March Newsletter: What's Happening at Interfaith Action SW Michigan |
In this Newsletter: - Support Driver's Licenses for all Michigan Residents: March 13, 2023 at 6 pm
- Embracing the Gift and Necessity of Interfaith Dialogue: An Evening with Jack Gordon of 'Interfaith-Ish’ on March 23, 2023 at 6 pm.
- Breaking news
- Amendment to State Civil Rights Legislation
- End Gun Violence Michigan: March 22
- "That Little Voice"
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Report from Mia Moran: Religion, Politics and Power: Examining the Relationships between Christianity, Nationalism, and White Supremacy in America
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What's Happening at Interfaith Action This section is designed to be copied and pasted into our congregational worship bulletins or newsletters.
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Support Driver's Licenses for All Michigan Residents | March 13, 2023 at 6 pm
Join Interfaith Action and advocates across Michigan in supporting the implementation of driver's licenses for all Michigan residents. The panel discussion on March 13, 2023 at 6 pm aims to raise awareness about the benefits of this policy. The panelists for the discussion include:
Lupita Sanchez, SW Rural Michigan Organizer for We The People-Michigan Liz Balck, West Michigan Advocacy Strategist for ACLU Simon Marshall-Shah, Policy Analyst for the Michigan League for Public Policy Join us in calling on legislators to take action and make driver's licenses accessible to all Michigan residents. This program will take place on Zoom (register below). |
Interfaith Action is excited to announce a program titled ‘Embracing the Gift and Necessity of Interfaith Dialogue: An Evening with Jack Gordon of 'Interfaith-Ish’ on March 23, 2023 at 6 pm.
In today's religious and political climate, it is more important than ever to create and participate in spaces where diverse faith traditions and backgrounds can come together. Our esteemed guest, Jack Gordon, has a rich history of facilitating Interfaith conversations, creating spaces for members of different faith traditions, political persuasions, and cultural backgrounds to engage in meaningful conversations. Jack Gordon is host of the radio show “Interfaith-ish” on WOWD 94.3FM Takoma Radio in Takoma Park, Maryland (episodes can also be found on Apple Podcasts). His show, 'Interfaith-Ish,' is described as "conversations about what we believe, why we believe, and how we navigate the common ground and differences between our traditions." He has worked as a professional documentary filmmaker for nearly 20 years, and recently directed the short film 'To Bigotry No Sanction', commissioned by George Washington University. Jack has been active in the DC area interfaith scene since 2010, serving on the board of the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington and spearheading the annual DC Interfaith Leadership Summit for young adult leaders in the region until 2017. Jack grew up in a religiously mixed family and identifies as a Baha'i who is also culturally Jewish.
Join us on March 23, 2023 at 6 pm, for an evening of reflection on the gift and necessity of Interfaith dialogue today.
This program is co-sponsored by the Ansari Institute for Global Engagement with Religion at the University of Notre Dame. |
It was a historic moment Wednesday, March 1, in the state Senate when legislation to ban discrimination against LGBTQ people in Michigan passed the chamber in a bipartisan vote.
The legislation will now move to the Michigan House of Representatives; we’ll keep you informed as to the time to contact your Representatives.
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Amendment to State Civil Rights Legislation
While the Michigan Supreme Court has determined that Michigan’s Cicil Rights Law, the Elliot Larson Civil Rights Act, does include protections on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity, state legislators believe that a formal amendment to existing law is essential to make these protections inviolable.
You can add your voice by contacting your Senator. |
After two public hearings, the legislation has been successfully voted out of committee and is now going to a vote in the State Senate. Show your support by clicking the link below to send a pre-written message to your State Senator in support of this historic legislation. |
March 21 @ 8pm End Gun Violence Michigan general meeting-all welcome on zoom. Registration information to follow. |
March 22 End Gun Violence Michigan is joining the United Methodist Conference on lobby day to advocate for gun safety laws. |
Over the past week, the Michigan Legislature introduced the following gun safety bills: Universal Background Checks, Safe Storage and Extreme Risk Protection Order bills. The Senate and House Judiciary Committees both held hearings-a first in over 40 years. They are recorded and include testimony from experts and survivors. There will be additional hearings next week with a vote by the House and Senate in the upcoming weeks.
Additional Hearings for the House and Senate next week: March 15 Rally with Gabby Giffords at Capitol March 21 EGVM General Meeting
March 22 United Methodist Conference Advocacy Day: Register HERE Press Conferences and House and Senate Hearings: Wednesday Press Conference
House Hearing Recording (thanks Heath!)
Thursday Press Conference
Senate Hearing Recording |
Click the photo above to read the latest report from our intern, Mia Moran. |
"That Little Voice" is a short YouTube video which addresses that little voice within each of us that urges us to stay silent, usually out of fear or self-interest, when we hear or see another person or group “othered,” bullied, or excluded. The video emphasizes the importance of finding your voice and making it heard whenever we see another person made in God’s image and likeness being “othered” or subjected to any non-inclusive behavior. Use your voice. Be the salt of the earth. Let your voice be the light that shines in the darkness.
Each time we do not speak up against language or actions that classify people as outsiders, it becomes more acceptable for us and others to engage in those same biased behaviors. People are less likely to participate in “othering” when we use our voice and help make non-inclusive behavior socially unacceptable.
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FAITH AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE |
Refugia: Restore. Repair. Renew.
Crossroads of Healing event on Saturday, March 11, from 10:00 to 12:00 Noon
Dr. Debra Rienstra, a Professor of English at Calvin University, and who writes compellingly about places of shelter where life endures and re-emerges in times of crisis in her book Refugia Faith, will lead an interactive presentation and workshop on the hope of healing Earth along our lake Michigan shoreline, among the coastal dunes, and in the daily habits of human communities.
All Saints’ Parish 252 Grand Street, Saugatuck Saturday, March 11, 2023 10:00 a.m. — 12:00 p.m.
(Also live-streamed on YouTube and Facebook) |
Be a Part of Interfaith Action Work -- Donate Today!
Consider giving a financial gift to Interfaith Action. To learn more about our mission and goals, visit www.swmichinterfaith.org. You can donate online now, or learn more about our other donation options on our website. |
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