Daily Archives: June 23, 2020

RESOURCES and POINT INTERFAITH TEAM Statement

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STOP SYSTEMIC RACISM

Books
White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
How to Be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi                                                            Waking up White by Debbie Irving

100 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
https://medium.com/equality-includes-you/what-white-people-can-do-for-racial-justice-f2d18b0e0234 

‘White Fragility’ Is Everywhere.
But Does Antiracism Training Work?
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The All Faith Center is a founding member of POINT. Rev. Abigail was instrumental in crafting the statement below. The All Faith Center is in total agreement with the statement.
POINT INTERFAITH TEAM STANDS TOGETHER
FOR RACIAL JUSTICE, EQUITYAND DIGNITY FOR ALL
To consort with the followers of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and fellowship.
To increase community awareness and understanding of different faith traditions.
To stand with all faiths for human rights and justice
POINT Interfaith Team is committed to our Mission Statement above.  Although the statement below has been reviewed by Representatives of POINT, it is not permitted for some of our faith communities to make official statements outside of their denominations.
POINT Interfaith Team members are heartbroken about the numerous and continued killings of unarmed black persons by law enforcement officers. The killing of George Floyd and so many others is a horrific reminder that racism continues to have a stranglehold on our justice systems and prevents our nation from fully being the “land of the free”. We acknowledge that most law enforcement officers act in accordance with their pledge to “protect and serve” all people.
We stand with and support BLACK LIVES MATTER. We urge people of faith to vote for officials who have a record of being anti-racist, not simply “non-racist”. Elect those who work towards true reconciliation.
As people of faith, we honor the holy creation of all people, all races, creeds, genders, and spiritual paths. Sacred texts promote peace with justice and therefore we call for serious movement towards peacekeeping over policing. Investing in community programs, education, healthcare and the like reduce crime and strengthen communities.  We exhort each person to examine their own bias, attitude and assumptions and act in ways aligning with the values and ideals they hold sacred. No one can truthfully say “all lives matter” until Black Lives Matter. We are one Human Family and all major faith traditions proclaim, “The Golden Rule”.
POINT Interfaith Team Faith Leaders are dedicated to educating about the historic faith traditions and the dignity of all people. We encourage people to seek out anti-racism events and classes that raise community awareness and move towards justice. We welcome the opportunity to partner with you on such activities.
We pray our nation demands humane treatment for all people regardless of race, nationality, faith, or creed.
We pray the leaders in all structures and institutions dig deep and promote equality and justice in all they do.
Praying for just peace,
Rev. Cheri Metier, President, POINT Interfaith Team
Rev. Dr. Abigail Albert, Executive Director, POINT Interfaith Team
POINT Interfaith Team (20 Faith Organizations, 2 Interfaith Organizations, 8 Individual Members)

Be Open and Listen

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Dear Friends,
As you know our passion and purpose has been to bring Interfaith (knowledge, understanding and respect for all faith traditions) to the forefront of not only our community, but the country and the world.  At this time the
All Faith Center has expanded its mission.
We sacredly honor all faith traditions, all races, all cultures,
ethnicities,  and gender identities.
When we stand up for one group of people, we stand up for all people. For in reality there is no separation, only Oneness and Unity.

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As I mentioned in an earlier ‘Inspiration’  I was fortunate to be invited to a Baha’i Devotional a couple weeks ago with the speaker (on zoom) Charles Howard.  Charles is the brother of a friend of mine. Charles  gave a heartfelt and inspiring talk on ‘Racial Unity and Justice’. He has 35 years of experience working on Diversity and Inclusion, Social Justice and Sustainable Development issues in communities and organizations throughout the US and various parts of the world.

His excellent presentation is now on Youtube’
 https://youtu.be/xJx3H2jH-MI 
I encourage you to watch this video.

 

 

 

Right now, many of us are doing what we can to help bring about equality,  and justice for all people of color, faith, ethnicity and gender.  We must also be willing to stop and LISTEN to the life experiences of people who have suffered from injustices. It is so important to sit down and hear their stories.  Begin to open up and understand white life experiences are very different than black  life experiences. Many of us who have listened to stories, exclaim “I never knew, what I never knew!”   We cannot KNOW until we LISTEN. It is time for white America to learn, what they never knew.  White Privilege is inherent and we need to realize the benefits we automatically have, while others do not.  Knowing, helps us expand and create the change we wish to see in the world.
There are  several wonderful zoom programs featured under Local Events to help us understand racism and ways to dismantle it. We all have tunnel vision of some kind.  It is time to open up the tunnel. See more in order to understand more, in order to do more.
Opening and Listening,
Abigail and Steve