While we don't know what drove the shooter to commit a racist massacre of 10 people at a Buffalo, New York grocery store (May 14) and then just a few days later, the murder of 19 children and 2 teachers in Uvalde, Texas (May 27), what we do know is that our society must, without hesitation, face up to the epidemic of gun violence that afflicts our country and the hatreds that are at the root of many mass acts of violence. We must choose to stand against violence and act to build a country where all can go to school, attend a house of worship, or visit a public gathering place in safety and peace. Speak up and demand action from our elected representatives. Voting matters.
Statement of Interfaith Solidarity
As an interfaith community including Jewish, Christian, and Muslim brothers and sisters as well as other religious and non-religious perspectives, we, Dubuque’s Children of Abraham, stand in solidarity with those who are victims of violence, fear, ignorance, and hatred. We make this commitment at a time when the beliefs and practices of many faithful, civically-minded people are being judged by the terrible actions of a few, and we reject the irrational fear of entire religious traditions because such fear blocks the pursuit of greater purpose. We specifically repudiate those unfounded attitudes toward Islam that some public figures promote; when these figures speak, our community hears echoes of past persecutions against other religious groups, including Jews and Christians.
The Children of Abraham is convinced that such fears, and the ideas they advance, often result in unjust actions that, over time, will foster anger, resentment, and further violence. In this conviction, we stand with those individuals and communities affected by prejudice and fear and call for a continued open dialogue to pursue pathways of peace and active non-violence.
The Children of Abraham remains convinced that by listening to and learning from one another we all move closer to peaceful and lasting relationships and a civil, democratic society. 12-18-15
Mission Statement: Dubuque’s Children of Abraham creates an atmosphere of civic life that builds inter-religious solidarity, cooperation, and friendship. It does so through regular monthly topical conversations, service, activities, education outreach, and expressions of cross-cultural hospitality in sacred spaces.
Welcome to CofA: another year, another (sort of) Pandemic Edition. We're starting our 11th year. Last year was all Zoom and it was great to see you all, though things were not exactly the way we expected. Thanks to all our friends across the United States our conversation grew from Iowa to California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Oregon, New York and Washington. This year we're planning to be in person, but obviously if things change we'll post it here.
In-person or Facebook - your choice. Join us and keep our interfaith dialogue active. If you would like to be on our very infrequent mailing list, email one of us - John (john.eby@loras.edu) or Alan (agarfield@dbq.edu). Or, just view our Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/cofabraham on the proper Thursday (see below).
Schedule and Venues for 2021-2022 (All start at 7pm unless noted.)
Sept. 23: Zoom Topic: Hope. Conversation 7-8:15pm. Oct. 21: Emmaus Bible College; Topic: Medicine & Healing. Nov. 18: Loras College; Topic: Interfaith. Jan. 20: Clarke University; Topic: Family & Kinship. Feb. 17: St. Luke’s Methodist Church; Topic: Marriage. Mar. 17: Tri-State Islamic Center; Topic: Money & Interest. April 21: Wartburg Seminary; Topic: Being Human.
Book Discussion Group: March 11, March 25 (Thursdays), 7 p.m.
Book Discussion Group: March 11, March 25 (Thursdays), 7 p.m. with Charles Cohen, author of The Abrahamic Religions. You can purchase the book at River Lights Bookstore and receive a 15% discount.
(Please email John (john.eby@loras.edu) or Alan (agarfield@dbq.edu) to get the Zoom link.
Children of Abraham Activities and Hospitality Festivals:
In addition to our exciting conversations, we organize activities and other events. For example, there is Qur’an Study every Tuesday: 5:30-6:30pm in the Interfaith Prayer Space (Alumni Campus Center 580) at Loras College. You are certainly welcome.
Who and What We Are:
We are an organized group in the Dubuque, Iowa, area that believes in and acts to have meaningful interfaith conversations. We have finished our third year, so...it's time to get serious - website, more activities - that sort of stuff. So, plan to join us for our fourth year, coming up 2014-2015. These conversations are aimed at enhancing understanding of religious traditions in a non-threatening, non-competitive environment. These conversations are not debates but rather dialogues grounded in civility, a willingness to listen to others, and a commitment to learn and reflect with respect. We love round table group discussions, when possible - often with a bit of food (who doesn't?).
Who and What We Are - the Video
10 minute documentary from Spring 2015 by Loras students Lina Rodriguez Araujo and Mareah Adolphs. Thanks to Lina, Mareah and all who participated. Yes, it's 3 years old. But very little has changed except the shrill from Washington. Once again, a great reflection on our community.
- Interview with Adib Kassas in the Telegraph Herald, March 9, 2019
- Video of the 11-15-18 Q&A session, hosted by Stacia McDermott at Loras College. Topic: Evil.
- October 26, 2017: Martin Luther and Antisemitism
In this, the 500 year anniversary of Martin Luther's 95 theses nailed to the door of Wittenberg Castle church, we will discuss antisemitism in Luther's writings.
There are three distinct parts to this presentation. First, Professor Craig Nessan, Academic Dean and Professor of Contextual Theology at Wartburg Theological Seminary, will present his Luther research and his recent publication about Luther and antisemitism. Second, Professor John Eby, Associate Professor of History and Chairperson for Faculty Senate at Loras College will address issues of Medieval antisemitism. Third, Professor Alan Garfield, Professor of Digital Art and Design and Director of the Bisignano Art Gallery at the University of Dubuque, will talk about the rise of antisemitism in America in the 21st century.
- September 24, 2017: Concert for NonViolence at U of Dubuque
Our inter-religious group believes in the sacredness of life. Civil discourse and love of humanity are at the core of everything we try to do. In this event, we joined with DACU - Dubuque Area Congregations United (www.dacuonline.org), the Dubuque Coalition for Non-Violence and the Dubuque International Day of Peace in sponsoring this Concert for NonViolence.
As part of the week long International Day of Peace celebration, the Concert for NonViolence is a combination two-hour concert and reflection on nonviolence. The power of music to reach far and wide has fueled countless important movements in recent decades. Now is the time to turn up the music to turn down the hateful rhetoric that has become a hallmark of the gun debate. All invited. Musicians: Kristina Castaneda, Ralph Kluseman, and Linda Niemann. Speaker: Alan Garfield “Nonviolence in the Abrahamic Tradition”.
WI Council of Churches Interfaith Report
Sr. Betty Kugi shares this marvelous resource from the Wisconsin Council of Churches. Their publication is "Loving our Interfaith Neighbors: A Study-Action Guide" which can be downloaded here.
Various Events 2015-2016 (in addition to our Thursday night discussions):
- February 20, 2016. RIVERCROSSING Storytelling and Interfaith Conference at Loras College, sponsored by IFYC, Clarke University, Loras College and the University of Dubuque.
Recent Past Highlights.
- Interfaith Discussion at the Dyersville Library, 9-2-17.
- Peace Rally - From Paris to Chapel Hill: A Neighborly Stand Against Religious Prejudice.
Monday, March 9, 2015.
This was a time for the Dubuque community to join together (hence the neighborly) with UD/Loras/Clarke/Wartburg and other students, faculty, and Dubuquers to rally against religious intolerance. Over 200 folks came. Local, regional and national interest.
Why? (Do you really have to ask?) We have been witnessing violence because of intolerance with increased frequency this year. This is not only about the rise of anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, though it is clearly about that, but also about the savage violence done to those of different races and religions. Plain and simple, we’re doing this because this is, in fact, what we at the Children of Abraham stand for. And we feel compelled to stand in solidarity especially with our Jewish and Muslim neighbors at this time.
This was indeed a special event. This Muslim comedian came to Dubuque to do a stand up comedy act at Loras College at 7 pm. Thanks to grants from the City of Dubuque Arts and Culture Commission and Loras College's Kucera Center for Catholic Studies,
this event was open and free to the public, and 300 people came - laughed and reflected. Thanks John and Stacia for all your hard work. azhar usman poster 8.5x11.pdf
Past Topics have included:
- Love and Sex.
- Creation.
- God.
- Abraham.
- Moses.
- Women.
- Conversion and Proselytizing.
- Civil Disobedience.
- Prayer.
- Joseph.
- Scripture Studies.
Q: What inspired this series of faith based conversations?
Dubuque’s Children of Abraham grew out of inter-religious friendships that were simply too rich not to share. John Eby (a Christian professor of History, Loras College), Alan Garfield (a Jewish professor of Digital Art and Design at the University of Dubuque), Adib Kassas (a Muslim psychiatrist at Mercy Hospital), Bonnie Sue Lewis (a Presbyterian Christian professor of Mission at the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary), and John Waldmeir (a Catholic professor of Religion at Loras College) decided to organize interfaith conversations so as to broaden the dialogue and learn from others.
Recent Events: Fall 2019/Fall 2021/Spring 2022:
Our host for this topic, “Money and Interest”, held at the Tri-State Islamic Center was Matt Rissler. On the panel: Brenna Cussen, Adib Kassas, and Alan Garfield. Some pictures…
Topic was HOPE. A fascinated Zoom discussion led by John Eby with panelists Mona Chicks, Alan Garfield and Adib Kassas.
Surprise Zoom Meeting congratulating Bonnie Sue Lewis upon her retirement from the Seminary Faculty at the University of Dubuque. It's fun to surprise friends, even remotely.
Organized by John and Alan, there were 20 folks who participated in Zoom. This picture taken when 14 were active after 40 minutes.
Our host for this topic, “Money and Interest”, held at the Tri-State Islamic Center was Matt Rissler. On the panel: Brenna Cussen, Adib Kassas, and Alan Garfield. Some pictures…
Topic was HOPE. A fascinated Zoom discussion led by John Eby with panelists Mona Chicks, Alan Garfield and Adib Kassas. 
Surprise Zoom Meeting congratulating Bonnie Sue Lewis upon her retirement from the Seminary Faculty at the University of Dubuque. It's fun to surprise friends, even remotely. 
Organized by John and Alan, there were 20 folks who participated in Zoom. This picture taken when 14 were active after 40 minutes. 
