Below is the full program for this year’s Unity Walk (details subject to change). Due to Covid, some host congregations are unable to open their doors to visitors this year. While we are disappointed that walkers won’t be able to visit all of the usual houses of worship along the route, we look forward to creating new ways to connect with local faith communities, to spark meaningful conversation, and to celebrate all who live in our region!
Friday, September 10th-Sunday, September 12th
Virtual Resource Fair
Houses of Worship Virtual Visits
All activities will take place outdoors unless otherwise specified. Masks will be required indoors and outdoors when social distancing is not possible.
Registration 1-1:45pm
Visit with leaders from the Baha’i, Zoroastrian and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints communities
Bathrooms and a prayer space will be provided indoors at Washington Hebrew Congregation
1:45-2:15pm Opening ceremony next to Washington Hebrew Congregation in Archibald Glover Park (outdoors)
This year’s Opening Ceremony will include a blessing from Mobedyar Dr Hormuzd Katki (Zoroastrian), reflections from Rabbi Eliana Fischel, Qadir Abdu-Salaam, Director of Interfaith Relations, Masjid Muhammad–The Nation’s Mosque, Ward 3 Councilmember Mary Cheh, IFC Board President Lee Bachu, and music by Rabbi David Shneyer.
2:30-4 Block One
Annunciation Catholic Church (visitors welcome inside with masks)
Speed Dialogues “Healing Ourselves, Healing our Communities”*
2:30-3:15 (two 20 minute sessions)
Moderated by Ann Delorey, IFC staff
St. Sophia Greek Orthodox Cathedral (visitors only allowed on the grounds outside)
Seedling distribution with Interfaith Power and Light
Bryce Park
Teen led dialogue “Exploring Identity as Diverse Teens”
2:30-3:30 (two 30 minute sessions)
Led by Sarah Doane (Student to Student) and Neha Kohli (Lazarus Fellowship program)
Informal conversation with members of Sikh Kid to Kid and the EcoSikh Youth Club
4-5:30 Second Block
Community of Christ Church (visitors outside only)
St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral (visitors welcome inside with masks)
Music in Worship*
4-5pm
Children’s program (6+)
4-4:30pm (two 15 minute sessions)
Led by Catherine Maresca, Director of The Center for Children and Theology
Sheridan Circle Park
Informal conversations with members of Masjid Muhummad, the Nation’s Mosque and International Buddhist Committee of Washington DC
Islamic Center of Washington, DC
4:45pm Short prayer and reflection led by Brother Abbas
5:30-6pm Gandhi Statue Closing Ceremony
The Closing Ceremony will feature reflections from Heather Kimball (The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints). Rosemary Fennell (Baha’i), and a performance by Mosaic Harmony, led by David North. The ADAMS Center has generously donated a bus that will pick up walkers from the Gandhi Statue and bring them back to Washington Hebrew Congregation following the Closing Ceremony.
Program descriptions:
*“Healing Ourselves, Healing our Communities”
2:30-3:15 (2 20min sessions)
Annunciation Catholic Church
Moderator: Ann Delorey (IFC staff)
These unique dialogue sessions will give participants a chance to dialogue with different people over a short period of time. Designed for speed and intimacy, the experience of sharing your story and listening to others in this setting will deepen your connection with others on the Walk.
*Music in Worship
St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
4-5pm
Join a panelist of leaders across diverse faith traditions, including AME Zion, Zoroastrian, Baha’i, and more, for an engaging conversation around the use of music in traditional worship.