Apr 2

Written by:
4/2/2009 4:58 PM 

VIC’s Peacemaking Forum a great success!

Nearly 100 people attended VIC’s forum, Peacemaking: An Interfaith Imperative which was held February 22nd at St. Michael and All Angel’s Episcopal Church in Studio City. The event was co-sponsored by Interfaith Communities United for Justice and Peace (ICUJP) and the Sepulveda Unitarian Universalist Society. Theological foundations for peace from the Abrahamic faiths were provided by Rabbi Steven Jacobs, The Rev. Canon Henry L. Atkins and Dr. Maher Hathout. Confronting the Casualties of War was the topic for our panelists. Stephen Rohde spoke on U.S. sponsored torture, The Rev. Pam Tyler spoke on the plight of Middle Eastern refugees, Carol Tanenbaum from the Soldiers Project spoke about the psychological needs of returning veterans and Mary Elizabeth Perry spoke to the effectiveness of interfaith studies as a pathway to peace. Attendees were provided a “toolkit” listing additional resources and a checklist to complete which identified follow-up opportunities for peacemaking. Of those attending, 35% responded to the checklist. Of those responding:

• 76% want to be contacted for other similar events,
• 58% expressed interest in interfaith study and dialogue, 
• 12% requested speakers for their faith community about US sponsored torture, 
• 33% requested more information about using the Abrahamic Faiths Peacemaking Initiative materials and discussion guides in their faith communities
• 33% expressed want to join a delegation to visit their congressional representative,
• 33% want to attend training in effective constituent visits to elected officials, and,
• 33% want to work with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture to end all US sponsored torture.

The event planning committee will work with all respondents to meet their requests.

Many thanks to our event host, St. Michael and All Angeles Episcopal Church, The Rev. Canon Henry L. Atkins, Betsy Hailey (planning committee member and church liaison) and the church’s hospitality committee for set-up and delicious refreshments!