Read the full issue of this week’s newsletter: The Weekly Liberal April 6.

Rev. Justin Schroeder writes:

This past February, Imam Makram El-Amin, from Masjid An-Nur (Mosque of the Light), was our guest speaker in worship. Makram and I have been in a multi-faith Downtown Minneapolis Clergy Group for over six years. It was a joy to welcome him to First Universalist. Prior to his speaking at First Universalist, we had met a number of times to figure out how we might build a long term relationship between our two faith communities. His guest preaching was the first step, and we’re pleased to share what’s next.

On Friday, April 21, at 1:30 p.m., we’ve been invited to attend a service at the Mosque. Following the service, those who are able to are invited to stay for a light meal and conversation with members of the Mosque. We’ve been invited to bring a group of 25 people from First Universalist. If you’re interested, please sign up here .

The next step during our partnership will happen during Ramadan — May 25 – June 25. We haven’t chosen a day yet, but the intention is to have a group of First Universalist members and friends fast for a day, and then join members of the Mosque in the Iftar Meal, in the breaking of the fast.

Finally, in October, we’ll join Masjid An-Nur and many others, in their Annual Day of Dignity Event. More details to come.

In these days of divisive rhetoric, religious intolerance, and fear-mongering, our faith calls us to travel outside of the familiar pathways we know and to build deep and lasting relationships with our neighbors. The world we long to see is born out of such relationships, relationships that honor difference, that strive to learn from one another, and that wish to do a good thing together.

Every blessing,
Justin

P.S. I hope you’ll join us on Pledge Day, April 26!