Welcome to the eighth issue of In the Spirit, a monthly newsletter created to share news of the Charleston Interreligious Council (CIC) and other interfaith events held in Charleston, SC.
"The Rabbi Interview" Rabbi Haas interviews Rabbi Alexander to learn about her impact on Charleston. Click here for the zoom link.
March 23 at 6:15pm
Join yoga teacher and author Darren Main on Tuesday nights for this gentle and nurturing yoga practice on the world renown labyrinth inside Grace Cathedral. For more information click here
March 30 at 7pm
Join the Arnold Center for Israel Studies for the first part of a three part series discussing the fall of liberal Zionism. Register here.
April 6 at 7pm
Join Professor Bruce D. Haynes (U of California, Davis) for a look into the diverse origins of Jews of African descent in the United States. Register here.
Check our website for a list of all CIC events, past and future: Programs and Events
African American Religious Diversity and Dialogue: The 4th Annual James Sawers Interfaith Speaker Series
The Charleston Interreligious Council held its 4th Annual James Sawers Jr. Interfaith Speaker Series, African American Religious Diversity and Dialogue through a series of virtual conversations starting on November 12, 2020, and lasting through February 16, 2021.
The series kicked off with a keynote address by Dr. Anthony Pinn on the history and key characteristics of African American religious life. Additional lectures/discussions explored African American diversity of faith in Charleston within different faith traditions, including Islam, Catholicism, Neo-African, and Baha’i Traditions. If you missed the lecture series and would like to view recordings of the events, you may find them here.
2021 Nehemiah Action
On March 22 at 7pm, join the Charleston Area Justice Ministry. The Nehemiah Action is CAJM's annual assembly where thousands of community members gather to push for a better Charleston. They move public negotiations out of private rooms and into the light, so we can ALL be a part of the decision making process in our community.
This year they are negotiating for better healthcare and housing. Don't miss the chance to transform your community with thousands of your neighbors.
There are two ways to participate: at the Bend in North Charleston from the safety of your car (drive-in movie style) and virtually. Register here.
Congratulations to Our Local Sikh Community in the Creation of Their First Gurdwara!
The edifice at 101 Jean Wells Drive in Goose Creek is the first permanent location for the region’s Sikh community, organizers said. Sikh adherents in the Charleston region said the new gurdwara, as Sikh worship spaces are called, is the third in the state.
For many years, observants either used their homes to host services or they traveled to the Midlands or the Upstate, where two other Sikh temples are located.
Now they have a place close to home.
“It’s a good feeling,” Randhir Makkar said. “We pray that COVID is gone soon and we are back to normal as we were two years ago so we can meet and have more people come there.” from the Post and Courier 3/6/21...More here.
Stamp Out Hate South Carolina’s Coalition Efforts
As one of three states in the US with no law specifically protecting citizens targeted by hate crime, it is long past time that South Carolina moves forward with the passage of hate crime legislation.
In the interest of making that happen, over 10 organizations have banded together behind a position statement and an official campaign called Stamp Out Hate South Carolina.
The position statement, the list of signers, the link to add your organization to the list, and information on how to support our campaign are available on the coalition’s website: www.stampouthate.sc
Board Member Spotlights
Dr. Jaye Goosby
Dr. Jaye Goosby Smith is one of newest board members, having joined in May of this year. Smith holds a B.S. in Computer Science from Spelman College, as well as an M.B.A. and a Ph.D. in Organizational Behavior from Case Western Reserve University. Originally from Gary, IN, she now lives in Charleston, where she serves at The Citadel as a business and leadership studies professor; an assistant provost of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion; and the director of the Truth, Racial Healing, and Transformation Center. While not at The Citadel, she attends Charleston’s Greater St. Luke AME Church, where she serves as a steward and YPD director, and sits on the boards of The Foundation for Justice and Peace and The Children’s Trust of South Carolina.
Dr. J, as she is known, specializes in workplace inclusion, with additional focuses on teams, higher education, veterans, and workplace spirituality and religion. Her research can be found in the book Beyond Inclusion (2014, Palgrave MacMillan) and several other book chapters, journal articles, and research reports. She is presently editing another book on spirituality and religion in the workplace, titled Blessed are Those Who Ask the Questions (2020, Information Age Publishing). We are certain that her call to “increase human thriving in the workplace” will make her a great addition to our board.
Dr. Randhir Makkar
Dr. Randhir Makkar joined our board in May of this year. Originally from India, he moved to Charleston in 2002, where he has been actively involved with a variety of social and religious organizations. He has previously served in leadership roles for the India Association of Greater Charleston and the Hindu Temple of Charleston, and is currently a volunteer for the Khalsa Aid Organization. He has also been an accomplished senior scientist with Guild Biosciences since 2010, having authored more than 30 peer-reviewed publications. He says that his goal “has always been to have a constructive approach to problems, whether at a personal or a social level,” and firmly believes that “everyone can bring a positive influence to society.” We’re confident that his mission will help make the Charleston community a better place for all.
Volunteer opportunities in the community
Charleston Habitat for Humanity
Charleston Habitat for Humanity accepts volunteers year-round. They have two volunteer opportunities for a build. One is in the Joppa Way neighborhood in North Charleston, and the other is at Restore in Downtown Charleston. Depending on how far along they are in the build process, volunteers can help with framing, laying the floor system, roofing, painting, landscaping, etc.. Sign up to volunteer here
Healthcare for the Homeless
With increased job losses and evictions during this pandemic, the Shifa Clinic is focusing on providing health screenings and hygiene products to the homeless in order to keep them safe and stop the spread of Covid-19. They are accepting financial donations as well as donations of food and hygiene products. Find out more here
Peace among religions is a precondition for world peace.--- Swami Agnivesh
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The Charleston Interreligious Council (formerly the Christian Jewish Council of Greater Charleston) is an organization that seeks to build bridges of understanding to promote sensitivity, tolerance, respect, and fellowship among religious groups.