Faith communities are uniquely positioned for moving people from fear to trust, from loneliness to community and from exclusive communities to inclusive and welcoming communities. We represent a precious antidote for frightening rhetoric, political division and increasing acts of hate and violence. This newsletter invites us to maximize our impact by working in partnership with our elected and appointed County officials, and one another.
Hopefully your faith community will be represented for “A Discussion of Security for Our Faith Communities” this Thursday in the County Council Chambers. Click the flyer for details and come to share your concerns and learn about the partnerships faith leaders enjoy with Police, Fire and Rescue Services and Office of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.
Our County Council and County Executive care about our security and value the role we play in responding to acts of hate and violence. This includes workshops, grants and Thursday’s discussion. Let us show up with appreciation.
Bravo for all the faith communities becoming Partners with the 2020 Census. Because faith leaders are trusted, we are well positioned to reach hard-to-count families and help them understand the confidential nature of the Census. What is at stake is over $675 billion in federal funding that comes down to $18,250 per person in Maryland over the course of 10 years. We need it for education, security, human services and more. Time to get with it.
Click on the Faith Community Census Partner flyer for more information, designate a captain, communicate with all your members and begin planning for the Census Interfaith Sabbath on March 27-29. Our Executive Committee is coordinating programs and we can provide knowledgable spokespersons and resources for presentations.
The "Empowering Houses of Worship" workshop is another example of how our partnership with the Departments of Permitting Services and Environmental Protection, the Montgomery County Community use of Public Facilities, Maryland national Capital Park and Planning Commission and Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission help save time and money in buying, building and renovating property.
The "Journey into America" with Professor Akbar Ahmed and a panel of his colleagues will help us appreciate both the awesome contributions of Muslim immigrants and the opportunity we have for working with them in creating a more inclusive community. See the flier for details.
"Holy Envy: An Interfaith Exploration" is outside Montgomery County, yet the panel features several of our interfaith leaders addressing the blessings that come through interfaith engagement. You may register by clinking on the flier.
In the face of all that frightens and threatens to divide us, we are privileged to be responding with elected and appointed public officials, and with faith communities ranging from Anglican to Zorastorian. Acting together with faith in the power of divine love, we will prevail in creating a more compassionate, secure and inclusive community.
Shalom, Om Shanti, Sat Sri Akal, Salaam, Namaste, Peace
Rev. Mansfield "Kasey" Kaseman
Interfaith Community Liaison
Office of Community Partnerships
Stay Connected
If you would like your event featured in the
Faith Community Advisory Council newsletter, please contact us at interfaith@montgomerycountymd.gov
Faith Community Advisory Council | www.montgomerycountyinterfaithmd.org
