Changing the mood in Washington, DC

At this point in history, we are going through difficult times.  Whether you are on the right, left or the center, you are concerned about the liberties and freedoms of all Americans.  The divisiveness, even though temporary, has caused us to lose trust in each other to function effectively as a nation.

So what can we do?

Our President John Kennedy had famously urged us, “Ask not what the country can do - ask what you can do for your country.” and Professor William James had written that our actions can change the moods.

Here is what we can to do to restore America where no Americans feels left out, but feels included in nation building.

Let’s close 2016 on a positive note, let’s come together as Americans, and celebrate our collective Festivals of Hanukkah, Christmas, Milad, Kwanza, Janamashtami, Gurpurab and the festivities of Native Americans, and other traditions including Atheist/Humanist. Each group will get to sing honoring their faith tradition.

When we are together, it is uplifting!
We can change our moods! 

The following video has clips from Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza, Milad, Janamashtami and other great celebrations.  On the actual day of Festival of Faiths, Americans Together will celebrate their traditions.  

1. Video   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mjhbRkN7soQ 
2. Details   http://centerforpluralism.com/festival-of-faiths/
3. Attend  RSVP – Eventbrite
4.  Sing?   If your group likes to sing Register@Centerforpluralism.com    
5. List?     Please send an email to   Register@Centerforpluralism.com   
6. Op-Ed  Ask not what the President can do for us?” will be released soon
7. More     http://Centerforpluralism.com/Workshops
8. Browse Tabs at  www.Centerforpluralism.com
9.  Event   Celebrating America –Festival of Faiths on Sunday, 12/18 – 12 to 2 PM
10. Where   Jefferson Memorial, Washington, DC 

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Dr. Mike Ghouse is founder and president of Center for Pluralism aka Americans Together. He is committed to building cohesive societies and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about him in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

First time in history – Celebration of birth of Jesus and Prophet Muhammad on the steps of Lincoln Memorial.

PRESS RELEASE

Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916Mike@AmericanMuslimInstitution.org
www.AmericanMuslimInstituition.org

First time in history – Celebration of birth of Jesus and Prophet Muhammad on the steps of Lincoln Memorial.

Washington, D.C., December 22, 2015 – For the first time in the history of Christianity and Islam, the Christians and Muslims are jointly celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad, and it is on the historic steps of Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC.

• What: Interfaith celebration of Christmas and Milad
• Date: Saturday, December 26, 2015
• Time: 1:00 PM 
• RSVP: At eventbrite link at www.AmericanMuslimInstitution.org - or - https://www.eventbrite.com/e/merry-christmas-milad-mubarak-tickets-20040393356
• Transportation: Listed below 

Mike Ghouse, the Executive Director of American Muslim Institution, a proactive voice for American Muslims said, “It is a God-given opportunity to further strengthen our bonds with each other on the auspicious occasion of the birth of Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad which fall on 25th and 24th of December, respectively.  It provides us a great spiritual incentive to know each other for better.  We have an obligation to create a safe and secure America for all of us.”
Dr. Aquilur Rahman, Chairman of the AMI Board said, “We chose this location, as it signifies another great event in our history, Rev. Martin Luther King’s dream speech which became a catalyst in fulfilling the vision of our founding fathers that we are all created equal. We have one more step to take towards a cohesive America.”

It is a symbolic interfaith event with Christmas Carols and Milaad Nasheeds and a short message from faith leaders, an inclusive event to build a safe, secure and cohesive America. The more we know each other, the fewer misconceptions we will have. “

Rizwan Jaka, Chair, Board of Trustees & Interfaith Co-Chair, All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS) adds,“ God wants all of us to come together and create a safe and secure America for each one of us, we are all in this together, and let’s appreciate this to uphold religious freedom and  beckon a peaceful and prosperous 2016 and more.”


Syed Moktadir, President of ADAMS and the Vice Chairman of the U.S. Muslim & Christian Coalition (MCC) for the Protection of Christian and Religious Minorities in Arab World said, "the birth of Jesus and Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Them) brought so much blessing and light to our world that the hearts of the faithful continue to be full of love and passion for both of them and for all the prophets of God who came to guide humanity to worship God alone and unite the humanity through His worship. This event is yet another manifestation of that interfaith unity."

This is an initiative of American Muslim Institution and the All Dulles Area Muslim Society (ADAMS), one of the largest Muslim communities/mosques in the DC Metro Area and in the United States. 
PARKING - Road side parking subject to availability.

BUS & RAIL - The nearest metro stations are Foggy Bottom (23rd St. & I St. NW) and Smithsonian (12th St. &Independence Ave. SW). The Circulator Bus also runs to the Lincoln Memorial from the Union Station along Independence. 
 

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CONTACT

• Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916
• Bob Marro (703) 309-6726
• Islam Siddiqui (202) 725-7409
• Aquilur Rahman (847) 822-9659
• Rizwan Jaka (703) 624-6352
• Syed Moktadir (703) 899-1132

SUPPORTING ORGANIZATIONS

• Universal Peace Federation
• World Association of NGO's (at the UN)
• The International Cultural Center
• Aligarh Alumni Association Washington DC
• Islamic Society of Washington Area
• Your Organization, please email us the name of your org to add tp this list to - MikeGhouse@aol.com

Hinduphobia | Islamophobia | Bible Learning | Lowe's | Christmas

This week's bulletin:

Bigotry against Hinduism in Russia

You and I have allowed blatant bigotry to be preached on our land unquestioned and unchecked. The damned thing is contagious and spreading to Russia and other nations. Bigotry exists not because of bigots, but because we have not spoken out against it.

Six years ago in December of 2006, the Archbishop of Russia called Krishna a Satan, and five years ago, the city of Moscow made serious attempts to usurp the land belonging to Krishna Temple. Of course, a few of us wrote about it and now per the news reports, the “Bhagvad Gita, one of the holiest Hindu scriptures, is facing a legal ban and the prospect of being branded as "an extremist" literature across Russia. A court in Siberia's Tomsk city is set to deliver its final verdict Monday in a case filed by state prosecutors.”

Continued: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/12/bigotry-against-hinduism-in-russia.html

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My Sermon at Pathway Unitarian Universalist Church, South Lake

It’s a blessing to understand the beauty and wisdom of many a religious traditions and most certainly, I find a common ground at the Unitarian Universalist Church, a universal place of worship where all traditions are welcome. If you unchain yourselves from any pervious conditioning about a faith or a tradition, your boundlessness will offer the joys of seeing the beauty in every tradition. I thank God for blessing me with no boundaries.

My sermon was about three key points. http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-sermon-at-pathway-unitarian.html

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Bible Workshop in Chicago

I'm in a Bible Workshop on "Original substance of divine principle" by Unificationist Church Ministry by Rev. Moon. I'm in Chicago for four days.

This learning is reaffirming my belief that religion is about bringing a balance to an individual and creating a cohesive world. It sounds so much like Islam and Hinduism in a few spots and Bahai at times.

I hope to attend the next conference by Unitarian Universalists. I'm blessed to have attended the Jewish, Hindu and Sikh workshops. The more you know the lesser you know, but the search for truth is wonderful, it's the same truth expressed differently and I thank God for helping me see the beauty and wisdom of each faith.

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What should American Muslims do in case of Lowe’s?

There is hope for Muslim Americans. We have to look up what Prophet would have done in a situation like this. He was the ultimate peace maker and applied a simple formula; conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturance to situations. We know clearly that evil begins with an individual and acquires support from a few core members. The entire membership of Florida Family Association should not be held accountable for the actions of a few among them who are directly responsible to tear the cohesive fabric of America.

Huffington post: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/lowes-all-american-muslim_b_1145048.html

Indian Muslim Observer: http://www.indianmuslimobserver.com/2011/12/latest-editorial-what-should-american.html

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Texas Faith – Why music is central to Christmas or any religious story?

Music is one big part of the harmony that binds people; it is a reflection of one's moods. When we are joyous, we have to give expression to that sentiment to bring a sense of fullness to the feeling.

Dallas Morning news - http://religionblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2011/12/texas-faith-why-is-music-centr.html

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