Network of Spiritual Progressives planning public readings of the Qur'an on 9-11

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In response, NSP (our Network of Spiritual Progressives) is calling on all our members and friends to quickly organize sinterfaith public readings of the Qur'an on the same day. Please reach out to members of every religious community, and none, to join with you in doing this act of solidarity with our Muslim brothers and sisters. You may find that other groups in your community have already planned this--so then join with them and let them know that the NSP stands with them. By the way, if you want to know if you are a member of NSP, here's how you know: you would have gotten the latest issue of Tikkun in the mail in the past week with our proposed Environmental and Social Reponsbility Amendment to the U.S. Constitution that would not only overturn Citizens United but also set serious requirements for corporate environmental responsibility, plus it has an amazing interview with economist Joseph Stiglitz, speeches from our conference by Dennis Kucinich, Bill McKibben, Keith Ellison, Jeremy Ben-Ami, Margaret Flowers, Lester Brown, Arthur Waskow, Brian McLaren, Marianne Williamson, Sharon Welch; plus two really amazing articles you shouldn't miss--one by Phil Wolfson on Castro's Cuba, the other by Peter Gabel showng how the later Sartre developed a sensitivity in his social theory that helps unravel contemporary 21st century realities. And did I mention our High HOliday supplement which anyone can use to deal with repentance and atonement, or the article by the translater of The New Testament (Willis Barnstone) who makes the New Testament real by reconnecting it with its Jewish roots. Anyway, if you have not updated your membership, or have never joined but now want to support us, do it NOW at www.SpiritualProgressives.org.



In the SF Bay Area, we will be reading Koran at an event organized by many local groups which will take place at Ohlone Park, in Berkeley on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010 at 3:15 PM. Meet at the corner of Sacramento and Delaware at 3:15. We shall all symbolically stand with Muslim Americans and read aloud in English parts of the Qur'an, affirming that we will not stand by silently while others perpetrate un-American acts of hate in the name of patriotism or religion. Unfortunately, because it is Shabbat and I don't ride on the Sabbath, I won't personally be able to be there. But we will read from the Koran at our Rosh Hashanah service as our act of public solidarity (www.beyttikkun.org).

All people -- of any faith or no faith -- are welcome to join us. We will read and discuss the Qur'an for about 30 - 45 minutes. The official event will then end, but some of us may choose to stay and share our thoughts and feelings.

The park has facilities to entertain children while parents take part in the reading and discussion.

September 11 this year for Jews is Shabbat Shuvah, the Sabbath of returning and renewal between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. September 11th this year is also just after the last day of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month of fasting, prayer, purification, forgiveness and renewal. Materials about Ramadan will also be available for people to learn about this important Muslim observance. Please join us in standing up for religious coexistence and for the celebration of what we all can learn from people of varied faiths.

[maryf]

1. K&R

way to counter hate! thanks Bobbie!

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3. Yes, this organization is doing some good things for peace. I hope that if anyone on DU lives in

the Berkeley area, they will attend this.

I hope its covered in all the news!

Like the Berkeley Tribe... oh wait.. :rofl:

[pscot]

2. Aargh!

How did they get out? They're s'posed to be locked up 'til after the election.

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4. once more

:kick;