Each February, in support of the U.N. resolution aimed at spreading “the message of interfaith harmony and goodwill . . . based on Love of God/of the Good and Love of Neighbor,” IFC convenes Interfaith Harmony Month in the DMV. During the month, IFC and its collaborating partners present a month of programming to coincide with the annual worldwide observance. To participate as a collaborating organization for the upcoming year, contact Ann Delorey at [email protected]. For more about “World Interfaith Harmony,” click here.
Here’s what happened in February 2023:
Oneness of Humanity: Reconnecting Post-pandemic
Sponsored by Tysons Interfaith
A workshop on Sunday, February 5 from 4:00 – 5:30 pm for communities of faith to discuss the challenges faced in rebuilding and reconnecting post-pandemic. Please join in for a conversation on questions such as: What does your faith family look like now? What successes has your community had in reconnecting with others? Where have you encountered challenges? Thoughts on what we might work on together as an interfaith community.
Gathering for Interfaith Families
Sponsored by Interfaith Families Project
IFFP is a hybrid community of interfaith (predominantly Jewish-Christian) families. Each week, we gather together on Sunday mornings for an interfaith worship service, led by our rabbi and minister, followed by education for all-ages. Our doors are always open to all, and on this occasion, we are especially excited to invite you to come and experience this harmonious, bridge-building community.
Scriptural Reasoning: Encountering God-1
Sponsored by Rumi Forum
Scriptural Reasoning is a practice where Christians, Jews, and Muslims study each other’s sacred texts. This month`s theme is “Encountering God-1” with Robert Miller.
Crepes with Clergy
Sponsored by Abrahamic House
A priest, a rabbi, and an imam walk into a brunch… and we invite you to join us on February 12th for a Shrove Sunday breakfast! Together, we’ll gather to enjoy handmade paczki, pierogi, and blini with religious leaders from around the DC area. Come with questions, build relationships, and participate in traditional pre-lent games! Please register early! Space is limited! In the event of over-registration, priority will be given to the newest members of the community.
Recipe Sharing (Virtual)
Sponsored by Beloved Community Interfaith Network of PG County
Attendees share a recipe from their religious/cultural/family tradition, with some personal insights. All recipes will be compiled and share with registered participants at the end of the event.
Museum Tour and Interfaith Dialogue on the theme of Divine Light
Sponsored by the Interfaith Council and The Textile Museum/GWU
After a Textile Museum curator-led tour of the special exhibit entitled “Prayer and Transcendence”*, join a dialogue surrounded by Anne Lindberg’s inspiring “What color is divine light?” installation. The dialogue is hosted by the Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington (IFC-MW**) and will include the opportunity for participants to reflect and share with each other in small groups around the thought-provoking theme of divine light. IFC will provide guidance on engaging in dialogue with those from different backgrounds, worldviews and faith traditions.
* In the Muslim faith, carpets create physically and spiritually “clean” spaces during the daily ritual of prayer. Drawn from the collections of five institutions, this exhibition introduces the purpose and iconography of classical prayer rugs from across the Islamic World, as well as design comparisons from the Jewish tradition.
Thursday, February 23rd
7:00-9:00 PM
Register here
2023 Figel Address on Ecumenical Dialogue: Archdeacon John Chryssavgis
Sponsored by Washington Theological Consortium
This year’s recipient of the Consortium’s Ecumenism Award is Archdeacon John Chryssavgis, an Orthodox Christian theologian who serves as advisor to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew on environmental issues. He is a clergyman of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. His address is entitled: Toward an Ecumenical Outlook: Reviving Foundational Principles of Ecumenism
Thursday, February 23rd
7:00-9:00 PM
Register here