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.
Download our 2018-2019 poster as a pdf. 11 x 8.5" 17 x 11"
Working on the Fall 2019 - Spring 2020 conversations. Please check back in August.
In addition to our exciting conversations, we organize activities and other events. For example, there is Qur’an Study every Wednesday: 5:30-6:30pm in the Interfaith Prayer Space (Alumni Campus Center 580) at Loras College. You are certainly welcome.
As part of the Children of Abraham's mission to create an "atmosphere of civic life that builds inter-religious solidarity, cooperation, and friendship", we are happy to announce our first Book Group. Starting February 9 at 10am, we are going to explore the ideas in Abraham Joshua Heschel's marvelous little book, The Sabbath. If you haven't encountered it before, many of Heschel's ideas have migrated to main religious denominations since its first publication in 1951. The book is short and full of profound insights and wisdom. Ideal for a book group. We will discuss two chapters each session. We meet at Temple Beth El at 10 AM to discuss the ideas in the book on the following Saturdays for one hour: February 9 & 23, March 9 & 30, and April 13.
Come and try it out. We'll even have coffee and bagels. If you want to get the book, we recommend you to our local River Lights Bookstore, (563) 556-4391, on Main Street in Dubuque. You even get a discount if you tell them this is for the Children of Abraham's Book Club. Nothing to lose and a few calories to gain. I hope to see you at some of the discussions.
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?).
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
Read the entire interview, click here.
- 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
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1755 Delhi St, Dubuque. 7-8:15pm.
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
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.
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- Comedian Azhar Usman, March 5, 2015 at 7pm.
- 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
- Creation.
- God.
- Abraham.
- Moses.
- Women.
- Conversion and Proselytizing.
- Civil Disobedience.
- Prayer.
- Joseph.
- Scripture Studies.
Don't forget to visit us at 
See some of our past events. We do so many, we need a separate page to show them. Click here for some history.
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Join us for our conversations. We'd love to have you participate. But we're not ready yet, so stay tuned. We'll probably update this page in August. Meanwhile, enjoy each other and the summer.
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Qur’an Study every Wednesday: 5:30-6:30pm in the Interfaith Prayer Space (Alumni Campus Center 580) at Loras College.
Questions or concerns? Just email us.
- 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.
Coming soon.
We are very thankful for the encouraging support (financial and enthusiastic) by the following institutions:
- Loras College
- University of Dubuque