  • Sister Gita -- Hostess; Director, Brahma Kumaris Center of Los Angeles;
  • Rev. George Hines -- has become minister of his own church in L. A.
  • Al Duffy -- Tour guide for various Buddhist temples; member, Hsi Lai Temple
  • Rev. Jill Soyars -- Staff Minister, Hollywood Church of Religious Science 
  • Carl Hult – Soloist and choir member in various choirs; World Scriptures prime mover 
  • Mary Mann, Ph.D. -- Coordinator, Science and Spirituality book project; playwright
  • Keki Gandhi -- Representative, Zoroastrian Association of California
  • Fred Bayer -- Member, Temple Beth Emet (Judaism); Steering committee member
  • Sarina Michaels -- Director, Hindu center in San Fernando Valley; seeking to build
  • Kenneth Roeder -- President, Hollywood Church of Religious Science
  • Carmen & John Marcus -- Members, L.A. Baha'i Center; John will play music on sitar
  • Rev. Alfred Tsuyuki -- Minister, Konko Church of Los Angeles 
  • Facilitators: Revs. Leland & Elizabeth Stewart, Rene Crawford (tent.)
Cost:  LOVE OFFERING -- $10 suggested, $8 for members

ADVANCE NOTICE:
Sun. Oct. 15, 5:30 p.m. -- Brief WIN Steering Committee at Center. 
Sun. Nov. 19, 3-5 p.m. -- Next Interfaith Cel.,  King Fahad Mosque.
*Sun. Dec. 10, 3-6 p.m. -- PEACE SUNDAY at L. A. Baha'i Center.

WORLD INTERFAITH NETWORK, C/o Unity-and-Diversity World Council, Inc., P.O. Box 661401, Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201; Phone: 310-391-5735; FAX: 310-827-9187 (call UDC first);  Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com; Website: www.udcworld.org


Unity-and-Diversity Contact Information

Leland P. Stewart, B.S.E., B.T., 
       Founder/Central Coordinator
P.O. Box 661401
Los Angeles, CA USA 90066-9201
Phone: 310-391-5735
FAX: 310-827-9187 (contact UDC first)
Email: udcworld1@yahoo.com
Website: www.udcworld.org

website last changed November 10, 2007