Christianity: What Does It Look Like?

Thurs., Mar. 12 at 6:30 p.m.

There are many religions in our community that have teachings related to Jesus. In some he is a savior, in others he is a messenger, and in some he has no significance at all. Even among those who believe that Jesus Christ is the savior, there are distinct differences in creed and practice. Join us as we explore these faiths that believe in Jesus as the savior and see how they relate to each other and to this one man. Panelists include:

Michael Hovey (Roman Catholic)

Reverend Cannon Robert Hart (Episcopal)

Bishop Greg Geiger (Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints)

Reverend Ken Flowers (African American Baptist)

Pain and Healing Across the Faith Traditions

Thurs., Apr. 16 at 6:30 p.m.

For many, a stumbling block to faith or religion is pain. Themes of pain and healing are common in many faith traditions, and we will discuss how different faiths approach the subject of pain and healing. Panelists include:

 Rabbi Aaron Bergman (Jewish)

 Reverend Daniel Buttry (American Baptist)

 Imam Steve Elturk (Muslim)

 Bill Secrest (Buddhist)

WISDOM: Five Women, Five Journeys

Thurs., May. 14 at 6:30 p.m.

This unique WISDOM (Women's Interfaith Solutions for Dialogue and Outreach in Metro-Detroit) program features personal stories of women of different faith traditions - how their childhood impacted their beliefs today, what the challenges are for women in their faith tradition, what parts of their religion are misunderstood, and how reaching out to someone from a different faith has enriched their lives. Panelists include:

 Parwin Anwar (Muslim)

 Paula Drewek (Baha'i)

 Gail Katz (Jewish)

 Jatinder Kauer (Sikh)

 Amy Morgan (Christian)

Baldwin Public Library

300 West Merrill, Birmingham, MI 48009

www.baldwinlib.org

Featuring filmmaker Dr. Abigail Disney

Honoring Community Peacemakers:

Eide Alawan

Interfaith Outreach Officer, Islamic Center of America

Annie Ellington 

Director, Detroit Youth Violence Prevention Initiative

Anthony Holt

Chief of Police, Wayne State University

Esther Shapiro 

Consumer and Civil Rights Advocate 

The Interfaith Leadership Council of Metropolitan Detroit will be presented with the Spirit of Unity Award at the 9th Annual Spirit Awards Banquet to be held on May 13, 2015.

In his letter, Ecumenical Theological Seminary President Dr. Stephen Butler Murray wrote "The Spirit Awards are among the highest honors that Ecumenical Theological Seminary may offer to those whose life work mirrors the mission and ethical commitments of the seminary community.  We received your successful nomination among the nominations of many extraordinary citizens and organizations championing the common good, and you were recognized as the standard bearer among those nominees in the category of The Spirit of Unity Award, which "recognizes an individual or organization that is working in the community to promote and establish an appreciation and understanding of different cultures and religions."