NAINConnect 2008 Workshops

Theme: Multifaith Challenges We Face
GRASSROOTS RESPONSES TO RACISM AND RELIGIOUSLY MOTIVATED VIOLENCE

WORKSHOP SUMMARY
Racism and religiously motivated violence have been a scourge for centuries and remain so, in spite of periods of peace and respite tantalizing us with what is possible. We read about it globally, but we live with it locally. Our four presenters come from very different religious backgrounds. But each is well experienced in responding to racism and religiously related violence in the communities where they live. Sharing their stories, they will survey the many different ways to be effective peacemakers in our own neighborhoods and then discuss the issues with those attending. Dr. Sandhu will serve as a presenter as well as moderator.

PRESENTERS
Doug Kahn, Phil Lawson, Anahat Sandhu, James Wiggins

Rabbi Doug Kahn is the Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of San Francisco, an organization which has played a pioneering and continuing role in promoting interfaith dialogue and collaboration. Along with multiple community responsibilities, he served as Treasurer of the Board of Directors/Global Council of United Religions Initiative in its formative years.

Rev. Phil Lawson is the Interfaith Program Director of the East Bay Housing Organization and lead’s the Interfaith Action in Housing Program. A United Methodist minister, he brings two decades of experience as an interfaith activist championing social justice and human rights. He has long been a member of the leadership group of the San Francisco FAITHS Initiative.

Dr. Anahat Sandhu, a physician with her own practice in Lafayette, California, is deeply involved with the Sikh community and interfaith dialogue. She has served on the Executive Committee of the World Sikh Council-America Region and on the Board of National Conference for Community and Justice (Southern California). Currently she is President of the Sikh Educational and Religious Foundation.

Dr. James Wiggins joined the religion faculty at Syracuse University in 1963 and served as Chair of the department from 1980-2000. From 1983 to 1992 he also served as Executive Director of the American Academy of Religion. His books include In Praise of Religious Diversity (1996). Currently Executive Director of InterFaith Works in Syracuse, he is a member of NAIN’s board.