Summit to Examine Roots of Stereotyping and Hate

“Friends Talking Faith” with The Three Wise Guys
Hear the varied perspectives of the Rev. Bryan Fulwider, Rabbi Steve Engel and Imam Muhammad Musri as each week they discuss how faith impacts both the simple and the complex aspects of life. These three clergy come together as friends to discuss topics from the perspective of the different religions they represent. They contend that “good religion works for peace, respects and values others regardless of their religious perspective, and works through acts of compassion to make the world a better place for everyone.” Friends Talking Faith with The Three Wise Guys airs on Tuesdays at 6:30 pm on 90.7 WMFE FM in Orlando. Tune in on your radio or listen online. You can also listen to any show already aired. November 15 marks the beginning of a five-show series on the Pulse Nightclub tragedy. Guests include those who were in the club that night, friends and family members of victims, religious and civic leaders, physicians and others. As Central Florida begins the healing process, these voices of pain, sadness, hope and strength will help us thoughtfully and sensitively begin to deal with the trauma and find our way forward as community. Tune in for this amazing and inspiring journey, focused on peace, hope and love.

• November 1: Faith and Politics: Evangelicals and Politics                                                     (guest: Rev. Jim Wallis of Sojourners)
• November 8: Faith and Politics: An Election Day Conversation with Dick Batchelor
• November 15: Pulse: Conversations From the Heart (Show 1 of 5)
• November 22: Pulse: Conversations From the Heart (Show 2 of 5)
• November 29: Pulse: Conversations From the Heart (Show 3 of 5)
• December 5: Pulse: Conversations From the Heart (Show 4 of 5)
• December 12: Pulse: Conversations From the Heart (Show 5 of 5)

Florida Court Rules Against Current Death-Penalty Law
On October 14 the Florida Supreme Court ruled as unconstitutional a law passed by the Florida legislature earlier this year allowing the death penalty if the jury recommendation was at least 10-2. The court said jury decisions to impose the death penalty must be unanimous. Polls conducted by the Pew Research Center show that, nationwide, support for the death penalty has fallen to less than 50 percent for the first time in almost 50 years. At the same time, use of the death penalty has dropped dramatically. Over two-thirds of U.S. states have either abolished the death penalty or have not used it in more than 5 years. A handful of counties (2 percent) now account for most new sentences of death. Four of those counties are in Florida: Duval, Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Miami-Dade. Harvard Law School’s Fair Punishment Project has now released Part II of a major study titled Too Broken to Fix: An In-depth Look at America’s Outlier Death Penalty Counties, offering an in-depth look at how the death penalty is operating in the handful of counties across the country that are still using it. The Harvard reports can be read here and here.

First Unitarian Continuing Series About ‘Faith Neighbors’
First Unitarian Church of Orlando (1901 East Robinson Street, Orlando, FL 32803) is in the midst of a nine-week Wednesday-night series titled “Conversation With Our Faith Neighbors.” The series, which will continue weekly until Wednesday night, November 16, will feature the following speakers and faith traditions: November 2, Dr. Sheri Dressler, Baha’i; November 9, Rev. Kathy Schmitz, Unitarian Universalism; November 16, David and Jocelyn Williamson, Atheism/Humanism. Each event begins at 6:00 pm with a light meal, followed at 6:40 pm by a short time of guided reflection, based on the faith of the evening’s presenter. The presentation will start at 7:00 pm and run for half an hour, followed by half an hour of audience questions. At 8:00 pm there will be refreshments and a social time, during which the conversation and questions can continue. To ensure that the right amount of food is prepared, those planning to participate in the meal are asked to RSVP by email no later than Tuesday at 10:00 am (i.e. the day before each event). For more information, phone 407-898-3621. Child care is available with RSVP. The series is free and the public is invited.

New Hope for Kids to Host Webinar November 3
November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month, and on Thursday, November 3, New Hope for Kids will host a half-day webinar prepared by the National Alliance for Grieving Children from 12:00 noon to 5:00 pm at New Hope’s facility (544 Mayo Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751). The event is free unless being taken for Continuing Education credit, in which case it costs $35. Parking is available on site. Seating is limited to 50 people. Click here for more information. Registration is by email or phone (407-331-3059 ext 10).

Hindu University to Host Symposium on Gandhi
The Mahatma Gandhi Center for Non-Violence, Human Rights and World Peace at Hindu University of America(5200 Vineland Road, Suite 120, Orlando, FL 32811) will host an international conference on Thursday and Friday, November 3 and 4, addressing “Gandhian Perspectives on Contemporary Conflicts and Peace.” Promotional materials state that this two-day event will provide “a mix of intellectually stimulating and personally enriching discourses and practices. There will be music, songs and talks on peace to make us all realize how crucial peace is for individuals, societies and states.” Presenters for the event represent a variety of faith traditions, cultures and academic institutions. Click here for more information and to register. Click here for a complete agenda for the entire conference.

Healthcare Providers to Host Commemoration Service
VITAS Healthcare, Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care and CEGE Collaborative for End-of-Life & Grief Care invite all who have lost family members or friends during the past year to join in a candle-lighting ceremony to honor and celebrate the memory of those lost. Enjoy music and messages of inspiration, then light a candle in honor of your loved one. The event is free and open to the public. Conversation and refreshments will follow the ceremony. The organizers hope the ceremony will bring you peace and inspiration as you prepare for the holidays without your loved one. The event will be held from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on Thursday, November 3, at Crane Roost Park’s Plaza /Clock Tower (274 Cranes Roost Blvd., Altamonte Springs, FL 32701). To assist the planners, kindly RSVP by phone (407-691-4548) no later than Monday, October 31.

Sikh PSA Gives Insight Into Minority-Faith Self-Perspective
What’s it like to live in the United States when you’re a member of (what in the U.S. is) a minority religion that may dress differently, may have different religious rituals, may use a language other than English in worship services and probably describes life’s ultimate realities from a totally different perspective than the general paradigm used to present Christianity, the faith of the U.S. majority? A public service announcement produced a couple of years ago by American Sikhs provides insight into those questions and more. Click here to view it.

Do You Know a Youth Who Needs a Second Chance?
Traditional education doesn’t work for everyone. Life disruptions can throw a youth off track. And the home and community environment some youth face creates formidable challenges to their achieving success in life. In such cases, the Florida Youth Challenge Academy may be the answer. The academy, a state- and federal-funded residential program, teaches a wide variety of life skills designed to empower at-risk youth to become successful, productive citizens. The goal is leading, training and mentoring them through a highly disciplined and motivational environment free from outside “distractions.” Since the program’s inception, some 4,000 youth who had a low likelihood of graduating from high school have, thanks to the Florida Youth Challenge Academy, graduated. Click here for more information, or contact Robin E. Tyler by phone (240-280-6562).

Southern Baptist Expresses Concern About Donald Trump
It’s understatement or truism—take your pick—to say that Donald Trump’s campaign to be President of the United States has rocked many a boat. And it has done so on both sides of the political and religious water front. In an opinion piece printed in The Washington Post, Russell Moore, president of the Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention, discussed Mr. Trump’s impact on the Religious Right. Click here to read the article, titled “If Donald Trump has done anything, he has snuffed out the Religious Right.” Dr Moore has also presented a more recent critique of the Religious Right.

Christianity Today Speaks Out About Donald Trump
It’s a case of being between a rock and a hard place. That’s a description—not the title—of an October 11 article by the executive editor of Christianity Today, Andy Crouch, who takes Evangelical Christians to task for not appropriately having held presidential candidate Donald Trump accountable for an array of attitudes, actions and statements that Crouch deems inimical to Evangelical Christian values. Nor does the article mince words about Hillary Clinton’s policies and actions that are likewise contrary to Evangelical Christian values. But the writer argues that her shortfalls, plentiful though they may be, don’t justify all but totally ignoring Donald Trump’s shortfalls. Click here to read the article.

Week of the Family to Run From November 5 to 12
The Week of the Family (Orange County) will begin this year with an array of wholesome free activities at the Mayor’s Family Fun Day at Blanchard Park (2451 North Dean Road, Orlando, FL 32817) from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, on Saturday, November 5, followed by a series of events and opportunities—and even some contests—running through Saturday, November 12. During Week of the Family, an array of faith-based, civic, business, educational and just about every other kind of organization in Central Florida come together to inspire families to be the best family they’re capable of being. And not just for that week. The week is just a boost to help them get on a better path. In fact, “The Week of the Family’s mission is to strengthen family relationships through education, wholesome activities, fitness and community service.” There’s a lot more going on that week than there is space here to describe. So go to the WOTF website to see what has been done in the past, what’s being planned for 2016, and how you can become involved.

Holocaust Center to Commemorate Kristallnacht Nov 8
Each year the Holocaust Center (851 North Maitland Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751) sponsors a community program in remembrance of Kristallnacht, when on November 9 and 10, 1938, thousands of Jewish homes, shops, schools and synagogues were ransacked and destroyed, leaving the streets covered in pieces of smashed windows—the origin of the name Kristallnacht means “Night of Broken Glass.” It was the moment that should have erased any doubt about Hitler’s intentions. Jewish lives were in jeopardy, and clearly there would be further tragedy. Yet, the world stood by in silence. This year’s commemoration of that terrible event will be held at the Holocaust Center at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm on Sunday, November 6, and will feature a readers-theater performance based on the exhibit “Two Regimes.” Actors will describe the environment and the emotional journey of Teodora Verbitskya, who chronicled in her journal her experiences in Russia during the first half of the 20th century, along with her daughter Nadia Werbitzky, a talented artist who transformed her mother’s journal and her own childhood experiences into this stunning exhibit. Reservations are required but admission is free. Click here for information about the other programs and events at the Holocaust Center during November.

Faith-Based Entities to Host Health-Equity Luncheon
The Florida Council of Churches and Interfaith Florida–both of which are Tampa-based, Florida-wide organizations—are coordinating a free interfaith luncheon that will be held at Carter Tabernacle CME Church (1 South Cottage Hill Road, Orlando, FL 32805), at 12:00 noon on Wednesday, November 9. The luncheon, for faith leaders and leading laypersons who are deeply concerned about Florida’s widespread lack of access to healthcare, will provide opportunity to discuss the latest findings on the healthcare crisis Florida faces both locally and statewide. Lack of access to affordable, quality healthcare is one of the major causes of impoverishment in our community. Click here for more information and to register.

Interfaith Discussion: Morality and Communication
Due to popular demand, we’re continuing October’s discussion topic in November: “ls it immoral to forward negative, reputation-damaging allegations on the Internet without first verifying their accuracy? Is there a lower standard about forwarding unverified material if the person being maligned is a public figure? Is passing on a lie as immoral as originating a lie? What are the moral obligations of honest communication according to your faith tradition?” The foregoing questions and more will be addressed at the monthly Interfaith Discussion on Wednesday evening, November 9, sponsored by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. The discussion is held from 7:00 to 8:30 pm on the second Wednesday of each month at Adventist University of Health Sciences (671 Winyah Drive, Orlando, FL 32803) on Florida Hospital’s main campus. The exchanges are respectful, open and candid, and the participants represent a variety of faith traditions as well as those who question the validity of faith altogether. For directions to the meeting place, click here. Admission is free. Everyone is invited.

18th Annual Jewish Film Festival to Start November 12
Central Florida’s 18th annual Jewish Film Festival will begin on Saturday night,  November 12, and continue through Monday night, November 14. The five films in this year’s lineup will be screened at either the Enzian Theater (1300 South Orlando Avenue, Maitland, FL 32751) or the Orlando Science Center (777 East Princeton Street, Orlando, FL 32803). “Once again, we’re bringing you films with Jewish and Israeli themes that will make you laugh, cry and think,” says the promotional material for the event. “If you can make it work, go see all five films! They each offer something totally different and totally wonderful. If you’re hoping to see them all, be sure to purchase the Mensch Pass for a preferred seat, which you can also get in person at The Roth Famliy JCC in Maitland.” The five films being screened are: Fanny’s Journey, In Search of Israeli Cuisine, Moos, Aida’s Secret and The Women’s Balcony. Click on each title individually to learn more about the film, where it will be screened and how to purchase individual tickets or a pass. Be sure to get your tickets early, as they sell out every year.

Adventist Health System Studies ‘Faith in Practice’
A first-of-its-kind study of spirituality in physician practices—conducted by Adventist Health System, a faith-based healthcare organization, in collaboration with the Duke University School of Medicine’s Center for Spirituality, Theology and Health—has reached its completion. The year-long study, called Faith in Practice, examines the attitudes and practices of physicians as they relate to the integration of spirituality in patient care. The study, conducted in more than two dozen Adventist Health System facilities across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Illinois, included roughly 520 physicians and providers of varying faiths, and some with no religious affiliation at all, who volunteered to participate and ask three questions to the patients they see: Do you have a faith-based support system to help you in times of need? Do you have any religious beliefs that might influence your medical decisions? Do you have any other spiritual concerns that you would like someone to address? After extensive analysis, the results from the Faith in Practice study are expected to be released in mid to late 2017.
Multi-Faith Workshop: How Can Individuals Impact Peace?
The New Age (Seniors) Group of the Hindu Society of Central Florida (1994 Lake Drive, Casselberry, FL 32707) cordially invites the public to a Multi-Faith Workshop on Sunday, November 13, from 2:00 to 3:30 pm (followed by refreshments). Theme for the day is: “How to Achieve Global Peace Through Your Own Faith and the Power of Collective Prayer.” The presenters, representing several faith traditions, will focus on the impact we can have on peace as individuals. Often we think of the quest for global peace as an exercise that involves large social-spiritual movements and vast numbers of people engaged in visible activities such as marches and demonstrations. But are there steps we can take as individuals, following the practices and values of our respective faith traditions, to plant the seeds of peace and to nurture peace to fruition? Is global peace something we can actually impact through private actions? What does your faith tradition teach? What can and does your faith community do to encourage adherents to become involved in this form of peacemaking? These questions and more will be addressed. The event is a collaborative effort of Hindu University of America, the Chinmaya Mission, the Sikh Society of Central Florida and the Interfaith Council of Central Florida. The event is free, with prior email RSVP.

Interfaith Event to Reflect on Nostra Aetate Document
On Monday, November 14, from 6:00 to 8:30 pm, the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando, the Diocese of Orlando, and the Interfaith Council of Central Florida are conducting a seminar on Nostra Aetate, the Vatican’s 1965 Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions, which, among other things, repudiated anti-Semitism and the charge that Jews were collectively guilty for the crucifixion of Jesus. The event, titled Nostra Aetate: Turning Points for Interfaith Dialogue, will address Nostra Aetate’s impact on interfaith relations, the importance of building bridges among all faiths, and attendees’ personal experiences as adherents of their respective faith traditions. The event will be held at NorthView, the building at the University of Central Florida that houses both Central Florida Hillel and Campus Catholic Ministry (3925 Lockwood Blvd., Oviedo, FL). The featured speaker is Rabbi Ruth Langer, associate director of Boston College’s Center for Christian-Jewish Learning. Professor Langer will deliver a talk specifically on Nostra Aetate. A catered dinner (vegetarian/kosher/halal) will follow, where event attendees will participate in moderated discussions at their dinner tables. Cost is $36 per person ($20 for currently enrolled college students). Click here to register. For more information email or phone (407-645-5933) Marli Porth at the Jewish Federation of Greater Orlando.

Speakers to Discuss Faith-Based Concerns Re Election
Residents at Westminster Winter Park (1111 South Lakemont Avenue, Winter Park, FL 32792) and the public are invited to join resident Chaplain Jeff Parkkila and James Coffin, executive director of the Interfaith Council of Central Florida, on Wednesday, November 16, at 2:30 pm for a conversation with five leaders from a variety of faith traditions on the topic “Fears and Concerns That Many from My Faith Tradition Experienced During the Presidential Campaign and Why?” Hear faith leaders from: Christianity—Rev. Bryan Fulwider, one of the Three Wise Guys on the radio program Friends Talking Faith; Hinduism—Rana Tiwari of the Hindu Society of Central Florida and a local attorney; Islam—Imam Hatim Hamidullah of Masjid Al Haqq in Orlando; Judaism—Rabbi David Kay of Congregation Ohev Shalom in Maitland; and Unitarian Universalism—Rev. Kathy Schmitz, Minister at First Unitarian Church of Orlando. The speakers will each outline briefly the concerns they faced—and may still face—based on the intersection of politics/government and their respective faith tradition, highlighting how policies that may be advantageous one faith group can be problematic for another. The presentations will be followed by audience questions. Invite your friends to join you for this diverse and informative exchange. Phone 407-647-4083, ext 109 or send an email for more information. The event will be held in Westminster Winter Park’s Stover Center.

OCPS to Host ‘Teach-In 2016’ on November 16
Last year more than 3,600 local business and community volunteers (7,500+ volunteer hours) went back into the classroom—not to be taught, but to teach in Orange County classrooms. A part of American Education Week, ‘Teach-In’ is a day dedicated to engaging the community in student enrichment. The Foundation for Orange County Public Schools brings parents and business or civic leaders into the classroom, where, in a fun and engaging way, they talk with students about academics, careers and the future. Volunteer teachers can read a book, share an educational experience, describe your career or talk about a favorite vacation, hobby or how a special teacher touched your life. And it takes as little as an hour of your time. To register to be a “Teacher for a Day,” contact your school of choice directly or click here and complete the online registration form. Also, all Teach-In volunteers are required to be an approved OCPS ADDitions volunteer. The earlier you register, the better your chance to be placed at the school of your choice. So register immediately. For more information regarding Teach-In, phone (407-317-3261) or email the Foundation.

Central Florida Foundation to Host Trauma Training
In response to the Pulse tragedy, the Central Florida Foundation is bringing the Trauma Resource Institute (TRI) to Orlando on Friday, November 18, to do a full-day training session for professional and lay leaders in our community. The one-day session is a prerequisite for a four-day session to be held sometime in January. The TRI will use their Community Resiliency Model™ (CRM), the goal being to help to create “trauma-informed” and “resiliency-focused” communities that share a common understanding of the impact of trauma and chronic stress on the nervous system and to show how resiliency can be restored or increased using this skills-based approach. Those interested in participating in the training, which involves a dual commitment (one day in November and four days in January), are asked to complete this survey. The sessions are underwritten by the Better Together Fund. If you are not able to commit to the training, but know someone who would be interested, please share this information. Direct your questions to Sandi Vidal at 407-872-3050.

Sikhs to Celebrate Birthday of Guru Nanak
On the weekend of November 18-20, the Sikh Society of Central Florida (2527 West State Road 426, Oviedo, FL 32765) will celebrate the birthday of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, commemorating the birth and philosophy of the first Sikh Guru and founder of Sikhism. The Sikhs will be celebrating Guru Nanak’s birthday with the following worship services (kirtans, as they are called in Sikhism): Friday, November 18, 7:15 to 9:00 pm; Saturday, November 19, 7:15 to 9:00 pm; Sunday, November 20, 11:30 am to 1:30 pm. The public is invited to attend any or all of the services. Each service will by followed by “Langar,” a free vegetarian meal for everyone

Presbyterians to Co-Sponsor Suicide-Prevention Training
Park Lake Presbyterian Church (309 East Colonial Drive, Orlando, FL 32801), in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Pastoral Institute, will host a daylong training event designed to help faith-community leaders, clergy, program staff, lay ministers, office staff and therapists learn how to save the life of someone contemplating suicide. The event will be held on November 19 from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. For more detail and to register, contact Rev. Dr. Helen DeBevoise (407-841-6550) or Rev. Dr. Paige McRight
(321-438-8621).

The JCC to Host ‘From Broadway to Obscurity’
On Saturday night, November 19, from 7:30 to 8:45 pm, the Roth Family Jewish Community Center and the Orlando International Fringe Festival join forces for an evening to benefit theater. In “From Broadway to Obscurity,” dreams collide in a high-energy, hilariously revealing confessional about making hard choices for the right reasons. At the peak of his career playing several roles in Broadway’s Jersey Boys, Eric Gutman had a life-altering change of heart. Using well-known songs, dead-on celebrity impressions, a heart-warming narrative, and backstage secrets, he tells the story of his transition from Broadway star to suburban dad. He relies on faith, family and tradition to shape this one-of-a-kind show. Click here to purchase tickets.

How Do Religious Leaders Rate at Being Trusted?
What group of leaders do Americans most trust to look out for their interests? Or let’s ask it another way: Which group of leaders do you think would engender the greatest trust that they’re looking out for the average citizen’s interests: Elected officials? Military personnel? Medical scientists? Religious leaders? And which of the groups would engender the least trust? Click here to discover what the Pew Research Center discovered when they asked just such questions to rank-and-file Americans.

Distinguished Lecture Series to Take Serious Look at Play
Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D., will address “The Power of Play: How Play Motivates Children’s Academic and Social Development” when she speaks for the Florida Hospital Distinguished Lecture Series on Monday, November 21. The event will be held in the Werner Auditorium at Florida Hospital—Orlando (601 East Rollins Street, Orlando, FL 32803) from 6:30 to 7:30 pm, with registration open at 5:30 pm. Dr. Hirsh-Pasek will evaluate the evidence for the importance of free play and playful learning as a catalyst to develop the important skills needed in today’s workforce—skills such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, content, creative innovation and confidence. Hirsh-Pasek is the Stanley and Debra Lefkowitz Distinguished Faculty Fellow in the Department of Psychology at Temple University, where she serves as director of the Temple Infant and Child Laboratory. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Click here for more information and to register.

Walk Off Thanksgiving Calories Before You Eat Them
Walk, trot or run to Lake Eola (512 East Washington Street, Orlando, FL 32801) on Thanksgiving morning, November 24, for the 27th annual Seniors First Turkey Trot 5K. Don your best turkey or pilgrim costumes for a little fun and exercise before indulging in the gravy and pies. The festivities begin at 7:00 am, and the race starts at 8:00 am. Not only is it a downtown Orlando family Thanksgiving tradition, Turkey Trot 5K benefits our community’s seniors, enabling them to live independently by supporting programs such as Meals on Wheels, In-Home Care and more. Click here for more information and to register.

Your Tax-Deductible Contributions Greatly Appreciated
If you appreciate what’s being achieved by the Interfaith Council of Central Florida and Friends Talking Faith With the Three Wise Guys radio program, we invite you to contribute on a regular basis to these community-based, community-benefitting activities. It may be every month, once a quarter or annually. And it may be a large contribution or small. But whatever it is, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you played a part in helping to make our community more harmonious and peaceful. All contributions are tax-deductible and may be sent to: PO Box 3310, Winter Park, FL 32790-3310. Or you can click here to contribute online. Thank you for your help.

Buddhist Reflection
“You will not be punished for your anger, you will be punished by your anger.”—Buddha