A gathering of community members was held at Hunter Presbyterian, when we shared stories and reflections on gratitude — what it meant in our lives, in our faith traditions, and in our hopes for the year ahead. Deeper bonds of friendship were forged as we heard about family, friends, and other communities that have positively affected our lives.
Dr. Hossein Motamedi, an Associate Professor of history and political science at Bluegrass Community & Technical College, guided us through an exploration of Iran’s profound history and the shaping of its modern identity, tracing its Persian imperial legacy and the rise of today’s Islamic Republic. He offered insights into culture, politics, and faith shaping the nation.
2025 September – Iran’s Journey through Empire and Faith Read More »
We heard from Heather Hadi, a Lexington attorney, who shed light on the legal landscape surrounding immigration. The Rev. Dr. Brian Chenowith of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Lexington spoke of the powerful spiritual foundations that compel us to care for and assist our neighbors.
2025 March – Welcoming and Supporting Immigrants Read More »
Rabbi Shani Abramowitz from Ohavay Zion Synagogue spoke to us about the basics of the Jewish faith.
What do Jews believe? How do Jews worship the One Living God? What should Christians and Muslims know about the Jewish faith?
The link to the YouTube recording is here: https://youtu.be/YYZw20sQ5-o
2024 September – Judaism 101 Read More »
Lexington 4 Palestine is a local grassroots organization advocating for the total liberation and freedom of Palestine, founded in October 2023.
Four panelists brought to us by L4P with connections to Gaza and Palestine spoke about what they wish us to know about Palestine and what it is like to live there at this time.
2024 February – Panel of Palestinians on the Gaza Israel Conflict Read More »
Dr. David Coleman, Professor of History at Eastern Kentucky University, provided an overview of the development of Palestinian-Israeli relations since the 1880s and highlighted key points and contexts for understanding the present state of the conflict.
2024 January – Israel and Palestine – How Did We Get Here Read More »
Our panel of 3 faith leaders spoke about Ramadan, Passover, and Easter, at Christ Church Episcopal Cathedral, in Lexington.
The panelists are The Very Reverend Carol Wade, the Dean of Christ Church Cathedral; Dr. Shaheed Coovadia, the Imam of Masjid Bilal; and Dr. Raphael Finkel, teacher and prayer leader at Ohavay Zion Synagogue. The moderator is Addison Hosea, Chair of the Steering Committee for CMD.
The video is available at https://youtu.be/Un9XZQfVy_E
2023 March – April, A Holy Month of Holy Days Read More »
A panel of 6 students from the University of Kentucky spoke about their faith journeys. Kendall, Evelyn, Tiffany, Najma, Rija, and Taha are students there, and each answered questions posed to them by the moderator, Rob Coulston.
You will find a YouTube recording here: https://youtu.be/C_3laYAe6mM
2023 February – Young Adult Interfaith Panel Read More »
Our 2 speakers told us about PeaceCatalyst.org, and shared information about the organization’s efforts toward creating community and improving interfaith communication. They spoke enthusiastically about “peace feasts.”
Mr. Martin Brooks is president of PeaceCatalyst. Martin has been with Peace Catalyst since 2011 when he and his wife Susan returned from Turkish Cyprus. Drawing on the teachings and examples of Jesus, Martin has worked with local churches and mosques to create safe spaces to ask questions and build greater trust between Christians and Muslims. He has organized dialogue events, iftar meals and “Peace Feasts” with Palestinians, Syrians, Turks, Pakistanis, Somalis, Kurds, and Iranians.
The Rev. Dr. Lisa Culpepper. Originally from South Carolina, Lisa lives with her husband in Lexington, Kentucky, and serves as the minister at Mt. Horeb Presbyterian Church on Iron Works Pike. She has been involved cross-culturally for many years through her travels to Eastern Europe, Syria, and Lebanon. Lisa felt called to peacemaking among Muslims and Christians through personal relationships, education, and community involvement.
YouTube video is found here, https://youtu.be/zmz3-P0V-Rg
2023 January – A Call to Peace-Building Read More »
The Christian Muslim Dialogue of Lexington (http://cmdlex.org) hosted a program about changes to the Kentucky Voting laws for the upcoming voting cycle on November 8 2022.
Don Blevins, Fayette County Clerk in Lexington Kentucky, spoke about changes in the Kentucky voting laws. He encouraged voters to preview the ballot at https://FayetteCountyClerk.com. He also spoke about how to vote early, and answered questions, including those about electioneering, gerrymandering, and how precinct boundaries are determined.
Dr. Jennifer Jackson, co-president of the Kentucky League of Women Voters (https://lwvlexington.com and https://www.vote411.org/kentucky), spoke about the League’s history and mission and that its name is a “nod to the past”, and is now oriented toward providing accurate information to all voters. LexTran public transportation is providing free transportation on Nov 8
Jennifer walked through the download and use of the app OutreachCircle, designed to provide accurate voting information, and to encourage friends to vote. She answered questions, including those about election deniers, Voter ID laws, and about the League.
Click here for Google Play
Click here for the Apple Store
October 2022 – Changes to Kentucky Voting Laws Read More »
The Rev. Dr. Leah Schade spoke about her efforts to encourage clergy and congregations to address environmental issues through a partnership with Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development. She and colleagues have developed a free resource called EcoPreacher 1-2-3. The recorded presentation can be found at the link below..
September 2022 – Dr. Leah Schade Eco-Theology Read More »
