TT - THE GOSPEL – OUR RULE - Eight Centuries of Conversion - TT

Regional Interfaith/ Ecumenical Committee

 

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Happy Ridvan & Easter!

Each year, Baha’is around the world commemorate Baha’u’llah’s declaration as God’s messenger during the twelve-day festival of Ridvan. 

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Easter is a Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This year, both Orthodox and Western Christian traditions will celebrate Easter on April 20th. 

 

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Join Us!

Join IFC every month for a (virtual) wide-ranging conversation on a variety of topics from looking at contemporary issues through a faith lens to exercising leadership in challenging times to what interfaith solidarity looks like today and more!

Click here to learn more about this exciting event…

Purchase tickets here…

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Save the Date: IFC Bridge Builders Award Sunday, June 8th, 2025

IFC is thrilled to give the Rev. Clark Lobenstine Interfaith Bridge Builders Award to Interfaith Comedy. Join us for an evening of celebration and laughter! More details will be shared soon. 

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Mazel Tov Rabbi Gerry Serotta

IFC’s own Rabbi Gerry Serotta will be honored with the Founder’s Award by T’ruah: The Rabbinic Call for Human Rights at their 2025 gala. If you would like to learn more about the event, about Rabbi Gerry’s work with T’ruah or to purchase tickets, please click here.

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Religious and Cultural Literacy Workshops

Thank you to Ingleside at King Farm for bringing an IFC Religious and Cultural Literacy Workshop to your community last Friday!

To bring a religious and cultural literacy workshop to your workplace, school, or congregation, please email IFC’s Assistant Director Symi Rom-Rymer: symirr@ifcmw.org.

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Upcoming IFC Partner Events

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Upcoming Interfaith Events in the DMV

Let Freedom Ring

April 18

On April 18th, houses of worship across the country are invited to ring their bells beginning their services in solidarity with a profound and historic event happening simultaneously—the Lantern Service at Old North Church in Boston. The service will be celebrating the 250th anniversary of Paul Revere’s storied ride and the lantern signal that emanated from Old North Church. As you gather for your service, know that your church bells are joining a national movement uniting faith communities for justice…

Find out more »

Service is Everywhere in DC: A Community Exhibit

April 21 @ 10:00 am – June 27 @ 4:00 pm
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G Street NW
Washington DC, DC + Google Map

Discover the powerful impact of community service in the DC Metropolitan area at the “Service is Everywhere in DC” exhibit. This groundbreaking installation highlights the rich history and impactful projects of community service within the DC Metro Area. Developed in partnership with the DC Public Library, the YMCA of Metropolitan Washington, and the Rotary Club of Washington DC, this exhibit serves as a model for how every community across the country can create their own museums of service.  Learn about…

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Multifaith Earth Day Celebration

April 22 @ 9:30 am
Russell Office Building Room 385, 2 Constitution Ave.
Washington, DC 20001 + Google Map

The Washington Interfaith Staff Community (WISC) and the Energy & Ecology Working Group invite you to their Multifaith Earth Day Celebration. Join faith leaders to explore varied perspectives on caring for creation and human and planetary health. The event will kick off at 9:30 AM with coffee and time to mingle before the formal program starts at 10 AM.

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Passing Down Religious Identity

April 28 @ 12:00 pm – 5:00 pm
620 Michigan Ave. NE, Washington, DC 20064, 620 Michigan Ave. NE
Washington, DC 20064 + Google Map

Rumi Forum, Wise Institute, The Catholic University’s McLean Center for the Study of Culture and Values, and School of Theology and Religious Studies present “Passing Down Religious Identity: Faith Community Experiences.” Join educators, scholars, and religious leaders for an engaging discussion on innovative ways to teach religion to the next generation, the role of technology in religious education, how faith communities can balance tradition with modernity, and more. If you would like to attend, be sure to register on the event website…

Find out more »

View All Regional Interfaith Events

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Resources for the Wider Community

Maryland Grant Program: Protecting Against Hate Crimes (PAHC) This grant program offers support to nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, with facilities and membership that can be targeted for a hate crime to provide security enhancements. Applications are due May 9th.

Know Your Rights Information (Catholic Legal Immigration Network) 

Immigration Rights Toolkit (Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund)

Print pocket cards to hand to ICE if they approach you (Immigrant Legal Resource Center) 

Immigration – Know Your Rights Resources (Muslims for Just Futures) – available in Bangla, Dari, English, Hindi, Nepali, Pashto, Punjabi, Spanish, and Urdu. 

A Toolkit for Faith Leaders Facing Crisis and Division

 

Upcoming Religious Holidays 

4/13-4/20 Passover (Jewish)
4/18 Good Friday (Christian)
4/20 Easter (Christian)
4/20 First Day of Ridvan (Baha’i)
 

View Interfaith Holiday Calendar 

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April Newsletter

We had a very special March at Abrahamic House. The fellows hosted events from all three of their faith traditions, all while Seedy and Esma were fasting for Ramadan. We are so impressed with what they’ve been able to achieve and are really looking forward to our April programming.

Our fellows began March with a super fun Mardi Gras/Shrove Tuesday dessert night. Xochi baked some yummy desserts to share and guests answered questions related to the holiday and set intentions for a new season. Shrove Tuesday is the day before many Christians begin fasting for Lent, so it’s appropriate to have some sweet treats! But Christians were definitely not the only ones fasting this March. This year, March also coincided with the holy month of Ramadan, where many Muslims fast from sunup to sundown every day. The fellows invited the community to participate in Ramadan by inviting guests to an iftar (a fast-breaking dinner). Before dinner, our fellows and guests were entranced by the beautiful music of Sufi Melody (you can follow them at @sufimelody1 on Instagram). Then everyone enjoyed a delicious catered dinner. Lastly, to celebrate the Jewish festival of Purim, the fellows hosted a Hamantaschen baking event. Hamantaschen are fun cookies that are shaped like the little three cornered hats or pockets of Haman, the antagonist who is outwitted by Queen Esther in the Purim story. Everyone got their hands on some dough and baked scrumptious cookies that were enjoyed by all. Thank you to everyone who participated in our March programming and made this such a special month!
 
We have some great events lined up for April: Abrahamic House will have a table at the upcoming Church Street Block Party, an event exploring different cleansing rituals, and a Passover Seder! Please register quickly to reserve your spot as we often have a limited capacity. Also make sure to follow us on Instagram, where we always post details about new events! @abrahamichouse
 
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Abrahamic House at the Church Street Block Party

Saturday, April 5th, 12:00pm – 5:00pm EDT

(Abrahamic House’s table will be set up from 1pm – 3pm)

Church Street is having a block party, and Abrahamic House is a part of it!
 
We will have our table set up from 1pm-3pm for attendees to get to know what Abrahamic House is all about, but feel free to come anytime between 12pm-5pm to enjoy the block party!
Come join us at this family-friendly event for food, fun, and learning about the vibrant community in Dupont. You do not have to be a resident of Church Street to attend.
Bring your favorite beverage to share. Coolers, cups, and ice will be provided. If you’d like to help by bringing food and/or drink, please fill out the following form.
If you’d like to contribute to the block party by making a donation, checks can be dropped off at Keegan Theatre at 1742 Church St NW in the mail slot or donate at keegantheatre.com, Venmo @keegan-theatre or PayPal Keegantheatre@keegantheatre.com.

Location: Church Street! We will email a final location for our table when we have it.Note: We strongly suggest taking the metro if possible since Church Street will be closed for the party, and we anticipate minimal parking available.

 

REGISTER

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Sacred Cleansing Rituals Across Faiths and Cultures

Sunday, April 6th, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM EDT

As we step into spring, many cultures and faiths mark transitions with cleansing rituals—acts that refresh the body, mind, and spirit. Whether it’s rituals such as Wudu in Islam, immersing in a Mikvah in Judaism, or a limpia in Mexican indigenous tradition, these practices offer a way to reset, reflect, and reconnect.
 
This gathering will be a space to share and learn about the deeper meanings behind these traditions and how they continue to shape people’s lives today. We’ll also have materials for you to make your own cleansing goodie bag with sage, lavender, palo santo, and other elements used in different traditions. To close, one of our community members will lead a short exercise to help us enter spring with a sense of clarity and renewal.
 
Light refreshments will be provided.

REGISTER

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Passover Seder

Saturday, April 13th, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT

Please join us to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Passover, where we will gather and retell the story of the exodus from Egypt over a traditional meal. Passover is a time to learn about Jewish storytelling, celebrate hope and freedom, and gather together with friends and family. Whether you’re familiar with the Seder or experiencing it for the first time, we are excited for you to join us for this meaningful evening!
 
This event will take place on Sunday, April 13th, from 7-10PM.
 
To ensure we have enough seating, this event will be capped. We’ll contact you at least a week before the event to confirm if we’re able to accommodate you. Once you receive the confirmation email, please reply within 24 hours to let us know if you can still attend.
 
Location will be provided via email.
 

REGISTER

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We can’t wait to have you at Abrahamic House in April! Thanks to everyone, as always, for #GatheringNotOthering with us.

 

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Reflection on Ecumenism

By Anne Mulqueen, OFS

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Ecumenical / Interfaith Committee Network Summer 2018 Newsletter
(Click on Icon to go to the Ecumenical / Interfaith Newsletter)

 

Contact Us:

Regional Minister Bob Longo, OFS
blongosfo

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