Intolerance between people of different religions costs lives, devastates communities and fosters hatred that lasts for generations.  Religious intolerance is a disease whose cure is understanding, respect and compassion.  It is this idea that drives the mission of the Boniuk Center for the Study and Advancement of Religious Tolerance at Rice University.

Last year, over 20,000 Houstonians participated in our programs, which included the Bridge Builders Lecture Series, World Religions Lectures and a play about the Holocaust at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. In partnership with Interfaith Ministries of Greater Houston, The Greater Houston Amazing Faiths Project Dinner Dialogues were hosted in dozens of homes locally.  This year, we have reached out to younger participants with educational and dialogue programs at the Rice University campus. 

Changing the world is an audacious venture.  We invite you to join in our work by making a contribution to support our efforts.  We understand that personal finances might be stretched, yet we are fortunate to have a 1:1 challenge grant of up to $15,000 from Boniuk Center Advisory Board members that will amplify your gift.  So please, accept our invitation to become a Friend of the Boniuk Center.  Together, we can promote religious tolerance.

The World Religions Lecture Series kicks off this year at a new location.  The first three lectures in January will take place at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church (1900 Bering Drive) which has plenty of free parking and free childcare.  Contact Karen Van Horn at 713-782-8250 at least three days prior to the class date you are planning to attend to arrange childcare. The dates and topics for the January lectures are as follows:

January 14: Catholicism
January 19: Baha'i
January 26: Sikhism

Check out our website for the full schedule at: World Religions Registration Page.

 

Three Cups of Tea with Greg Mortenson
Monday, February 8, 2010
11:00am Check-in/Registration
11:45am Luncheon begins
Houston Intercontinental Hotel
222 West Loop South
Houston, TX 77027
 
You are invited to join this very important fundraising luncheon. Mortenson is a Nobel Peace Prize nominee, national and international award-winning and best selling author of Three Cups of Tea andStones into Schools.  All proceeds from the event will benefit Central Asia Institute, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with the mission to promote and support community-based education, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan.
 
To become an  Underwriter, Sponsor, Table Host or to purchase a ticket, click here.
 
For more information, call 713.599.1271 or email Meredith at PR Boutique.

The Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance is co-sponsoring this event.

 

Rice News featured an article on the Undergraduate Dinner Dialogues hosted by The Boniuk Center for Religious Tolerance and Rice Interfaith Dialogue Association, a student group at Rice University.  Read more about the event here.