November 2019

Dear friends,

At the annual fall conference for pastors in our synod, I had the opportunity to hear from Professor Todd Green of Luther College. He teaches religion and has devoted his life’s work to dismantling Islamophobia in the US and around the world. I was very moved by his passion for this work and his care for our Muslim neighbors who suffer daily assaults, increased hate crimes, and rampant discrimination. His urgency for making change and combating hate toward Muslims in Minnesota has prompted me to take stronger actions in my advocacy.

This month we have a great opportunity to join in fighting back against Islamophobia in our own community.

The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign is hosting a Faith Over Fear training event in Willmar, MN on November 15 & 16th.

Through Faith Over Fear trainings, participants learn effective strategies to better advocate against a narrative of fear and divisiveness in our country. This training shares up-to-date research, tools, and effective strategies for the work of faith and community members who wish to counter anti-Muslim bias, discrimination, and violence in the United States.

The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign is a national coalition-based campaign of religious denominations and faith-based organizations and communities that are committed to ending discrimination and violence against Muslims in the US by equipping, connecting, and mobilizing faith leaders and community members to effectively take action. Shoulder to Shoulder trains, provides resources, and empowers people to address anti-Muslim bigotry within their own communities and in American society.

Some may wonder how advocating for people of a different faith background is congruent with living out our Christian faith. I can’t think of a more appropriate way to follow the example of Jesus, who crossed religious, cultural, and social boundaries on a daily basis, showing how God’s love is not hindered by the things that we perceive as dividing us. To be a Christian is to love your neighbor as yourself. Yes, even your Muslim neighbor.

Please join me in attending this valuable training to work together to build a community where all people, no matter their religious or cultural background, are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

To register visit: https://www.shouldertoshouldercampaign.org/trainings

WHAT: Faith Over Fear Training - Willmar, MN
WHEN: November 15-16, 2019
*Friday, November 15, 2019: 5:00 - 9:00pm | Opening Dinner & Program
*Saturday, November 16, 2019: 9:00 - 5:00pm | Training (snacks & lunch provided)
WHERE: Willmar Community Center
​
-Pastor Megan

---