Categories
Updates

March 2019: A Message of Solidarity to Our Muslim Friends

Dear Beloved Muslim Friends,

We know that two weeks have passed but the pain and ongoing sorrow continues. On behalf of the board and staff of Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity, we want to express our deep sorrow over the latest tragedy born of the disease of white supremacy, Islamophobia and racism that resulted in the death of Muslim families, 50 beautiful souls, in New Zealand,

While this is the worst violence that nation has ever seen, we know all too well that this event is part of a global phenomenon of the spread of white supremacy that has its roots here in the United States of America.

We pray every day that we can create a loving community of active solidarity in order to remain strong in the face of senseless acts of hatred in our communities here in California, and around the world. Targeting Muslims during prayer is heinous. We believe that actively seeking justice and embodying solidarity across all boundaries is a remedy to such acts. We understand what this means to Muslims, Jews, Sikhs, African Americans and LGBTQ individuals in our community who have been targeted by white supremacy in houses of worship, and in the midst of celebratory occasions, and as they pursue the tasks of life on a daily basis.

It is our intention that in the face of this most recent attack on our community, we commit to our mission to build sanctuary for all who seek the safety of home. May we actively pursue love and peacebuilding in our communities, and seek comfort and support from each other as we go through another period of mourning. And may we find ways to stand with Muslim spouses, relatives, loved ones, friends, co-workers and Muslim community institutions. Let us act in ways that prevent further violence. Let us prepare ourselves to respond by actively holding accountable those who perpetuate racism and public harm, and show our love and our lived values in acts of kindness, humanity, and concern.

We have included this piece of art for you to print created by our Board Chair, Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb. It is a means to remember how beautiful our love is for one another. All of us or none of us.

As your friends and allies, we commit and invite others to join us in ending Islamophobia in our neighborhoods and the halls of Congress. We commit to supporting the No Ban Act that will repeal the Muslim ban and stop discrimination from being enacted in the future. We hope to see you at community events like the one taking place in San Francisco this Sunday (see below).

Here is a link to donate to victims of this attack

May the following week, the coming Jummah prayers and Sabbath, bring a measure of comfort to all who mourn. May we recommit to stand in the reality of our ultimate oneness and human integrity. Together we shall overcome

With love and solidarity,

Interfaith Movement for Human Integrity Board and Staff

Categories
Updates

March 18-25: Root Causes Pilgrimage to Honduras

Since 2015, we have focused on and responded to the root causes of migration from Central America by organizing pilgrimages of witness and solidarity. As a result, we have shined a light on the political and economic forces that cause migrant caravans in desperate search for protection and survival in the U.S.

This year’s pilgrimage will be our largest group yet, consisting of 75 delegates from three countries, representing diverse religious traditions and advocacy organizations.

Here is how you too can be be a part of our pilgrimage and learn about root causes of migration with us.


Wake up, humanity, there is no more time!”
–Berta Caceres

March 3rd marks three years since Berta Caceres was assassinated. She planted seeds of undeterred courage to defend the earth’s resources and the self-determination of communities to live in dignity.

During our Root Causes Honduras pilgrimage we will be in conversation with prophetic grassroots activists and religious leaders and find out how we can be in solidarity.

#MigrationRootCauses  #RootCauses2019  #Honduras

Categories
Updates

March 21, Los Angeles: Faith and Race: Carry It On

Lincoln Memorial Congregational Church, 4126 Arlington Ave, Los Angeles

March 21, 6 p.m.

Justice Not Jails invites the community to gather for a follow-up conversation growing out of our Jan. 26 day-long Faith & Race Conference at Holman United Methodist Church. On the 21st we will drill down on what real solidarity with those who have lived experience of our racist criminal justice system looks like: What kinds of interventions and actions are timely and necessary? Where is the voice of faith leadership most needed in the context of Los Angeles County?

How to we build greater awareness and commitment within the faith community itself?

With so much going on—plans for new jail construction (or is it really a hospital?), a hard-to-read new county sheriff, and an urgent need for a more accountable District Attorney (just to name a few)—we have lots to talk about.

Light refreshments will be available, but you must RSVP. Seating will be limited. Register today to hold your spot.