Statement on Recent Gun Violence, May 27, 2022
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.
Sept. 7: Loras College ACC Ballroom — Broken Faith: Religious Affiliation and Discontent
Oct. 5: Temple Beth El — Holy Days. Sukkot celebration begins 6:30pm.
Nov. 2: Wartburg Seminary — Living Well, Considering Death
Jan. 18: St. Anthony Catholic Church — Blasphemy and Cancel Culture
Feb. 15: Emmaus Bible College — Conversion
Mar. 7: Tri-State Islamic Center — Women in Holy Books
Apr. 11: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints — Intra-Faith: a Glimpse at Diversity within Religions
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.
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.
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.
Read the entire interview, click here.
- Video of the 11-15-18 Q&A session, hosted by Stacia McDermott at Loras College. Topic: Evil.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.
Qur’an Study on Tuesdays. Email Adib or John. 5:30-6:30pm in the Interfaith Prayer Space (Alumni Campus Center 580) at Loras College.
We are very thankful for the encouraging support (financial and enthusiastic) by the following institutions:
- Loras College
- University of Dubuque