Monday night's Interfaith Discussion on Social Justice was a huge success.  A large debt of gratitude is owed to Phylliss Chappell, Neil Douglas and Lynn Hogan, who organized the entire evening.  They spent a few months searching for and interviewing potential presenters.  Photos are courtesy of Kelly Reed and can be accessed at http://www.reeds-photography.com/p815975411

Afshan Jilani (above) began the evening with a overview of Islam and its' core beliefs.  She spoke not only about her work in interfaith dialogue, but specifically about how she and her husband live out their Muslim faith as a family.

Reverend Hannah Bonner (above), former Pastor at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Houston, spoke of the need for solidarity in addressing social justice issues.  For the last year, she has been intimately involved in the Sandra Bland case...going as far as risking her career and job to continue to work for justice in the Bland case. Rev. Bonner now serves as Pastor of Hope AME Church in Prairie View.

Here are a few comments from fellow Dominican Family members on the impact of Monday night's presentation:

• For me the most impactful aspect of the evening was Hannah Bonner's statement that her aim is to "make all of us uncomfortable about racism" in our society, within the context of the sacrifices she made in pursuing her advocacy efforts.  This perspective certainly animated the discussion at out table. (Neil Douglas)
• I love gaining understanding of the core social values that Muslims share with Christians and Jews. (Denise Fredette)
•  I would have liked to have heard more from Afshan Jilani about the difficult issues Muslims face and what they do within their communities to change the public's perception. (Jim Skopal)
• I was humbled by the gratitude Afshan Jilani had for being invited to present to us and saddened that her experience has been so negative since 9/11. I love what she had to say as well as her style of saying it. (Judy McCullough)
• I certainly needed to be informed and reminded of the importance of knowing more about the Muslim faith and being reminded that although my cultural, religious perspective my differer from my neighbor, in reality all are the children of God and must be served as we serve Christ. (Dwight Wolf)
• The presenters sought social justice from perspectives very different than mine – which caused me to challenge some of my beliefs and retest my paradigms.  I was particularly moved by the amount the presenters “do” to fight injustice and left me wondering why I don’t do more…  (Kevin Smith)

We hope to see you again soon...

Dominican Family Happy Hour

When: Saturday, October 22nd from 2-4 pm
Where: Francine Fleming’s home, 9129 Briar Forest, Houston, TX 77024
RSVP: journeyfoundation@gmail.com or 713-266-7309
Bring a sweet or savory snack or wine to share. Soft drinks will be provided.
Please let Francine know if you are coming as she must notify the guard at the gate of her community of guests who are expected to come.

Dominican Family Coffee

Come join us for a cup of coffee and camaraderie with other Dominican Family Members at A 2nd Cup where proceeds from their cafe go towards raising awareness and creating resources for survivors of human trafficking. Check out their website:  http://www.a2ndcup.com
When: Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 10 am
Where: A 2nd Cup, 1111 E. 11th St. 77009, in the Heights
Contact Mary Gangelhoff if you have questions at marygangelhoff@gmail.com 
or 713-961-9638

Don't miss our next meeting, Monday, November 7th!

This meeting planned by the Dominican Sisters will focus on their work on Social Justice.  Their presentation last November was a huge hit...you don't want to miss this one!