A Florida pastor has called on September 11^th to be “International Burn a Qur’an day.”

Voices of hate, intolerance, and bigotry have been growing in our country, and their current target is the Muslim community.

Religious leaders can help respond to this intolerance by declaring that the weekend of September 11^th is not a time to burn a Qur’an but to “Preach Tolerance, Preach the Qur’an.”

We call on religious leaders of all faiths to devote the lesson on the weekend of September 11 to the theme of religious tolerance. We encourage you to teach within your tradition, citing the texts of your faith that promote respect. We also encourage you to help your community see a more complete picture of Islam by highlighting texts from the Qur’an that promote peace and respect for difference.

Don’t stop at your congregations doors! If your congregation will participate, let ICPJ know so we can get the word out. Email us at chuck@icpj.net or cal 734-6639-1870.

Suggested Verses from the Qur’an

Compiled by Dr. Soraya Orady. You can also download the full text of her selected verses on Reconciliation in the Qur’an.

“If the enemy inclines towards peace, do (also) incline towards peace, and trust in God: for he is the one that hears and knows all things”, Chapter 8, Verse 61.

“If two parties of the believers fall into fighting , then make peace between them both, but if one of them rebels against the other, then fight you (all) against that which rebels till it complies with the command of Allah; then if it complies, then make reconciliation between them justly, and be equitable. Verily! Allah loves those who are equitable” Chapter 49, Verse 9.

“May be that God will grant love (and friendship) between you and those you (now) hold as enemies: for God has power (over all things); and God is all forgiving, most merciful.” Chapter 60, Verse 7

‘O mankind! We have created you from a single male and female, and made you into nations and tribes, that you may know one another. Verily, the most honorable among you in the sight of Allah is that (believer) who has piety and righteousness.’ Chapter 49-Verse 13.

“Repel evil with that which is best: We are well acquainted with the things they say”, Chapter 23, Verse 96.

“The good deed and the evil deed cannot be equal. Repel (the evil) with one which is better (i.e. Allâh ordered the faithful believers to be patient at the time of anger, and to excuse those who treat them badly), then verily! he, between whom and you there was enmity, (will become) as though he was a close friend“, Chapter 41, Verse 34.

hatred of some people hurt you so much that you are not fair. Be fair; that is kin to conscience. And be conscious of God, for God is aware of what you do.” Chapter 5, Verse 8

You can make your gift to ICPJ in support of Amy by cash at the party, check (made out to “ICPJ” and mailed to 1679 Broadway St., Ann Arbor, MI 48105 or at the party), or you can donate online at www.icpj.net/donate  (please indicate “in honor of Amy Rosenberg”).

We hope to see you there!

To participate, all you have to do is add your comments about the book below.

For the fourth and last week, we will discuss the pages 146-183 (Section 6). You can also read the discussion from the first week’s,  second week’s, and third week’s readings .

Here are the questions to get you started, or comment on whatever interests  you!

We will also have a face-to-face discussion of the book on Monday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Dominick’s (812 Monroe Street, Ann Arbor).

To get your copy, just call 734-663-1870 or email chuck@icpj.net. They are just $10 each (plus shipping and handling).

Stay tuned next Monday for the next section and next week’s questions.

Here’s what we have so far. Do you have an image you’d like to add to the collection? Email it to info@icpj.net with the subject “climate change photo petition.”

To participate, all you have to do is add your comments about the book below.

For the third week, we will discuss the pages 96-145 (part of section 4 and section 5). You can also read the discussion from the first week’s reading and the second week’s reading.

Here are the questions to get you started, or comment on whatever interests  you!

1. Do you believe the environment should be a top priority when at war with another country? How much should it be considered? What is more important? pg. 110
2. If you were an Afghan, what would be your stance if a country like the US came in and decided what was best for you? What do you believe is your duty as a citizen to do about the US not listening to the Afghan people? pg. 122
3. What do you believe the best solution is (or a possible solution could be) to the statement that “it is not possible for several countries to wage separate wars in the same country and be successful” when we are doing just that? pg. 134
4. Do you believe the US has a duty to help rebuild countries it wars in? What about helping people who are already impoverished in those countries? What if this help comes at the expense of impoverished American citizens? pg. 144

We will also have a face-to-face discussion of the book on Monday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Dominick’s (812 Monroe Street, Ann Arbor).

To get your copy, just call 734-663-1870 or email chuck@icpj.net. They are just $10 each (plus shipping and handling).

Stay tuned next Monday for the next section and next week’s questions.

• Monday, August 9^th
• 6:30-8:30pm
• Island Park, Ann Arbor (1450 Island Dr)
  ~Rain or shine (shelter reserved)~

All ages welcome (children’s activities included!). Feel free to bring friends and family.

Please bring a dish to pass (and please bring your own dinnerware if possible).

RSVP (preferred) to gracek@icpj.net or 734.663.1870.

Please share this event with others in your congregation or organization! Download the flier here.

To participate, all you have to do is add your comments about the book below.

For the second week, we will discuss the pages 54-95 (section 3 and part of 4). You can also read the discussion from the first week’s reading.

Here are the questions to get you started, or comment on whatever interests  you!

1. How do you think the US should have handled its relations with Afghanistan during the Cold War? pg. 58
2. Did the US have the right to overthrow the Taliban and replace it with their chosen government? What should they have done? pg. 70
3. What do you believe we can and should do as US citizens when top military officials are saying the war in Afghanistan is no longer sustainable, yet the President isn’t listening? pg. 82
4. Do you support the decision of the US – a proudly democratic country -to support dictators, murderers and warlords to further its own agenda? pg. 87

We will also have a face-to-face discussion of the book on Monday, July 19 at 7:00 p.m. at Dominick’s (812 Monroe Street, Ann Arbor).

To get your copy, just call 734-663-1870 or email chuck@icpj.net. They are just $10 each (plus shipping and handling).

Stay tuned next Monday for the next section and next week’s questions.

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Pianist Veena Kulkarni and cellist Nathan Jasinski perform works by Bloch, Brahms, Granados, Schubert, Schumann & more.

Sunday, August 29th, 2010, 4:00 PM
Zion Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Liberty St.

Tickets are $16 at the door; Family: $35 door. Advanced sales have ended.  Be a benefactor for $50 and you’ll be listed in our program book & receive Eero Trio’s debut CD!

Acclaimed storyteller La’Ron Williams will lead the way.