Bias against Muslim faith focus of Abrahamic Dinner

Hate crimes and bias incidents against the Muslim community hit an all-time high in 2015, according to the Council on American Islamic Relations.

To help strengthen bonds and foster understanding among the three Abrahamic traditions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, Grand Valley State University's Kaufman Interfaith Institute will host its annual Abrahamic Dinner January 21.

The event, themed "Conflict, Violence and Religion," will take place January 21, from 6:30-9 p.m., at Masjid At-Tawheed Islamic Center (3357 E. Paris Ave.) in Kentwood.

Douglas P. Kindschi, Kaufman Interfaith Institute director, said the annual Abrahamic Dinner was initiated by the Niagra Foundation and has been held in West Michigan for a number of years.

"The Kaufman Interfaith Institute is pleased to co-sponsor this event, which brings the various faith traditions together to seek interfaith understanding, as well as provides the opportunity to meet people in our community from various religions," Kindschi said. "In doing so, we find that we have so much in common at the deepest levels of our values and commitment to peace."

Filiz Dogru, associate professor of mathematics at Grand Valley and Grand Rapids Niagara Foundation Outreach coordinator, said this year's theme is appropriate for a world currently suffering from a plethora of violence.

"We would like to address instances of worldwide violence in our community from the view of all Abrahamic traditions to increase the awareness of misused understandings," Dogru said.

Three guest speakers will share the perspectives of their individual traditions about transcending religious tolerance in order to foster greater interfaith understanding. This year’s speakers include Len Robinson, Temple Emanuel; Rev. Jen Porter, Westminster Presbyterian Church; and Imam Morsy Salem, Masjid At-Tawheed.

To register for the Abrahamic Dinner by the deadline of January 20, visit www.gvsu.edu/interfaith.

Grand Valley students who wish to attend the Abrahamic Dinner will receive free admission by registering by Friday, January 15. Students can register with Katie Gordon, Kaufman Interfaith Institute program manager, at [email protected] or by calling (616) 331-5702.