...In my childhood in Pakistan, I was never taught that Islam advocates for violence and hatred against anyone. As I have been learning more about the life of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself, I see how he was mistreated multiple times by the non-Muslims and never even responded back in the same way, but instead advised to be calm and humble in response. These real life examples set by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) were revolutionary and are at the heart of our faith. So then, why have many Muslims adopted violent responses to issues like blasphemy, smashing the true spirit of Islam identifying its followers with violent public riots and extremism? ... read more about CJP student Muhammad Akram on ‘Pakistan, Blasphemy and a Way Forward’ from Arc of the Universe
Coming to the Table chapters have increased from 10 local groups across the country to 32, including three in the Baltimore area. They initially focused on white-black relations but have expanded to others affected by racism. ... read more about Baltimore Sun: Coming to the Table’s growing presence in Maryland from Baltimore Sun
Starting off the new year, the Central Kansas Community Foundation and Hesston Community Foundation partnered to host “Understanding the Tapestry of Trauma” at Hesston’s Dyck Arboretum in two sessions in early January. ... read more about STAR training seminar in Kansas addresses growing needs from The Kansan
CJP Executive Director Daryl Byler argues that Virginia, and the United States, can do better than its current high rate of incarceration. "We can do better," he says, for our budgets and all of our communities by engaging with those who have learned from their mistakes. ... read more about J. Daryl Byler column: On criminal justice reform, Virginia should move past Congress’ ‘First Step’ from Richmond Times-Dispatch
Elena Huegel works in Chiapas with the Instituto de Estudios e Investigación Intercultural, A.C. (INESIN) through Global Ministries of the Christian Church, Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ. INESIN is also an MCC partner in Mexico. ... read more about Elena Huegel MA ’07: La Posada in Chiapas from Mennonite Central Committee
Tenzi Chacha, John and Regina Chacha’s daughter, is rounding out the curriculum at City of Hope by adding a new program she calls SEW, for Sewing Empowers Women. The clothing will be sold around the world and the profits will return for the job training program for women. ... read more about Glamour: Chacha’s City of Hope starts new job training program and clothing design business from Glamour
The recent death of American missionary John Chau by a hostile tribe on a remote island has drawn attention to the dangers such work can entail. WHSV interviews Nancy Heisey, a professor at EMU, about preparation for cross-cultural ministries. ... read more about WHSV-TV3: Professor Nancy Heisey on missionary preparations from WHSV-TV3
John W. Miller includes Phoebe Kilby, Tom DeWolf and Coming to the Table in this article about discovering family history and the potential of reparations. ... read more about My ancestor owned 41 slaves. What do I owe their descendants? from America: The Jesuit Review
Mennonite Central Committee's peacebuilding work in South Korea has been aided for decades by Hyung Gon Lee and more recently, his son, Jae Young Lee MA '03. ... read more about Jae Young Lee MA ’03, peacebuilding in South Korea and the MCC connection from Mennonite World Review
