Podcasts about interfaith ministries

On this episode of the Rules of the Game podcast, the second installment of our eight-part series focusing on critical issues, we dive into the latest headlines shaping racial justice and immigrant rights. We'll explore how nonprofits can play a pivotal role in advocating for change through legislative, executive, and judicial channels. From raising awareness to securing funding for advocacy efforts, nonprofits across the nation are stepping up in the fight to protect our rights. This episode not only highlights their impactful work but also provides crucial insights into the rules and regulations that govern nonprofit advocacy in the ongoing struggle for racial justice and immigrant rights.   Attorneys for this episode  Monika Graham Brittany Hacker Quyen Tu    Current Events/EOs:     ·      Trump Administration Cuts Funding for Unaccompanied Immigrant Children, essentially terminating the UAC Program   o   UAC Program Responsibilities: §  Ensuring that the interests of the child are considered in decisions related to care and custody §  Ensuring, to the greatest extent practicable, that all unaccompanied alien children in custody have access to legal representation or counsel §  Releasing UAC to qualified sponsors and family members who are determined to be capable of providing for the child's physical and mental well-being o   The Fallout: §  Impacts the work of 100 plus legal service providers §  RAICES 199+ employees laid off §  Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston 101 employee layoffs §  Catholic Charities Tarrant County 169 employee layoffs §  Catholic Charities Houston/Dallas 180 employee layoffs §  Over 26, 000 children left without legal representation §  Immigration court backlog includes about 3.5 million cases ·      Attacks on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion o   Trump's order to investigate around 350 philanthropic organizations holding combined assets of $900B due to their DEI programs. o    Funders' responses: Some have remained steadfast in their commitment, while others have backed down. o   Context to understand the broader tension: ·       A surge in commitment to racial equity following the murder of George Floyd by police in 2020. ·       SCOTUS ruling in June 2023: The Supreme Court deemed race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard and UNC unconstitutional in the Students for Fair Admissions case, effectively ending affirmative action in college admissions. ·       In response to SFFA, in August 2023, the American Alliance for Equal Rights sued Fearless Fund, alleging its grant program for Black female entrepreneurs was racially discriminatory. The 11th Circuit Court halted the program during litigation, and Fearless Fund settled in September 2024, ending the program. As a result, grants or contracts restricted to a specific race may now violate federal law. o   Government and private sector DEI offices and programs have shut down. o   Numerous lawsuits are pending, creating additional legal uncertainty. o   Chilling effect already unfolding, with widespread chaos and uncertainty.   ·      Executive Orders (10 in the first 7 days) o   Ended humanitarian parole for immigrants from Cuba, Haiti, Venezuela, and Nicaragua, forcing those legally allowed into the U.S. to leave. o   Attempt to end birthright citizenship. o    Ramp-up of deportations, expanding the list of individuals prioritized for removal. o   Paused the refugee resettlement program, capping it at the lowest level in 40 years. o   Ongoing challenges: Many policies have been paused or are currently being contested in the courts. o   Impact on individuals: Deportations of student visa holders detained by masked individuals, and the arrest of Legal Permanent Residents (LPRs) based on their involvement in Free Palestine movements. o    Deportations to El Salvador without due process for immigrants alleged to be gang members—based solely on tattoos. o   Wrongful deportation: A Maryland man was deported to El Salvador despite a court order prohibiting his deportation. Authorities claim it was an administrative error, with no legitimate reason for his arrest, detention, or removal. Even DOJ lawyers have expressed confusion about why the administration isn't bringing him back, despite being ordered to return him by midnight tonight. o   Shocking incompetence: The lack of diligence and understanding of the human impact of these policies is alarming.         Advocacy ·      Executive Order Advocacy: o   501(c)(3) compliant, safe, nonpartisan, non-lobbying advocacy activity (keeping in mind that other federal, state, and local regulations may apply) o   Track and communicate EOs, assist immigrant communities in understanding their implications, and help prepare through targeted social media campaigns o   Develop a preparedness plan for potential ICE actions at your nonprofit, ensuring the safety and rights of those involved ·      Fund Advocacy: o   General support grants provide funding that is not earmarked for a particular purpose and can be used at the discretion of the recipient organization to advance their mission and cover operating costs.  o   Specific project grants: Private foundations must review the grantee's project budget and may award up to the non-lobbying portion. Funds must be used exclusively for the designated project. o   Note: Public foundations that have made the 501(h) election may follow the same general support and specific project grant rules that apply to private foundations, and these grants should not be considered a lobbying expenditure by the foundation, even if the recipient public charity spends the grant funds on lobbying ·      Public Awareness: o   Amplify the voices of unaccompanied children through powerful storytelling campaigns that humanize their experiences and bring attention to their plight. o   Conduct in-depth research on the impact of funding cuts, highlighting how these reductions are affecting the lives of vulnerable children, and share these findings publicly to increase awareness. o   Actively engage with your community by hosting events, discussions, or social media campaigns that educate the public on current issues surrounding unaccompanied immigrant children and provide actionable ways they can advocate for meaningful change. Lobbying  ·      Tax Code Lobbying 101: Public charities can engage in lobbying! Ensure you track and report all local, state, and federal lobbying activities while staying within legal limits. ·      Host a Lobbying Day: Organize a dedicated event, like AILA's National Day of Action, to mobilize supporters and advocate for critical issues. ·      Engage in Ballot Measure Work: Actively participate in ballot measures to influence public policy decisions at the local or state level. ·      Remember: o   State/local level lobbyist registration and reporting requirements may apply when engaging in legislative and executive branch advocacy. o   Ballot measure advocacy could implicate state/local campaign finance and election laws.        Resources ·      Race and Equity: The Advocacy Playbook for Racial Justice and Immigrant Rights  ·       The Impact of Government Funding Cuts on Unaccompanied Children and the Role of Nonprofits in Fighting Back ·      Public Charities Can Lobby ·      Practical Guidance: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know About Lobbying in Your State ·      Investing in Change  

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A former Ford Agency model and actress, Karuna has spent over 40 years studying Yoga, working from the “inside out” towards her certifications with the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI), which include Level One, Two, and Three Teacher Training Programs and Prenatal Yoga.  An Ayurvedic healing practitioner and ordained Interfaith Minister, Karuna is co-founder of Light on Light Publications and Media and host editor for its magazine's annual Yoga editions in partnership with the International Day of Yoga Committee at the United Nations. Join us to hear about the 10 books that lighted Karuna's spiritual path.  #Karuna #LigntOnLight #KundaliniYoga #SandieSedgbeer #NoBSSpiritualBookClub #Lifestyle #Spirituality #Science #Metaphysics #Interviews #Books

Providing off-the-shelf courses is a common approach to training and development. But one of the limitations is the lack of context which is often needed to make the training relevant and meaningful. When I heard about Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston and how they were combining off-the-shelf courses with more contextualized learning, I knew I wanted to bring this case study to you. Is it possible to combine off-the-shelf learning with tailored content? That's what we're exploring in this episode with Alberto Garcia, a rising L&D professional.▶️ Developing Your People Managers with Off-the-Shelf Courses + Customized Conversations. An Inside Look at One Nonprofit's Approach with Alberto Garcia▶️ Key Points:02:59 Alberto's career - from teaching high school history to human resource development 05:39 Learning and Development at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston08:39 Developing people managers with off-the-shelf training10:29 Identifying the needs of your people managers15:22 Tailoring off-the-shelf training to your people managersResources from this episode:Join the Nonprofit Learning and Development Collective: https://www.skillmastersmarket.com/nonprofit-learning-and-development-collectiveWas this episode helpful? If you're listening on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, follow and leave a review!

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During this conversation, Justin introduces Rev. Berry Behr to the community. Berry is an interfaith minister, currently staying at Riverdell Spiritual Centre as an interfaith ambassador, seeking to inspire peace and harmony through understanding. They discuss everything from what attracted Berry to an Interfaith Ministry to Berry's time living at a White Lion sanctuary in her home country of South Africa.  Berry is currently residing at Riverdell Spiritual Centre and is available for conversation and guidance by appointment, as well as a series of events currently advertised on the Riverdell website. For more information feel free to contact the centre on (08) 85231239 We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we enjoyed bringing it to you.  With Loving-Kindness, The Riverdell Team  

On Thursday's show: Houston Public Media reporters share updates on how residents are doing in the aftermath of Beryl.Also this hour: We talk with the American Red Cross Texas Gulf Coast, Houston Food Bank, and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston about their efforts to support Houstonians.Then, we discuss the effects of Beryl on local agriculture and the outlook for the future of farming in Texas with Froberg's Farm and Plant it Forward.And on the 10th anniversary of his film Boyhood, we revisit our 2014 conversation with director Richard Linklater.

Podcasts within a podcast! As part of our ongoing celebration of the 40th Anniversary of the ordination of women in Community of Christ, we're bringing back some excellent interviews with some of the first women to have been ordained as featured in “Women's Rights.” These podcasts were written, edited and produced by students of David Howlett, scholar of religion in America and professor at Smith College in Northampton, MA, and originally aired in 2020. This episode is a combination of two of those podcasts: Interfaith Ministry and Changes. You can find out more about “Women's Rights” on their website, here.  Download TranscriptThanks for listening to Project Zion Podcast!Follow us on Facebook and Instagram!Intro and Outro music used with permission: “For Everyone Born,” Community of Christ Sings #285. Music © 2006 Brian Mann, admin. General Board of Global Ministries t/a GBGMusik, 458 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Atlanta, GA 30308. copyright@umcmission.org “The Trees of the Field,” Community of Christ Sings # 645, Music © 1975 Stuart Dauerman, Lillenas Publishing Company (admin. Music Services). All music for this episode was performed by Dr. Jan Kraybill, and produced by Chad Godfrey. NOTE: The series that make up the Project Zion Podcast explore the unique spiritual and theological gifts Community of Christ offers for today's world. Although Project Zion Podcast is a Ministry of Community of Christ. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are those speaking and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Community of Christ.

Two years after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, much remains to be done to provide permanent safety and security for our Afghan allies, refugees, and their families both in the United States and abroad. Despite large-scale efforts on behalf of resettlement agencies, faith communities, and others to welcome this community, Afghans in the United States lack a path to permanent residency and Afghans abroad remain at risk of persecution and harm. The Episcopal Church and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America present this amazing panel about the current status of Afghan resettlement, the situation of those who were left behind, updates on the Afghan Adjustment Act, and how people of faith can continue to support Afghans and advocate for policy to help them. Speakers include: Dario Lipovac, Refugee Services Director, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston; Campbell Dunsmore, Policy and Advocacy Officer, International Rescue Committee; Lans Rothfusz, Norman Coalition for Refugees; Giovana Oaxaca, Program Director, Migration Policy, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; and Lindsey Warburton, Policy Advisor, Office of Government Relations, The Episcopal Church.  The Office of Government Relations aims to represent the policy priorities of The Episcopal Church to the U.S. government in Washington, D.C., and to influence policy and legislation on critical issues, highlighting the voices and experiences of Episcopalians and Anglicans globally. The office facilitates the Episcopal Public Policy Network, a grassroots network of Episcopalians engaged in the ministry of public policy advocacy. Learn more at https://www.episcopalchurch.org/ministries/office-government-relations/.  MENTIONED IN THIS PODCAST:   Take Action by Writing Congress on the Afghan Adjustment Act  Ways to Welcome from Episcopal Migration Ministries  The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations   Public Policy Internship Program  

Last week Texas Impact concluded a series of kick-off events for our Houston Faith Votes campaign in partnership with local congregations and organizations in Houston. We aired the audio from the first of three faith leader panels and y'all loved it so much we thought we'd do it again! The material from these conversations isn't Houston-specific, but hopefully inspires all of us to engage our congregations in civic engagement work, and specifically to mobilize our congregations and communities to participate in every election.  This weeks panel was moderated by Kim Mabry, Interfaith Relations at Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, and features Rev. Dr. Joe Samuel Ratliff, Senior Pastor of Brentwood Baptist Church, Bishop Michael Rinehart, Bishop of the Gulf Coast Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Rev. Mike Stone, Dean of the Galveston Convocation and Rector of St. Thomas the Apostle Episcopal Church, and Judge Manpreet Singh, Judge in the Harris County Civic Court No. 4 and a leader in the Sihk community.

Marilynn Hughes founded ‘The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' in 2003 (Mission – Reduce Spiritual and Physical Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has written 75 books, 40 magazines and around 15 CD's on Out-of-Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism. These books, along with accompanying music and art, are all available for free download. Marilynn has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out-of-body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions extensively, as well as, Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical, Moral Theology and Individual Schools of Theology, i.e. Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, etc. Marilynn Hughes was a Staff Writer and Featured Catholic Writer on Suite 101's Online Encyclopedia for several years. The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's Marilynn Hughes is the author of the first and only English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, 'The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages,' in Twelve Volumes. She was featured in the documentary film 'The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary which has been viewed by well over half a million people. She's been included in 'The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World,' (By Constance Heidari, Red Wheel Weiser) and 'Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness,' by Dr. Thomas Streicher. Marilynn was invited to speak at the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences Conference (UNITED NATIONS NGO), the International YOG Festival (Bhandari Yogayurved Center, by C.M. Bhandari, Former Ambassador to India) and the London Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution (who choose nine top Global Scientists, Humanitarians and Mystics) to speak about their work. Marilynn has been the object of a Scientific Study on Out-of-Body Experiences and was a subject in several other Research Studies. She spent two years on the original board of 'The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraterrestrial Experiences.' Dr. Rudy Schild, Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard and Editor of the Journal of Cosmology, and Marilynn Hughes have co-authored a chapter ('The Science for Moral Law) which is included in Volume III of 'The Change,' by Jim Britt and Jim Lutes. Marilynn has joined James Van Praagh and the research team at 'The Afterlife Uncovered' which hopes to produce a documentary and subsequent television series. Although a devout Catholic and loyal to the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's' Marilynn Hughes has received certifications and education in interfaith fields for the purpose of serving all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. (Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and Metaphysics, Certification as Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor and Interfaith Ministry). She is also a Fifth Epochal Ambassador for the Urantia Revelation through the Uversa Foundation. 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' is also included in the Global New Age Directories. Marilynn came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound vision wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience completely unexpectedly which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out-of-body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades which began and led the process which changed her life, her career and her focus from then forward.

Musician, author, yoga/meditation teacher,  Interfaith Minister,  author of over 30 books,  weekly contributor to Medium,  and host of the new podcast, Coaching Nuggets and Insights, Reverend Gudjon Bergmann returns to the show to help us bring in the new year with more inner peace and mindfulness in our very noisy world. Dr. Mara with more on living with passion in the coming New Year. And Ruben & Minerva will talk about La Cruz De Huanacaxtle   

Joy Elaine is an author, speaker and one of the foremost experts in the world on the Ashtar Command, as well as “mythical” creatures that are real. Joy has her fingers on the pulse of the evolving Earth and has a profound understanding of the nature of the forty-seven universes and many of the races that inhabit them. Three decades of immersion into esoteric teachings and multiple forms of energy modalities—past life regression, Akashic record reading, shamanism, angelic healing and SVH (Serenity Vibration Healing)—have given Joy the background as well as the tools and techniques to be able to bring forth the information for The Joy Chronicles.

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Marilynn Hughes founded ‘The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' in 2003 (Mission – Reduce Spiritual and Physical Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has written 75 books, 40 magazines and around 15 CD's on Out-of-Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism. These books, along with accompanying music and art, are all available for free download. Marilynn has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out-of-body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions extensively, as well as, Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical, Moral Theology and Individual Schools of Theology, i.e. Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, etc. Marilynn Hughes was a Staff Writer and Featured Catholic Writer on Suite 101's Online Encyclopedia for several years. The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's Marilynn Hughes is the author of the first and only English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, 'The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages,' in Twelve Volumes. She was featured in the documentary film 'The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary which has been viewed by well over half a million people. She's been included in 'The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World,' (By Constance Heidari, Red Wheel Weiser) and 'Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness,' by Dr. Thomas Streicher. Marilynn was invited to speak at the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences Conference (UNITED NATIONS NGO), the International YOG Festival (Bhandari Yogayurved Center, by C.M. Bhandari, Former Ambassador to India) and the London Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution (who choose nine top Global Scientists, Humanitarians and Mystics) to speak about their work. Marilynn has been the object of a Scientific Study on Out-of-Body Experiences and was a subject in several other Research Studies. She spent two years on the original board of 'The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraterrestrial Experiences.' Dr. Rudy Schild, Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard and Editor of the Journal of Cosmology, and Marilynn Hughes have co-authored a chapter ('The Science for Moral Law) which is included in Volume III of 'The Change,' by Jim Britt and Jim Lutes. Marilynn has joined James Van Praagh and the research team at 'The Afterlife Uncovered' which hopes to produce a documentary and subsequent television series. Although a devout Catholic and loyal to the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's' Marilynn Hughes has received certifications and education in interfaith fields for the purpose of serving all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. (Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and Metaphysics, Certification as Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor and Interfaith Ministry). She is also a Fifth Epochal Ambassador for the Urantia Revelation through the Uversa Foundation. 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' is also included in the Global New Age Directories. Marilynn came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound vision wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience completely unexpectedly which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out-of-body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades which began and led the process which changed her life, her career and her focus from then forward.

Can you find hope in spirituality? Which spiritual groups support queer identifying folk? It's a common sight to see queers being denied access to certain religious practices and beliefs because of the interpretation of religious books from previous generations. Today, with the rise in diverse opinions religious and spiritual groups have been more open to letting all kinds of people into their practice. Join us as we explore the intersectionality of Queerness and Spirituality with experts Chaplaine Claire Chuck Bohman who is the Executive Director of a multi-faith spiritual care center at the SF General Hospital & Rev. Daigan Gather whom speaks between intersectionalities between queerness and Dharma. About the Panelists: About Chaplain Claire Chuck Bohman: Chaplain Claire Chuck Bohman currently serves as the Executive Director of Sojourn Chaplaincy, the multi-faith spiritual care department at the San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. They are also the founder of the Transgender Spiritual Care Initiative and are passionate about helping spiritual care providers deepen in their understanding of gender diversity and improving spiritual care for gender diverse people. Additionally, they serve as the Board President of the Temple of the Waters, an emerging spiritual community rooted in Earth Based Spirituality. Chaplain Claire holds a Masters of Divinity degree from the Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley, California and Interfaith Ministry training from the New Seminary in New York. In their spiritual care, they draw upon a background in Faith Based Community Organizing and Community Mental Health, as well as their training and experience as a clinical herbalist in private practice. Chaplain Claire aka Chuck is proud to be the first Non-Binary Chaplain endorsed by an Earth Based Spiritual Community to receive Board Certification from APC and is committed to supporting people of minority faiths and genders in finding their place in the world of professional chaplaincy. About Rev. Daigan Gaither: Rev. Daigan Gaither began Buddhist practice in 1995 in the Vipassana (Insight) tradition, and then began to study Zen in 2003 with Ryushin Paul Haller Roshi. He received Lay Ordination in 2006 where he was given the name Daigan or “Great Vow”, and received Priest Ordination in July 2011. Daigan speaks internationally on a variety of topics particularly around gender, sexuality, social justice and their intersections with the Dharma. He also sits or has sat on a number of boards and committees that serve community needs and further social justice causes. Daigan has a BA in Philosophy and Religion from San Francisco State University, and an MA in Buddhist Studies (with a chaplaincy certificate and a certificate in Soto Zen Buddhism) from the Graduate Theological Union and the Institute of Buddhist Studies. at his website queerdharma.net He identifies as a disabled, queer, white, cis male.

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In this episode recorded on International Women's Day, we spoke with some special guests from Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston about their Women Refugee Art Program (WRAP), and the Women's Empowerment Group (WEG). We spoke with Narelle Sissons, a visual artist, theatre designer, professor, and art instructor who teaches and empowers the women of WRAP to use art concepts to express themselves and their stories. We also spoke with Chloe Krane, a former TV producer for Associated Press, Al Jazeera, and BBC, who is now the Interfaith Ministries' Women's Empowerment Liaison and leader of the Women's Empowerment Group, and Sucre Woodley, Director of Marketing & Communications at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. We explore the complex, and often traumatic journeys of rebuilding one's life in a new place, and how creating safe places and brave spaces for expression and education are crucial, liberating opportunities for women refugees, asylees, and parolees as they go through resettlement processes. Our Neighbor to Neighbor program is an official Sponsor Circle Umbrella under the Sponsor Circle Program for Afghans! **We are in urgent need of sponsor circles to support the move of Afghan newcomers into welcoming communities. You can play a critical role. To learn how you can be a community sponsor, visit https://dfms.formstack.com/forms/initial_congregation_interest_form Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram where we are @emmrefugees. To stay up to date on all new episodes, make sure to follow us wherever you get your podcasts on Spotify, iTunes, stitcher, Google play, or SoundCloud. To support the ministry of welcome, make a gift to Episcopal Migration Ministries. With your help, we will continue to welcome and resettle refugees in communities across the country, offer support to asylum seekers, and create beloved community for all of our immigrant siblings. Visit episcopalmigrationministries.org/give or text HOMETOWN to 91999. Our theme song composer is Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com

Depuis la prise de Kaboul par les talibans, le 16 août 2021, les autorités américaines ont accéléré le processus de rapatriement et d'installation des réfugiés afghans aux États-Unis, soit 76 000 personnes. D'abord envoyés dans des camps militaires répartis dans tout le pays, ces Afghans ont depuis la fin novembre été envoyés dans 46 États. Il faut les nourrir, les loger, les insérer, scolariser les enfants, leur apprendre les b.a.-ba de leur nouvelle vie aux États-Unis. Le tout en quelques mois, avant que les aides sociales ne s'arrêtent. Un afflux de réfugiés auxquels les organisations font face bon an, mal an. De notre correspondant à Houston, Ils jouent à la toupie ou attendent sagement leur tour assis sur une chaise. Une trentaine d'enfants afghans et leurs parents se succèdent devant l'infirmière dans les locaux de Interfaith Ministries. Pour recevoir les vaccins obligatoires comme le DT polio qui leur permettront d'aller à l'école. Tout contents d'avoir reçu leur sésame, les deux enfants d'Abdul Salam jouent dehors. « Pour des enfants, c'est vraiment difficile. Pour eux tout est nouveau, la culture est différente, on voit partout des très grandes tours », dit-il. Comme eux, ils sont 4 286 réfugiés afghans à être arrivés à Houston depuis la prise de Kaboul par les talibans. Les organisations qui les hébergent et leur cherchent des logements n'avaient pas connu ça depuis l'arrivée massive des Vietnamiens dans les années 1970 et 1980. Dario Liopvac, en charge des réfugiés au YMCA International Service, explique que « ce qui a changé depuis ces derniers mois, depuis la chute de Kaboul, c'est le nombre de gens qui arrivent sur une très courte période. Pour mettre ça en perspective : l'année dernière, on avait trouvé des logements pour 240 personnes, l'année d'avant pour 230 personnes. Et rien que la semaine avant Thanksgiving fin novembre, 280 personnes. Nous manquions de tout et on n'avait pas suffisamment d'appartements disponibles », affirme-t-il. Des centaines d'Afghans en attente de logement pérenne En 2020, le Texas a relogé 900 réfugiés en une année, et là ils sont près de cinq fois plus, uniquement à Houston en l'espace de trois mois. Alors, des centaines d'Afghans attendent encore un logement pérenne, qui leur permettra de demander un permis de conduire, de postuler pour du travail et d'envoyer les enfants à l'école. Muhammad Nikzad vient d'obtenir un appartement avec sa famille. En attendant d'avoir des papiers pour travailler, il est devenu bénévole et fait des traductions farsi-anglais, comme il l'avait fait pour l'armée américaine en Afghanistan. « Cela fait quatre jours qu'on a un appartement, avant on était en hôtel, et avant ça, dans un camp militaire du New Jersey pendant cinq mois. J'espère que j'aurai un avenir favorable ici aux États-Unis. Vous savez, on a dû quitter l'endroit où on a grandi et on est vraiment triste », souligne Muhammad. « C'est déroutant, mais il faut s'adapter » Or les réfugiés n'ont que trois ou quatre mois une fois installés pour s'adapter à leur nouvelle vie. Passé ce stade, ils sont supposés être devenus indépendants. Ali al-Sudani a vécu ce parcours. Ancien réfugié d'Irak, il est aujourd'hui responsable des programmes à Interfaith Ministries, à Houston. « Toutes ces démarches peuvent sembler insurmontables. Oui c'est déroutant, mais il faut s'adapter. Cela prend du temps pour qu'ils enregistrent les informations qu'ils reçoivent pour appréhender cette nouvelle réalité, et pour réaliser qu'ils ont retrouvé un équilibre », dit Ali al-Sudani. Depuis le mois d'août, 76 000 Afghans ont été rapatriés aux États-Unis, 8000 se trouvent encore dans des camps militaires.

Marilynn Hughes founded ‘The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' in 2003 (Mission – Reduce Spiritual and Physical Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has written 75 books, 40 magazines and around 15 CD's on Out-of-Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism. These books, along with accompanying music and art, are all available for free download. Marilynn has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out-of-body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions extensively, as well as, Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical, Moral Theology and Individual Schools of Theology, i.e. Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, etc. Marilynn Hughes was a Staff Writer and Featured Catholic Writer on Suite 101's Online Encyclopedia for several years. The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's Marilynn Hughes is the author of the first and only English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, 'The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages,' in Twelve Volumes. She was featured in the documentary film 'The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary which has been viewed by well over half a million people. She's been included in 'The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World,' (By Constance Heidari, Red Wheel Weiser) and 'Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness,' by Dr. Thomas Streicher. Marilynn was invited to speak at the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences Conference (UNITED NATIONS NGO), the International YOG Festival (Bhandari Yogayurved Center, by C.M. Bhandari, Former Ambassador to India) and the London Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution (who choose nine top Global Scientists, Humanitarians and Mystics) to speak about their work. Marilynn has been the object of a Scientific Study on Out-of-Body Experiences and was a subject in several other Research Studies. She spent two years on the original board of 'The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraterrestrial Experiences.' Dr. Rudy Schild, Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard and Editor of the Journal of Cosmology, and Marilynn Hughes have co-authored a chapter ('The Science for Moral Law) which is included in Volume III of 'The Change,' by Jim Britt and Jim Lutes. Marilynn has joined James Van Praagh and the research team at 'The Afterlife Uncovered' which hopes to produce a documentary and subsequent television series. Although a devout Catholic and loyal to the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's' Marilynn Hughes has received certifications and education in interfaith fields for the purpose of serving all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. (Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and Metaphysics, Certification as Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor and Interfaith Ministry). She is also a Fifth Epochal Ambassador for the Urantia Revelation through the Uversa Foundation. 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' is also included in the Global New Age Directories. Marilynn came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound vision wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience completely unexpectedly which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out-of-body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades which began and led the process which changed her life, her career and her focus from then forward.

Marilynn Hughes founded ‘The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' in 2003 (Mission – Reduce Spiritual and Physical Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has written 75 books, 40 magazines and around 15 CD's on Out-of-Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism. These books, along with accompanying music and art, are all available for free download. Marilynn has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out-of-body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions extensively, as well as, Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical, Moral Theology and Individual Schools of Theology, i.e. Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, etc. Marilynn Hughes was a Staff Writer and Featured Catholic Writer on Suite 101's Online Encyclopedia for several years. The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's Marilynn Hughes is the author of the first and only English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, 'The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages,' in Twelve Volumes. She was featured in the documentary film 'The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary which has been viewed by well over half a million people. She's been included in 'The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World,' (By Constance Heidari, Red Wheel Weiser) and 'Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness,' by Dr. Thomas Streicher. Marilynn was invited to speak at the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences Conference (UNITED NATIONS NGO), the International YOG Festival (Bhandari Yogayurved Center, by C.M. Bhandari, Former Ambassador to India) and the London Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution (who choose nine top Global Scientists, Humanitarians and Mystics) to speak about their work. Marilynn has been the object of a Scientific Study on Out-of-Body Experiences and was a subject in several other Research Studies. She spent two years on the original board of 'The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraterrestrial Experiences.' Dr. Rudy Schild, Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard and Editor of the Journal of Cosmology, and Marilynn Hughes have co-authored a chapter ('The Science for Moral Law) which is included in Volume III of 'The Change,' by Jim Britt and Jim Lutes. Marilynn has joined James Van Praagh and the research team at 'The Afterlife Uncovered' which hopes to produce a documentary and subsequent television series. Although a devout Catholic and loyal to the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's' Marilynn Hughes has received certifications and education in interfaith fields for the purpose of serving all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. (Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and Metaphysics, Certification as Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor and Interfaith Ministry). She is also a Fifth Epochal Ambassador for the Urantia Revelation through the Uversa Foundation. 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' is also included in the Global New Age Directories. Marilynn came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound vision wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience completely unexpectedly which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out-of-body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades which began and led the process which changed her life, her career and her focus from then forward.

Marilynn Hughes founded ‘The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' in 2003 (Mission – Reduce Spiritual and Physical Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has written 75 books, 40 magazines and around 15 CD's on Out-of-Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism. These books, along with accompanying music and art, are all available for free download. Marilynn has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out-of-body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions extensively, as well as, Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical, Moral Theology and Individual Schools of Theology, i.e. Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, etc. Marilynn Hughes was a Staff Writer and Featured Catholic Writer on Suite 101's Online Encyclopedia for several years. The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's Marilynn Hughes is the author of the first and only English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, 'The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages,' in Twelve Volumes. She was featured in the documentary film 'The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary which has been viewed by well over half a million people. She's been included in 'The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World,' (By Constance Heidari, Red Wheel Weiser) and 'Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness,' by Dr. Thomas Streicher. Marilynn was invited to speak at the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences Conference (UNITED NATIONS NGO), the International YOG Festival (Bhandari Yogayurved Center, by C.M. Bhandari, Former Ambassador to India) and the London Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution (who choose nine top Global Scientists, Humanitarians and Mystics) to speak about their work. Marilynn has been the object of a Scientific Study on Out-of-Body Experiences and was a subject in several other Research Studies. She spent two years on the original board of 'The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraterrestrial Experiences.' Dr. Rudy Schild, Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard and Editor of the Journal of Cosmology, and Marilynn Hughes have co-authored a chapter ('The Science for Moral Law) which is included in Volume III of 'The Change,' by Jim Britt and Jim Lutes. Marilynn has joined James Van Praagh and the research team at 'The Afterlife Uncovered' which hopes to produce a documentary and subsequent television series. Although a devout Catholic and loyal to the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's' Marilynn Hughes has received certifications and education in interfaith fields for the purpose of serving all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. (Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and Metaphysics, Certification as Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor and Interfaith Ministry). She is also a Fifth Epochal Ambassador for the Urantia Revelation through the Uversa Foundation. 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' is also included in the Global New Age Directories. Marilynn came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound vision wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience completely unexpectedly which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out-of-body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades which began and led the process which changed her life, her career and her focus from then forward.

Marilynn Hughes founded ‘The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' in 2003 (Mission – Reduce Spiritual and Physical Hunger Worldwide). Marilynn has written 75 books, 40 magazines and around 15 CD's on Out-of-Body Travel and Comparative Religious Mysticism. These books, along with accompanying music and art, are all available for free download. Marilynn has experienced, researched, written and taught about Out-of-Body Travel and Mysticism since 1987 and has appeared on innumerable radio and television programs to discuss her thousands of out-of-body experiences. She has studied the Ancient Sacred Texts of all Major and Minor World Religions extensively, as well as, Catholic Mystical, Ascetical, Biblical, Doctrinal, Dogmatic, Systematic, Liturgical, Catechetical, Moral Theology and Individual Schools of Theology, i.e. Franciscan, Carmelite, Ignatian, Dominican, Benedictine, etc. Marilynn Hughes was a Staff Writer and Featured Catholic Writer on Suite 101's Online Encyclopedia for several years. The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's Marilynn Hughes is the author of the first and only English Language Encyclopedia of Ancient Sacred Texts, 'The Voice of the Prophets: Wisdom of the Ages,' in Twelve Volumes. She was featured in the documentary film 'The Road to Armageddon: A Spiritual Documentary which has been viewed by well over half a million people. She's been included in 'The Encyclopedia of the Unseen World,' (By Constance Heidari, Red Wheel Weiser) and 'Extra-Planetary Experiences: Alien Human Contact and the Expansion of Consciousness,' by Dr. Thomas Streicher. Marilynn was invited to speak at the International Institute of Integral Human Sciences Conference (UNITED NATIONS NGO), the International YOG Festival (Bhandari Yogayurved Center, by C.M. Bhandari, Former Ambassador to India) and the London Conference for Consciousness and Human Evolution (who choose nine top Global Scientists, Humanitarians and Mystics) to speak about their work. Marilynn has been the object of a Scientific Study on Out-of-Body Experiences and was a subject in several other Research Studies. She spent two years on the original board of 'The Dr. Edgar Mitchell Foundation for Research into Extraterrestrial Experiences.' Dr. Rudy Schild, Professor Emeritus Astrophysics Harvard and Editor of the Journal of Cosmology, and Marilynn Hughes have co-authored a chapter ('The Science for Moral Law) which is included in Volume III of 'The Change,' by Jim Britt and Jim Lutes. Marilynn has joined James Van Praagh and the research team at 'The Afterlife Uncovered' which hopes to produce a documentary and subsequent television series. Although a devout Catholic and loyal to the teaching authority of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church, 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation's' Marilynn Hughes has received certifications and education in interfaith fields for the purpose of serving all of our brothers and sisters in the Lord. (Honorary Doctorate in Divinity and Metaphysics, Certification as Chaplain, Spiritual Counselor and Interfaith Ministry). She is also a Fifth Epochal Ambassador for the Urantia Revelation through the Uversa Foundation. 'The Out-of-Body Travel Foundation' is also included in the Global New Age Directories. Marilynn came across her vocation unexpectedly. When she was nine years old, she had her first profound vision wherein she saw the heavens open and a beautiful marble staircase surrounded by angels led to the throne of God. In this experience, she was told many things, among them that He would return to her later in her life and give her a mission. When she was 22 years old, she had her first out-of-body experience completely unexpectedly which began a process of journaling which would unleash thousands of out-of-body travel and mystical experiences over the next decades which began and led the process which changed her life, her career and her focus from then forward.

Contributing to the conversation this week is "The Peacemakers Path" and "Blurring The Lines" Author, Jerry Zehr. When he isn't writing, you can find Jerry giving inspirational speeches or leading Interfaith Ministry alongside his wife of 35 years, Diane. Jerry has a way of bringing together wisdom from the world's major religious traditions and showing that we have much more in common than what divides us! This conversation is equal parts inspiring and charming. For more on our time with Jerry visit htcpod.com --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/havetheconversation/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/havetheconversation/support

JoDee Winterhof, Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs at Human Rights Campaign and Adri Perez, Policy & Advocacy Strategist at ACLU of Texas discussed the state of LGBTQIA+ rights in the US. JoDee Winterhof addressed national LGBTQIA+ issues and initiatives, followed by Adri Perez who focused on the state of Texas. A moderated conversation with Q&A was facilitated by Rev. Troy Treash, Senior Pastor at Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church. About the Presenters JoDee Winterhof, a veteran political strategist and respected advocate with over 25 years of experience in navigating the complex intersection between politics, campaigns, messaging and public policy, currently serves as Senior Vice President for Policy and Political Affairs for the Human Rights Campaign. In this role, she leads the organization's federal, state and local legislative, field and legal teams, while overseeing management of HRC's political action committees and electoral engagement. This includes the launch of HRC Rising, the largest grassroots expansion effort in the organization's history. Winterhof joined HRC after serving as a Chief of Staff in the US Senate and US House of Representatives, as well as head of advocacy for CARE, an International Non-Governmental Organization. She served as Chief of Staff to former US Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa and Congresswoman Kyrsten Sinema (AZ-09).  In addition to her work on the Hill, Winterhof has held leadership roles on multiple presidential, senatorial and congressional campaigns including Hillary Clinton's 2008 presidential campaign. She hails from Walnut, Iowa and is a graduate of Simpson College. She presently resides in Washington, D.C. with her wife and two children.  Adri Perez is a life-long El Pasoan, UTEP graduate, and policy & advocacy strategist for the ACLU of Texas, where they lead LGBTQIA+ advocacy on the Sexuality & Gender Equality team. Adri represents the ACLU of Texas in statewide coalitions, trains and educates families of trans kids, and advocates at the legislature on bills that affect trans Texans. Adri is an organizer whose intersectional experience motivates their advocacy as a native fronterizx, transgender, queer educator and abortion storyteller. Prior to joining the ACLU of Texas in 2018, Adri started West Fund, the first abortion fund in West Texas. They also co-founded the Fronterizx Fianza Fund that raises money to pay bonds for people in immigration detention. Adri previously worked at Ngage New Mexico, Fund Texas Choice, and YWCA El Paso Del Norte. Adri received the Rising Star Award from the League of Women Voters of El Paso and the “Golden Girl” Award from the El Paso Queer Bar Association in 2019. They were recognized as the Texas Rising 2015 Organizer of the Year while a student at the University of Texas at El Paso.   Rev. Elder Troy Treash has served for eight years as the Senior Pastor of Resurrection MCC in Houston, TX. For ten years prior to Resurrection as the Executive Director of Reconciling Ministries Network, Troy flew nationally from home base in Chicago, IL to advocate for equality for LGBTQ persons church by church, network by network, and conference by conference within the United Methodist Church. His ordained ministry began in 1991 in the trenches of the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Houston, TX as the Director of the Bering Support Network. He is a member of Houston Coalition Against Hate and serves on the Congregational Council for Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston. He shares life with Walter, his husband of 23 years; Michael, their adopted son; one beagle, Tip; and one cat, Spot. He enjoys cooking, reading, weeding, lakes, rivers, waterfalls, oceans, and aspen trees. He struggles at times with teenager parenting, marathon zoom meetings, defeating white supremacy, and balancing life. He relies upon God's grace.

This week we welcome Reverend Greg Han to the studio. Rev. Han has been the Director of Interfaith Relations & Education, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston for six years. The work of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston is all about ‘dialogue, collaboration, and service.' These three qualities are in high demand, whether it be through our Meals on Wheels, Refugee Services, or Volunteer Houston. Today we talk about the refugee crisis and how Interfaith Ministries is providing services for displaced families in need. IMGH.org https://www.houstonchronicle.com/lifestyle/houston-belief/article/Houston-s-faith-community-prepares-to-receive-16413140.php

  On Friday's Houston Matters: The city's health authority, Dr. David Persse, updates us on the COVID-19 situation. Over the last several weeks, as U.S. forces withdrew from Afghanistan and then as the Taliban seized control of the country, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston was busy resettling refugees from that nation here in the region. We learn more about that process and what some of them gave up. Also this hour: We discuss The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week. And how Bellaire High School teacher Trevor Boffone used dance videos to help him connect with students – and went viral in the process. We preview his hour-long conversation on this weekend's edition of I See U with Eddie Robinson.

Town Square with Ernie Manouse airs at 3 p.m. CT. Tune in on 88.7FM, listen online or subscribe to the podcast. Join the discussion at 888-486-9677, questions@townsquaretalk.org or @townsquaretalk. The collapse of the Afghan government and the Taliban's recapture of power is the latest chapter in that country's history. President Biden has defended his withdrawal from Afghanistan by saying that some chaos was inevitable. And, he's said that that U.S. troops will stay in Afghanistan until all American civilians are out. Just earlier this afternoon, President Biden added fresh remarks about the situation and evacuations. Today, experts join us to discuss the President's latest message and the consequences of the US withdrawal. We also discuss the ordeal and journey made by a local Afghan couple, who -- along with their three children -- have successfully made it to Houston. We connect with them through Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. Plus, a Stanford University professor is here with a deeper dive into the history and conflict that exists in this region. Guests: Ashley Faye Development Director of Refugee Services of Texas Robert Crews Professor of history at Stanford University Morad and Sanga Husband and wife who escaped Afghanistan with their three children They are not using their last names in order to protect their identity.  Town Square with Ernie Manouse is a gathering space for the community to come together and discuss the day's most important and pressing issues. Audio from today's show will be available after 5 p.m. CT. We also offer a free podcast here, on iTunes, and other apps.

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach and Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival, addressed his perspective on US civil rights through a moral and faith-based lens. Rev. Dr. Barber shared historical and contemporary experiences of organizing around issues of economic and racial justice across the country, and discussed the work of his coalitions to create lasting, systemic change. Rev. Dr. Barber's talk was followed by a moderated Q&A session led by Rev. Laura Mayo, Covenant Church & Rothko Chapel Board Member. About the series In conjunction with the Chapel's 50th Anniversary and commitment to furthering social justice nationally and internationally, "Beyond the Rhetoric: Civil Rights & Our Shared Responsibility" speaker series will examine different understandings of and approaches to furthering human rights and civil liberties in the United States. Visit the series page to learn more about and register for related events. About the Presenter The Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II is the President & Senior Lecturer of Repairers of the Breach, Co-Chair of the Poor People's Campaign: A National Call For Moral Revival; Bishop with The Fellowship of Affirming Ministries; Visiting Professor at Union Theological Seminary; Pastor of Greenleaf Christian Church, Disciples of Christ in Goldsboro, North Carolina, and the author of four books: We Are Called To Be A Movement; Revive Us Again: Vision and Action in Moral Organizing; The Third Reconstruction: Moral Mondays, Fusion Politics, and The Rise of a New Justice Movement; and Forward Together: A Moral Message For The Nation. Rev. Dr. Barber is also the architect of the Moral Movement, which began with weekly Moral Monday protests at the North Carolina General Assembly in 2013 and recently relaunched again online in August 2020 under the banner of the Poor People's Campaign. In 2018, Rev. Dr. Barber helped relaunch the Poor People's Campaign, which was begun by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, starting with an historic wave of protests in state capitals and in Washington, D.C., calling for a moral agenda and a moral budget to address the five interlocking injustices of systemic racism, systemic poverty, the war economy and militarism, ecological devastation, and the false moral narrative of Christian nationalism. There are currently 45 state coordinating committees across the country, mobilizing around the Poor People's Jubilee Platform and We Must Do M.O.R.E. (mobilize, organize, register, and educate people for a movement that votes). About the Moderator Rev. Laura Mayo is the Senior Minister of Covenant Church in Houston. She is a graduate of Carson-Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee and Wake Forest University Divinity School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Laura is active in Houston interfaith work including membership in American's United for the Separation of Church and State clergy advisory group, The Coalition for Mutual Respect (of the Anti Defamation League), The Faith Leaders Coalition, and Interfaith Ministries' Multi-Faith Council. Laura has been part of many panel discussions including a panel hosted by The University of Houston Law School about what the Bible says about LGBTQ+ relationships, a panel hosted by Project Lifeline concerning the treatment of people at our borders, and panels hosted by The Alley Theatre, The Foundation for Contemporary Theology, Lifeline Chaplaincy, and PFLAG.

In episode 41, Don and I spoke to the absolutely delightful and dynamic Kennedy Loftin, Chief Development Officer at the Montrose Center, one of the nation's largest LGBTQ+ resource centers . Kennedy led the $26.5 million campaign to build The Law Harrington Senior Living Center, the nation's largest, LGBTQ affirming senior housing center that opened on June 24, 2021. In response to Hurricane Harvey, Kennedy launched the LGBTQ Hurricane Harvey Relief fund which raised $2.3 million to help the LGBTQ+ community recover from the disaster. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Center launched a fund that has currently raised $2.1 million in funds focused on providing direct financial assistance to vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community. Kennedy is a founding member of Houston Mayor Sylvestor Turner's LGBTQ Advisory Board, has served on several boards, and is a sought-after development educator and leader in the industry, with guest teaching at Rice University, Glasscock School Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership and the University of Houston.Kennedy  was born in Houston, grew up in East Texas, and after experiencing housing insecurity following coming out to his family decided to channel his activism into nonprofit development impacting underserved communities. Kennedy began his career at Best Buddies Texas, an organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities, and became the Director of Special Events for Miami-based Best Buddies International. In 2006, Kennedy returned home to Houston to serve as executive director for Best Buddies Texas, and was the youngest executive director in the history of the organization. Kennedy became the Chief Development Officer for Interfaith Ministries in 2008. During his tenure, he led a $15 million capital campaign for the new Interfaith Conference Center and for the construction of the Meals on Wheels building which serves 4,500 seniors daily. FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/preview/3feccac8decf451cbee818066461f7c1)

” If one is committed and married to systems, structures, and any forms of hatred, oppression, and violence, it's probably not going to work for you here. You might want to keep it moving.” Today we are speaking with Reverend Felicia Parazaider about her Revolution of Love Ministry. We discuss what prompted her to create this community and why community is important. Rev. Felicia also shares her thoughts on the following topics: what it means to show love to another unprocessed grief and the connection to violence her work with transformative justice and social justice movements triaging pain the importance of inner child healing self-compassion the disease of oneness Rev. Felicia Helen Parazaider is an ordained interfaith minister, speaker, author, and expert in the field of nonviolence.  She attended the Chaplaincy Institute for Arts and Interfaith Ministry, and was ordained in March 2012.  She holds degrees from University of California Berkeley in both Religious Studies and Peace & Conflict Studies, and has completed training programs in Spiritual Psychology, Tree of Life Teachings, and Clinical Pastoral Education. For 20 years, Rev. Felicia has been involved in ministry and activism.  In the early aughts, she began with the Anti-Defamation League and the Feminist Majority Foundation.  During this time she cut her teeth in the world of social justice.  After moving to the Bay in 2006, she began working with Pace e Bene (PeB), a nonviolent nonprofit organization.  While working for PeB she deepened her skill set by leading workshops and trainings in nonviolence and de-escalation techniques. She has ministered extensively to drug addicts and alcoholics, both on the streets of Los Angeles and in the Bay Area. For several years she served as a Hospitals & Institutions (H&I) chairperson, in charge of taking panels of recovering alcoholics into USC County Hospital to carry the message of recovery. She also worked at Kaiser Hospital Oakland and Walnut Creek as a chaplain. Her more academic work has led her to teaching classes in nonviolence and meditation at UC Berkeley,  Since she is the only minister from The Chaplaincy Institute to launch an all faith/no faith ministry, she has since returned to her alma mater and taught students how to create community ministry from the ground up. Rev. Felicia is a radical sacred activist, traveling to India and the Middle East on peace delegations, walking over 500 miles through the Nevada desert against nuclear proliferation and for peace, as well as being arrested over 20 times for participating in nonviolent civil resistance protesting drone warfare, nuclear weapons, and the separation of migrant families from their children, to name a few. She is the founder of The Revolution Of Love (ROL), a ministry which emphasizes the intersection of inner work and outer work in the world for the purposes of healing and radical change.  The ministry met over 200 times in the San Francisco Bay Area for service from 2012-2017.  Upon moving back to her hometown of Los Angeles, she relaunched ROL services.  In August 2019, the latest branch of ROL, Speak Boldly, was born.  These events covered a variety of topics, redefining violence, anger, forgiveness, to name a few.  Since COVID-19 we meet every Sunday Night via Zoom.  All are welcome. Sign up here: https://slkt.io/7lAC She is the creator of The Prayer Rope and The Love Challenge, both branches of ROL that are specific ways to begin to transform oneself and this world.  A seer, energy worker, and intuitive, she is also trained in Jewish Mysticism and Indian Way.  Her speaking is a blend of her Roma roots of storytelling, channeling, and performance art.  She is committed to agitating people into new paradigms in a bold and loving way, for the sole purpose of world changing.  In 2022, her first book will be released on her story from violence to wholeness.  Stay tuned for updates about her one person show.  Rev.

On today's episode of Conversations For The Animals, hosts Tena Lundquist Faust and Tama Lundquist speak with longtime partner and friend of the animals, Reverend Greg Han, Director of Interfaith Relations and Education at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. In this 30-minute discussion, Reverend Han touches on the moral and ethical responsibility we have in caring for and respecting the companion animals in our community.

Join Tena, Tama and Jessica Starkschall of "Animeals on Wheels" and Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston as they talk about the Animeals on Wheels program, how it came to be, as well as how COVID has impacted their efforts and more

Over the next year, each Twelve Moments will highlight the role of music and sound in spiritual practices, and how these practices sustain us in the face of current challenges and injustices. In May, during the holy month of Ramadan, the Rothko Chapel presented a meditation in the Islamic tradition, led by Mohamed Hussein with Fatimah Ali, Imam Dr. Basem Hamid and Mouaz Al Nass, organized by the Minaret Foundation. A major part of Islamic tradition is the recitation of the Holy Quran. It isn't simply read during holy days - Muslims read the Quran daily and listen to it to relax and reflect. This session compared elements of sound in different recitation styles and showcase how these recitations contribute to the connection people feel when reading and listening to the Quran. It will showcased a thematic recitation where the tunes and melodies match the tone and story being read. About the Twelve Moments series Since 2005, the Rothko Chapel has shared a monthly contemplative practice featuring different spiritual and faith traditions. Taking place on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, this series engages teachers and religious leaders from the greater Houston community, providing opportunities to learn more about specific traditions and participate in a contemplative practice. About the presenters Mohamed Hussein is an Egyptian American singer/songwriter who has produced songs in both Arabic and English. His songs aim to inspire and deliver a positive message of compassion and unity. He has worked with some of the most talented teams in Egypt and has performed in Cairo as well as touring the USA. All of Mohamed's songs are meant to inspire and direct the listener to perform good deeds and strengthen one's most essential relationships. Imam Dr. Basem Hamid is a practicing neurologist and pain specialist, as well as the Imam of Shadowcreek Islamic Center and a member of the Jurist Council of the Islamic Society of Greater Houston. Born and raised in Syria as part of the refugee program for Palestinians, he graduated from Damascus University’s School of Medicine and attained a Master’s Degree in Islamic Studies. Since immigrating to the United States in 1996, he founded Wasat Institute, an organization dedicated to exploring the intersectionality of health and spirituality. His work has been published numerous times regarding his research overlapping socio-economic issues, health, and faith. Mouaz Al Nass is of Syrian descent and was born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He holds a degree in Management Information System and studied Inshad and Maqamat (the various styles of religious poetry & songs) under foremost singers in Syria. An expert singer and drummer, he has been involved in many renowned musical performances in the USA, UK. He currently resides in Houston, Texas, and works for the University of Texas Health science center as an IT specialist. Fatimah Ali is the outreach coordinator at Masjid Warithdeen Mohammed and is active in engaging both young people and women in Islamic activities. She has served with Interfaith Ministries on their young leaders team and is active in bridgebuilding efforts throughout Houston.

A Houston native dedicated to the causes of diversity and women’s empowerment, Manpreet K. Singh is a supervising attorney that has tried over 50 cases.  Currently a Chapter representative for the American Board of Trial Attorneys, she also is serving as a director and trustee with the Sikh Coalition. Recognized in 2018 & 2013 as a recipient for the Diversity First Award.  And in 2011 by the Houston Young Lawyers Association, Manpreet has also been a very active member of a variety of Houston and South Asian community organizations.  She has completed the Harvard Leadership Program and the American Bar Association Leadership Academy.In 2009, Manpreet testified in front of the Texas Board of Education to include Sikhism (the world’s fifth largest religion) in school textbooks, which was then implemented by the Board for 6th and 10th grade levels. Manpreet continues to support this achievement by teaching many of these classes throughout Houston schools. She also conducts outreach sessions for Interfaith Ministries, for law enforcement, and for the Boniuk Center, where she is also served on the Board.  Manpreet also completed the FBI citizen’s diversity academy. Nationally, Manpreet travels to Washington, DC annually to lobby for passage of the Safe Schools Act to ensure the safety and inclusion of all children in their schools, to advocate for increased diversity and inclusiveness in the US Army, and to have the FBI track hate crimes against the Sikh community, which was accomplished in 2013.  Locally Manpreet testified before Houston City Counsel in support of the Equal Rights Ordinance and was able to bring the Sikh Project displaying portraits of Sikhs across America, in the City Hall Rotunda for six weeks.Manpreet has also frequently appeared in media to educate about diversity, including being interviewed by several news affiliates and writing op/ed pieces in print media about the effects of the 2012 shooting at the Wisconsin Sikh Gurdwara (place of worship).In her free time, Manpreet enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, shopping and dancing in public to embarrass her two soccer stars.

Today's episode is all about healing your soul in the face of extreme medical adversity. We have Denise DeSimone on the podcast to share her story of being diagnosed with terminal Stage IV Throat and Neck Cancer and given 90 days to live, which was 15 years ago. Denise is going to share her realization that curing was the work of the doctors but healing herself from the inside out was the work of her soul. Denise shares her story and the tools she used to strengthen her mind and shift her mindset and energy as she healed. Denise DeSimone is the host of the So Much More Than Cancer Podcast, the Author and Documentarian of "From Stage IV to Center Stage", is also a cancer wellness coach, inspirational speaker, and workshop leader, with an extensive background in Interfaith Ministry. Denise also practices a wide range of holistic healing practices including Sound Healing, Reiki, Polarity Therapy, Reflexology, Shamanism and Process Therapy. What we're talking about... Healing through Cancer Ways to heal the soul while faced with overwhelming medical diagnosis and treatments Alternative Healing modalities Intuition Mindset The energy you bring into your mind, body, and life LINKS MENTIONED www.empower2heal.com Email: denat@empower2heal.com www.denisedesimone.com Denise DeSimone's Podcast: “So Much More Than Cancer” Denise DeSimone's book: “From Stage IV to Center Stage” Denise DeSimone's Album: “Pray Peace” Denise's Documentary “From Stage IV to Center Stage” --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/empower2heal/support

In this episode I talk to Susanna Stefanachi Macomb who is an author, artist and inter-faith minister, about how the interfaith ministries started, Swami Satchidananda, Swami Muktananda, what Inter-faith is, her spiritual experiences as a child, Catholic school, Muktananda, how in faiths she doesn't take sides, how she deals with couples of different faiths who might not see eye to eye in regards to marriage and children, Jean Klein, New York, how to be more grateful for the people we love, how she met her husband, how to know it's the 'one', funeral, & baptisms and more. Her websites: https://susannamacomb.com/ interfaithweddingceremony.com babyblessingceremonies.com YouTube version: https://youtu.be/P9VY8c7n5ho

Welcome to week two of my conversation with Lauren Santerre, spiritual director, Christian mystic, and my friend from our time doing interfaith work in Houston.  Last week she talked about all the “deaths” that led up to her experience of motherhood, like leaving a wonderful job at Interfaith Ministries and moving to the suburbs, and this week we’re talking about Christian approaches to the life-death-and resurrection cycle.s For folks like me who grew up in a fundamentalist Christian sect and then left, Lauren’s take on the idea that Jesus’ death atones for our sins (known as atonement theology) will be refreshing. She’s not a fan of that interpretation and prefers what’s called restorative theology: the idea that Jesus’ life offers us a profound template for our own lives. You can find some great links below to articles by Richard Rohr and others if you’d like to read more. Stay in the loop with rebirth news and insights when you join our mailing list (https://bit.ly/rebrth), and check out more content at clairevillarreal.com. Questions or comments – or your own story of death and rebirth to tell?  Write Claire at claire@clairevillarreal.com. On atonement theology: https://um-insight.net/articles/confronting-atonement/ A series of posts by Richard Rohr with more theology that's in line with what Lauren shares in this episode: 1.Substitutionary atonement:  https://cac.org/substitutionary-atonement-2019-02-03/ Alternative story: https://cac.org/an-alternative-story-2019-02-04/ Changing Perspectives: https://cac.org/changing-perspectives-2019-02-05/ A Bigger God: https://cac.org/a-bigger-god-2019-02-06/ Coincidence of Opposites:  https://cac.org/coincidence-of-opposites-2019-02-07/ The Scapegoat Mechanism:  the-scapegoat-mechanism-2019-02-08 7. Jesus and the Cross summary: https://cac.org/jesus-and-the-cross-weekly-summary-2019-02-09/ And a link to the Jewish notion of faith that Lauren refers to: https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/emunah-biblical-faith/

In this podcast we talk to Carrie Graham, Pastor and fonder of The Church Lab. While at Fuller Theological Seminary, she had a worshipful and transformative experience with dialogue. She came to see dialogue facilitation as a vital pastoral skill and began facilitating multifaith dialogues in 2007. By the time she became a pastor in 2009, she understood spiritual growth as having 4 pillars: dialogue, discipleship, outreach/mission and worship. They each exercise distinct spiritual muscles. At the end of the day, TCL meets unmet spiritual needs as the American religious landscape changes. The Church Lab exists to help practitioners of any or no religious affiliation - and at times Christian leaders specifically - to help the Church discover her future. You can learn more about The Church Lab by visiting their website. If you find this helpful, please consider supporting this podcast with your Patronage for just a few dollars a month.

Today we speak with Sucre Woodley, director of Marketing and Communications, and Brandi Ledet, assistant director of Special Events, for Interfaith Ministries. The Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels team are seeking volunteers for Thanksgiving support - to help feed and comfort homebound seniors in a five-county area of Greater Houston. ► SUBSCRIBE NOW TO MAJIC 102.1 ON YOUTUBE: http://bit.ly/MajicOnYouTube ► LISTEN LIVE: https://myhoustonmajic.com ► LIKE US ON FACEBOOK: https://facebook.com/myhoustonmajic ► FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM: https://instagram.com/majic1021 For over 40 years, Majic 102.1 has served Houston as The People's Station! From community events, wellness, celebrity interviews and more! Check out interviews from the Sweet Talker Kandi Eastman, AV, Uncle Funky Larry Jones, Sky Houston and KG Smooth!

The Calhoun County community is one of great success and great support, especially for our citizens in need. April LaFollette is the Executive Director of Interfaith Ministries, a coalition of local faith-based organizations who partner to aid those in Calhoun County who need assistance in various ways. Join us today as we discuss the programs and services offered by Interfaith, and just how far their impact reaches.Would you like to donate to Interfaith Ministries? Donate here.Interested in supplying their facility? Visit their Amazon Wish List here. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Project Zion Podcast is teaming up with Smith College Professor, David Howlett, to release a series of podcasts his student created on women's ordination in Community of Christ. This episode features women reflecting on their interactions across denominational lines. They relate stories of working with other women clergy, sharing with women in denominations that do not ordain women, attending ecumenical conferences, and serving on local interfaith alliances.Featured interviewees: Jane Gardner, Marge Troeh, Charmaine Chvala-Smith, Becky Savage, Gwendolyn Hawks-Blue, and Carolyn BrockWritten and produced by: Lily McGartland, C’20; Annalie Gilbert Keith, C’22; Svetlana Roth, C’22More information on this project can be found on their website.

Pastor Kathleen welcomes Rabbi Bruce Elder to talk about the Jewish/Muslim/Christian interfaith ministry in Chicago and their outreach in Texas.

Pastor Kathleen welcomes Rabbi Bruce Elder to talk about the Jewish/Muslim/Christian interfaith ministry in Chicago and their outreach in Texas.

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This is the third episode in a four-part podcast series on maintaining spiritual and emotional wellness during the COVID-19 crisis. Rabbi Rami's guest today is his friend and colleague at the One River Foundation, Frank Levy. Based in Alabama, Levy is the retired Bureau Chief of Public Health Preparedness for the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, and former Director of Interfaith Relations at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. He frequently lectures on public health preparedness. Levy makes three key recommendations for what we can do during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen for the tips, and be well! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is the third episode in a four-part podcast series on maintaining spiritual and emotional wellness during the COVID-19 crisis. Rabbi Rami's guest today is his friend and colleague at the One River Foundation, Frank Levy. Based in Alabama, Levy is the retired Bureau Chief of Public Health Preparedness for the Houston Department of Health and Human Services, and former Director of Interfaith Relations at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. He frequently lectures on public health preparedness. Levy makes three key recommendations for what we can do during the COVID-19 pandemic. Listen for the tips, and be well!

Today’s reflection on Station 8 - Jesus Meets the Women of Jerusalem - comes from The Rev. Gregory Han and Elena Korbut. The Rev. Gregory Han is a “half-Asian, midwestern-Raised, Jesuit-educated, Harvard-trained, Texas-residing, Presbyterian Minister." ince summer 2014, he has served as the Director of Interfaith Relations & Education at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. He is on the faculty of the Honors College at the University of Houston, and he also speaks and teaches widely across the Houston area. He holds degrees from Georgetown University and Harvard Divinity School. Elena Korbut is the Community Engagement Manager in the Refugee Services Department at Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. She works on connecting refugees to the local community as she believes that this connection is instrumental in helping refugees make Houston their home, to contribute to building a strong and diverse community so they can thrive. Her passion for serving the refugee community is fueled by her experience as an immigrant and someone who is familiar with challenges one faces when moving to a different country. Hometown is a podcast from Episcopal Migration Ministries. Check out EMM’s blog for latest updates, opportunities, and alerts: Blog: https://episcopalmigrationministries.org/blog/ Our theme song was composed and recorded by Abraham Mwinda Ikando. Find his music at https://abrahammwinda.bandcamp.com/ ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Episcopal Migration Ministries: www.episcopalmigrationministries.org, www.facebook.com/emmrefugees, Twitter & Instagram, @emmrefugees

Watch as host Rev. Cory Bradford-Watts and Mennonite Pastor Dave Rogalsky discuss the role of interfaith ministry and contemplative spirituality in transcending the theological divisions between denominations. Hear the interesting story of how a Mennonite pastor came to lead a Swedenborgian congregation, and what he learned from that experience. We hope that as you witness Cory and Dave share their personal experiences, you'll be inspired to explore the role of diversity and inclusivity in whatever faith(s) you follow.★ABOUT★The Transcendiots webcast is brought to you by the Swedenborg Foundation—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, independent, educational organization for those seeking to explore spirituality and interfaith. Every month, we'll bring you a new conversation with a guest or guests who have interesting insights to share about self-awareness and spiritual growth!Learn more about the Swedenborg Foundation -- http://www.swedenborg.com★FREE E-BOOKS★"Heaven and Hell: New Century Edition" by Emanuel Swedenborg - https://swedenborg.com/product/heaven-hell-nce/"Secrets of Heaven: New Century Edition" by Emanuel Swedenborg - https://swedenborg.com/product/secrets-heaven-1-nce/"Swedenborg's Garden of Theology: An Introduction to Emanuel Swedenborg's Published Theological Works" by Jonathan S. Rose - https://swedenborg.com/product/swedenborgs-garden-theology/★THE HOST★Rev. Cory Bradford-Watts is an ordained minister with the Swedenborgian Church of North America and a member of the Swedenborg Foundation board of directors. His current ministry includes leading and officiating the Swedenborgian Online Community—an affirming interfaith group that meets weekly to grow in love and wisdom online. Cory was exposed to many different religious traditions growing up, but had little personal belief in Divinity. Then, after experiencing a mystical near-death experience as a young adult, he started to sense the spiritual qualities of life and developed a belief in the Creator. He eventually found himself drawn to the pluralistic, Christian nature of Swedenborgianism, and answered the call to uplift others wherever they're at, no matter their creed or culture.★SUPPORT US★DONATE to the Swedenborg Foundation: https://swedenborg.com/donate/BECOME A MEMBER of the Swedenborg Foundation: http://www.swedenborg.com/membershipSHOP OUR MERCH - 15% of proceeds from our Redbubble store help us continue to offer free spiritual resources just like the videos seen here: https://www.redbubble.com/people/swedenborgfound/shop★FOLLOW US★Hit the SUBSCRIBE button to be notified every time we upload new videos to our channel!E-MAIL - http://www.swedenborg.com/email-signup/FACEBOOK - https://www.facebook.com/SwedenborgFoundation/INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/swedenborgfoundation/TWITTER - https://twitter.com/swedenborgfound★REACH OUT★Want to be a featured guest on our show or have Rev. Cory Bradford-Watts appear on your show? Contact us through the About tab/section of this channel.

In this episode we interview Greg Han, the Director of Relations with Interfaith Ministries. Their mission is to bring people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration, and service, as a demonstration of their shared beliefs. Greg shares with us the 50+ year history of Interfaith Ministries and the programs that they are positively impacting the Houston community. Houston Texas is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the United States. Interfaith ministries are bringing people together to understand each others cultures and faith, working together to spread kindness. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/connectkindness/support

Brian Michael Cooper is president of the XFL football team in Houston, The Houston Roughnecks. We are excited for one season to end and another to begin. The XFL will do a great job of continuing Americas passion for football. Let's get in the Huddle with Brian and find out more!!! Cooper, who most recently served as a partner in the Houston and Denver offices of Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith LLP and as a member of the firm’s Entertainment, Media and Sports Practice, will be responsible for the team's fan engagement and business operations, including ticket sales, corporate partnerships, marketing, content, communications, community relations, and the game day experience.   Before returning to his law practice in 2017 at Lewis Brisbois Bisgaard & Smith, he served as Director of Sports Programming for DISH Network. Cooper served as Senior Associate Athletic Director at Rice University from 2010-2013, and as President of the Rio Grande Valley Vipers from 2008-2010. The Vipers are the NBA G-League affiliate of the Houston Rockets.  Before joining the Vipers, Cooper spent six years as an attorney at Haynes Boone LLP in Houston from 2002-2008, where he worked on matters for the Harris County Sports and Convention Corporation. For his work in Houston sports, he received the Outstanding Service Award from the Houston Bar Association’s Entertainment and Sports Law Section in 2009 and 2012, along with the HBA ESL Chairman’s Award in 2014.  Cooper began his legal career at Proskauer LLP in New York, where his clients included the NBA, NHL, ATP, and MLS.  A graduate of Cornell University, the Harvard Kennedy School, and Columbia Law School, Cooper has served on the boards of Texas Accountants and Lawyers for the Arts and Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston.  An avid runner, he also has completed five New York City Marathons and two Houston Aramco Half Marathons.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the season 1 finale of Pro Bono Perspectives, host and Common Impact CEO Danielle Holly looks back on more than a year of social impact conversations with insightful, inspiring change leaders across sectors and industries. A few key trends emerged, which Danielle explores further in this episode: the expanding definition of philanthropy, new approaches to disaster resiliency and the increase in corporate activism. Listen for clips from some of our favorite episodes (timestamps below), a recap of season 1 and the topics we look forward to exploring further next year! Pro Bono Perspectives will return for our second season in January 2020.   3:04-4:01: Gary Bagley, New York Cares 4:07-6:21: Gary Levante, Berkshire Bank 9:24-12:09: Amy Smith, TOMS 12:16-14:13: Marcy Scott Lynn, Facebook 14:19-17:26: Erica Tavares, International Medical Corps 17:32-19:04: Martin Cominsky, Interfaith Ministries 20:48-22:25: Gary Bagley, New York Cares

I adore my guest on The Priestess Podcast today - Reverend High Priestess Thema Azize Serwa. Thema lives up to her larger than life title and name in every way - as you are soon about to find out. Growing up in a church environment Thema became curious as she got older about women in the bible, and their stories, and it has lead her down a path of enlightenment and an awakening to the Goddess and life as a Priestess, while maintaining her love of God and Christianity. Thema is direct, loving, inspirational and a true guide for modern women looking to explore their spirituality in her work as an Interfaith Minister, as well as her calling to help them love and honour their womb spaces more as a radical act of healing and self-empowerment.

Rev. Karen E. Herrick, PhD, LCSW, LMSW, CADC is a Jungian psychotherapist who has lectured throughout the United States about dysfunctional and addictive homes, disassociation, grief, and loss. Since 1995, Karen and The Interfaith Ministry and Karen have been actively involved in Spiritual Psychology, specifically in naming spiritual experiences and working with chronic grief. This has led her to studying the bidirectional system of the vagus nerve, through which we receive intuitive and spiritual messages. Karen is also the author of three books titled: You're Not Finished Yet, Grandma; What is a Soul?; and her third book that just came out, The Psychology of the Soul and the Paranormal. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/griefandrebirth/support

Rev. Karen E. Herrick, PhD, LCSW, LMSW, CADC is a Jungian psychotherapist who has lectured throughout the United States about dysfunctional and addictive homes, disassociation, grief, and loss. Since 1995, Karen and The Interfaith Ministry and Karen have been actively involved in Spiritual Psychology, specifically in naming spiritual experiences and working with chronic grief. This has led her to studying the bidirectional system of the vagus nerve, through which we receive intuitive and spiritual messages. Karen is also the author of three books titled: You’re Not Finished Yet, Grandma; What is a Soul?; and her third book that just came out, The Psychology of the Soul and the Paranormal. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/griefandrebirth/support

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Martin Cominsky, President & CEO of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, joins host Danielle Holly to share his organization’s messages of volunteerism, community building and respect for other faiths. In addition to providing critical social services and matching a database of over 100,000 volunteers with local nonprofits, Interfaith Ministries is known for having different religious groups convene at each other’s houses of worship and private homes as an intimate, but powerful way to overcome misunderstandings and generalizations and unite the community. This concept of convening became more relevant than ever when Hurricane Harvey struck Houston in 2017. Martin quickly realized that while there was an engaged public eager to provide in-kind donations, there wasn’t an interagency platform for nonprofits to communicate which specific supplies they needed, in what amounts or when was best to send them. As a result, one organization might have an excess of in-kind donations it didn’t need or couldn’t store, while another was very much in need of those same resources. Martin wanted to find a way to coordinate the sharing of in-kind donations amongst nonprofits and, along with help from Common Impact and a team of Fidelity volunteers, he set out to make Interfaith Ministries that very “community connector” Houston needed both in times of disasters and all year round. To learn more about Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston, visit https://www.imgh.org.

Rabbi Neil Amswych of Temple Beth Shalom, in Santa Fe, NM, interviews Hollis Walker, an interfaith minister. They discuss how interfaith ministers can hold together differing religious traditions, who "own" rituals, how to do ritual in an authentic way, religion versus spirituality, and the role of religion today.

Ordained with OneSpirit in 2002, Jackee Holder is a published author, executive and leadership coach, intuitive facilitator, coach supervisor and overall creative wonderwoman! This conversation with feels like a voyage into the vast and lush lands of our inner worlds: traversing wild mountains, deep rivers and drinking in the sweet and sacred medicine of ancient truths. Hence this episode was impossible to edit down - because as you’ll shortly hear - Jackee is a poet who feels the world deeply and her words are delicious and important. Our conversation unpacks Interfaith Ministry and its place in the world. We explore the importance of honouring transition in our lives and the deep need to return to ceremony and ritual to truly witness each other in all of life’s thresholds. And, we explore Jackee’s true love and gift: the practice of Journalling - and what it can reveal to us when we have the courage to whisk out the wisdom from the depths of our hearts and pour it onto the page. Ordained with OneSpirit in 2002, Jackee is a published author, executive and leadership coach, intuitive facilitator, coach supervisor and overall creative wonderwoman! This episode is filled with a lot of truth-bombs and a-ha moments. Here she is with OneSpirit’s Creative lead, Amy Firth About Bring It To The Altar: A new podcast proudly brought to you by the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Founded in London in 1996, OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is an educational charity training open-hearted adults exploring interfaith ministry, spiritual counselling, sacred activism and the worlds many faith paths. This new 8 part podcast series brings you up close with the work of the OneSpirit team, faculty, graduate ministers and their wider community of teachers, elders & friends. Weaving tales from right across the globe, each episode features a new voice and tells a unique story of how this important work makes its way into the world.

A graduate of the One Spirit Learning Alliance in New York, Rev. Pippa Jones was ordained in 2012 and is currently based in Sydney, Australia where this conversation was recorded on a sunny, stormy summers day. As well as being an Interfaith Minister, Pippa is a teacher, and a student having recently completed a Theology and Comparative Religious Studies degree at the Australian Catholic University. This is a powerful and beautiful episode exploring Interfaith Ministry, sacred activism, and how the OneSpirit training can deeply change us from the inside - if we let it. Here she is with OneSpirit’s Creative lead, Amy Firth. About Bring it to the Altar: A new podcast proudly brought to you by the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Founded in London in 1996, OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is an educational charity training open-hearted adults exploring interfaith ministry, spiritual counselling, sacred activism and the worlds many faith paths. This new 8 part podcast series brings you up close with the work of the OneSpirit team, faculty, graduate ministers and their wider community of teachers, elders & friends. Weaving tales from right across the globe, each episode features a new voice and tells a unique story of how this important work makes its way into the world. www.interfaithfoundation.org

In our second episode, you meet the fabulous Rev. Deb Connor. A recent graduate, Deb was ordained with OneSpirit in 2018. A woman with many strings to her bow, she is also a Daoist priest in training, a published author, an acupuncturist, a Transformational Life Coach, Mixed Media Artist, and the founder of Lovely Vegan. As you’ll learn - she is also hilarious - it’s an episode filled with lots of easy laughter as we explore the call towards “Interfaith Ministry” and the treasure, trials and tribulations of the OneSpirit training. With OneSpirit's Creative Lead, Amy Firth. About Bring It To The Altar: A new podcast proudly brought to you by the OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation. Founded in London in 1996, OneSpirit Interfaith Foundation is an educational charity training open-hearted adults exploring interfaith ministry, spiritual counselling, sacred activism and the worlds many faith paths. This new 8 part podcast series brings you up close with the work of the OneSpirit team, faculty, graduate ministers and their wider community of teachers, elders & friends. Weaving tales from right across the globe, each episode features a new voice and tells a unique story of how this important work makes its way into the world.

The discussion begins with Rodney's musical biography starting at the age of 9, this early interest in music then transforms into a life calling by the age of 11. Currently, he is in training as a Jungian analyst, and therefore he speaks eloquently about the integration of music and depth psychology. Rodney's life has provided him the ground to understand how music can give an individual an invitation to consciously and unconsciously explore their creativity, sexuality, and their worldview. Rodney considers his early sexual development through his childhood growing up in West Texas and emphasizes how music provided him a container to hold onto the “life-force” that needed a location for expression. Music eventually could not contain the life-force any longer, and he began searching and expanding his sexuality and his identity. One academic and personal arena of study for Rodney is sexuality, and in particular male sexuality, therefore we consider the modes through which men feel they can and cannot talk about with each other and find means by which to connect. Rodney's interests are each located around the central theme of intimacy and self-expression – including music, relationship, sexuality, tattoos, depth psychology, and the beard. Rodney Waters is the Scholarship Director for Music Doing Good, a nonprofit based in Houston, Texas that transforms children's lives through innovative, music-based programming. As a pianist he has performed extensively in Japan and Europe, and in Houston with the Houston Symphony, River Oaks Chamber Orchestra, Da Camera, Musiqa, and St. Cecilia Chamber Music Society. In April 2016, his recording with Curt Thompson of the complete Sonatas for Violin and Piano by American composer Charles Ives was named one of the top 10 recordings of Ives' music by Gramophone Magazine. Rodney earned his Bachelor and Master of Music degrees in piano performance from the Mannes College of Music in New York, where he studied with Richard Goode. A long-time advocate for the use of art in service of social causes, Rodney has created projects to support local resettlement of refugees through Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston and HIV prevention programs through AIDS Foundation Houston. In 2016 Rodney composed and recorded music for Jungians Speaking, a DVD series released by Chiron Publications. He is currently in training to be a Jungian Analyst at the International School of Analytical Psychology in Zurich. Theme music provided by: http://www.modernnationsmusic.com Learn more about this project at: http://www.thesacredspeaks.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesacredspeaks/

Join us for a Twilight Meditation honoring International Women's Day, with a focus on the unique challenges that displaced refugee women face throughout the world. Women who are refugees and immigrants will share their personal stories and testimonies. The evening will close with a community conversation about the importance of individual and collective efforts to advocate for and support just and equitable policies in support of refugees and immigrants. Musical performance by Mohammad Sheikh Horo, Saz player International Women's Day (IWD) is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. About the Presenters Wafa Abdin is Vice President for Immigration and Refugee Services at Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. She oversees the Cabrini Center for Immigrant Legal Assistance, the largest non-profit provider of immigration legal services for low-income and indigent non-citizens as well as the Refugee Resettlement Program. Ms. Abdin has more than sixteen years’ experience in representing vulnerable immigrants and refugees including detained adults and children, asylum seekers, victims of human trafficking and other crimes. The Rev. Hannah E. Atkins became Trinity's fifteenth rector in September of 2007. To prepare herself as a third generation Episcopal priest, the Reverend Atkins earned a bachelor of arts degree in history at Douglass College, Rutgers University and a masters degree in divinity at the General Theological Seminary in New York in May 1996, with additional studies in theology at Universidad Centroamericana Jose Simeon Canas in El Salvador. The Reverend Atkins previously served as Senior Assistant Rector at St. John's Church, Lafayette Square, Washington, D.C. Before joining St. John's Church, she served as Director of Theological and Christian Education in the Diocese of the Episcopal/Anglican Church of El Salvador, Associate Priest at St. John the Evangelist San Salvador, Priest-in-Charge at Holy Trinity Church Santa Teresa in San Martin, and as Interim Priest-in-Charge at St. Andrew's Church in Amatepec, Soyapango. Asinja Bedeel was born and raised in the small Northern Iraqi village of Behzani. Badeel had been living with her husband and two children in Baghdad when they received word in 2003 that her husband was in danger because he was working for an American company. Since Badeel and her family arrived in Houston in 2008, she has accomplished not only academic accolades at Houston Community College and University of Houston, but has also been pro-active on issues facing the refugee population and refugee women in particular. Badeel currently works as a medical-case worker in Refugee Services at Interfaith Ministries and she is engaged with YAZADA – A Global Yizidi Organization. You can read more about her story by visiting www.imgh.org/our-blog/our-blog/refugee-spotlight-asinja-badeel Chloe Krane worked as a reporter in the Middle East for many years and moved to Houston from England for her husband’s job. Jim Krane, Ph.D., is the Wallace S. Wilson Fellow for Energy Studies at Rice University’s Baker Institute. Chloe is passionate about refugees and is the lead volunteer for the Interfaith Ministries Women’s Initiative Project, a group of Arabic-speaking refugee women that meet on a weekly basis for networking and support. Chloe is an active and well-informed voice in the community - advocating for refugees and engaging the local community in supporting refugees in Houston. She has two young children, and prior to being a mom she was a TV Producer for about 10 years. Based mainly in the Middle East, she worked on hard news, documentaries, investigative programs and commercials.

Jesse Interviews TJ Woodward - a spiritual counselor, inspirational speaker, awakening coach and addiction counselor. He is the founding minister and spiritual director of Awakened Living, and works as the spiritual counselor and group facilitator at Foundations San Francisco Intensive Outpatient treatment program. With over 25 years of experience in the fields of human potential, new-thought ministry, and addiction recovery, Woodward brings a unique blend of experience and insight to his coaching practice, talks, and workshops. TJ served as Ministerial Associate at Unity San Francisco, completed Unity’s Spiritual Development Program and their Leadership Development Program. As a result he earned a prestigious position at a top-tier addiction treatment center, where he served as a counselor and Spiritual Director. He is an inspirational teacher, offering practical guidance on the benefits of spiritual transformation, while encouraging a shift into a deeper awareness of authentic inner-wisdom. He received his Interfaith Ministry ordination and formed Awakened Living, a community of spiritually conscious peacemakers.  TJ Woodward is the author of the book, Conscious Being: Awakening to Your True Nature and is the host of Awakened Living TV and Awakened Living Radio. We will be taking a look at Being Conscious, with TJ.  You can learn more about his work at: http://www.tjwoodward.com/   Clare Hedin: www.clarehedin.com Shimshai:  www.shimshai.com

This is a empowering phone conversation that took place between Robbie Cornelius, and TJ Woodward.TJ Woodward is a spiritual counselor, inspirational speaker, awakening coach andaddiction counselor. He is the founding minister and spiritual director of AwakenedLiving, and works as the spiritual counselor and group facilitator at Foundations SanFrancisco Intensive Outpatient treatment program.With over 25 years of experience in the fields of human potential, new-thought ministry,and addiction recovery, Woodward brings a unique blend of experience and insight tohis coaching practice, talks, and workshops.From 2008-2011 TJ served as Ministerial Associate at Unity San Francisco. During thattime, he completed Unity’s Spiritual Development Program and their Leadership Development Program. In 2009, the results of his work earned him a prestigious position at a top-tier addiction treatment center, where he served as a counselor and Spiritual Director until 2011. He’s known for being an inspirational teacher, offering practical guidance on the benefits of spiritual transformation, while encouraging a shift into a deeper awareness of authentic inner-wisdom.In 2012, he received his Interfaith Ministry ordination and formed Awakened Living, a community of spiritually conscious peacemakers.TJ Woodward is the author of the book, Conscious Being: Awakening to Your True Nature and is the host of Awakened Living TV and Awakened Living Radio. He resides in San Francisco, CA.Please visit http://www.TJWoodward.com to contact TJ Woodward

What sort of interfaith ministries are appropriate? To what extent should Christian churches cooperate with other religions?

Bill King | Houston Mayor Candidate| Hot Chicks Write Hot Books Podcast #17 - Melanie Johnson and Jenn Foster Interview Bill King - Mayor Candidate for Houston, TX. Best Selling Author! Bill King began writing a column on politics and public policy for the Houston Chronicle in 2004, inspired largely by his experiences as a two-term mayor of Kemah, Texas. A lifelong resident of the Houston area, he has a bachelor’s degree in political science and a law degree from the University of Houston. His varied business and legal career includes tenures with Linebarger Goggan Blair & Sampson, LLP, and Bracewell & Giuliani, LP. He has served on numerous committees and task forces studying issues related to the efficient delivery of public services as well as charitable and community boards, including Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston. These Authors talk about how to write a book and publish it on Amazon. They answer your questions about becoming a best-selling author. How to make money with your book and more. Hot Chicks Write Hot Books is a company helping people who want to become an expert, authority and star in your niche by writing a book. We have systematized the book writing Process For you, saving you time, money and effort. We've created a podcast to help you in the book writing process. For more information you can text your name and email to 1(832) 572-5285 More information about Bill King visit http://billkingforhouston.com

Reverend Denise Desimone  She is an author, motivational and inspirational public speaker, and workshop leader, with an extensive background in Interfaith Ministry, and a wide range of holistic healing practices. These healing practices include: Sound Healing, Reiki, Polarity Therapy, Reflexology, Shamanism and Process Therapy.   Denise's first book, From Stage IV to Center Stage is an extraordinary story of courage, strength and inspiration.  She travels extensively throughout the United States speaking and teaching.

Devaa Haley evokes the many faces of the Divine Feminine on her new release, Sacred Alchemy. As an Interfaith Minister through The Chaplaincy Institute for Arts & Interfaith Ministries, with her degree in Anthropology from Stanford, in her post as Chief Transformation Officer for The Shift Network and in her work awakening women with Soulful Women Retreats or the Soulful Women Certificate Program, she sings powerfully and goes deep.

Welcome….we will be having a special guest speaker Reiki Master Teacher Samuel Strauss who is returning to Crystal Vision and Loving Touch Center. Samuel will be answering all type of question ranging from what he will be offering in his Messages Circles (Nov 12 th & 14th @ 7:30) to what he offers in his Private Spiritual Counseling Sessions (appt. required). Samuel is Co-Founder of Loving Touch Center, International School of Traditional Reiki and Interfaith Ministry. He is an Independent Traditional Reiki Master, Teacher, Interfaith Minister, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Master Teacher of Magnified Healing and a Gifted Psychic. Samuel has been creating his unique message circles around the United States for more than 20 years. Samuels’s Message Circle is an evening of enlightenment and self discovery. Through Samuel’s unique delivery and exceptional psychic gift everyone that attends the Message Circle receives a personal message from Spirit and multiple messages throughout the evening. He is a nationally known teacher, lecturer, and author. He has been interviewed on national television and radio.

In addition to her work as the Arts and Healing Network’s Web Site Coordinator, Reverend Tristy Taylor also works with individuals and groups using dreamwork, art-making, coaching, spiritual direction and meditation.  She holds a Masters degree from the Arts & Consciousness program at John F. Kennedy University, and was ordained in January 2005 after studying at The Chaplaincy Institute for Art and Interfaith Ministry. Reverend Taylor is also the co-Founder of the Church of Craft.You can find out more about Reverend Taylor's work by going to trismegista.com and reading her blog, Create with Spirit.