INTERCULTURAL ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN
IAM Events
“…so we may know one another…”
Metro Detroit Iftar Dinner - March 21, 2024
On March 21, 2024, the Intercultural Association of Michigan (IAM) hosted an enriching iftar dinner at Balkan American Culture Center in Troy, illustrating our commitment to fostering social cohesion through shared cultural experiences. This special evening brought together IAM members predominantly from the Turkic-American Muslim community, who were joined by a diverse group of people from various faiths, including Christians, Jews, and those of other belief groups, each bringing unique perspectives to the table.
The gathering was characterized by an atmosphere of friendly dialogue and mutual respect, where guests shared not only a meal but also their individual stories and traditions. This experience allowed everyone to celebrate the spiritual significance of breaking the fast together, highlighting our common values of peace and community.
Our Detroit iftar exemplifies IAM’s dedication to creating spaces where dialogue transcends cultural and religious boundaries, promoting understanding and respect among all. It is through these gatherings that we continue to build a more integrated and harmonious community.
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Holland Area Iftar Dinner - March 17, 2024
On March 17, 2024, the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in the Holland area graciously hosted the Intercultural Association of Michigan (IAM) for an enlightening iftar dinner. This gathering brought together IAM members and the local church community, providing a unique opportunity for guests to witness and share in the traditional breaking of the fast.
During the event, guests were not only treated to a selection of Turkish food and desserts but also received insights into the significance of Ramadan for Muslims. IAM members shared information about the organization's mission and vision, emphasizing how our initiatives contribute to the harmony and unity of Michigan. This dialogue enhanced the understanding and appreciation of the cultural and spiritual dimensions of the event.
We are profoundly grateful to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church for their hospitality and the chance to foster understanding through our shared experience. This evening was a testament to the power of community and mutual respect, illustrating how sharing traditions and values can bridge differences and strengthen communal ties across diverse groups.
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Kalamazoo/Portage Iftar Dinner - March 12, 2024
The Intercultural Association of Michigan (IAM) was honored to hold an iftar dinner at the Chapel Hill United Methodist Church in Portage on March 12, 2024. This gathering was a beautiful expression of interfaith cooperation, attended by community members from various walks of life.
We are deeply grateful to Chapel Hill United Methodist Church for opening their doors and hearts to us, facilitating an evening where friendship and spiritual unity were at the forefront. During the event, IAM members had the opportunity to share insights about the essence of Ramadan and its importance in the Muslim community, fostering a deeper understanding among all attendees.
This event not only strengthened the bonds of community but also reflected IAM's commitment to dialogue and peace across different faiths and cultures.
Michigan-Wide Book Discussion Tour with Jon Pahl
From November 16 to 18, 2022, the Intercultural Association of Michigan proudly facilitated a Michigan-wide book discussion tour featuring Dr. Jon Pahl, an educator, historian of American religions, and a noted peacebuilder. Dr. Pahl, who received his BA from Valparaiso University, MTS from Trinity Lutheran Seminary, and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago, has addressed academic and public audiences worldwide, including at prestigious institutions like Cambridge, Oxford, and Yale.
The tour included discussions at Rochester Christian University in Rochester Hills, Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Ann Arbor, the Balkan American Community Center in Troy, and the Unitarian Universalist Church in Flint. Dr. Pahl presented his latest book, "Fethullah Gulen: A Life of Hizmet – Why a Muslim Scholar in Pennsylvania Matters to the World." This biography offers a profound look into the life of Fethullah Gulen, a Muslim scholar whose influence spans from a Turkish village to the global stage, inspiring literacy and dialogue initiatives, yet facing significant political challenges.
Dr. Pahl's discussions leveraged his extensive research and dynamic public speaking skills to explore the themes of literacy, social enterprise, and interfaith dialogue, highlighting the complex narratives surrounding significant religious figures and their impact on global intercultural cooperation.
Virtual Book Discussion: "The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View"
On November 10, 2020, the Intercultural Association of Michigan (IAM) hosted a virtual book discussion on "The Humanity of Muhammad: A Christian View," authored by Dr. Craig Considine, a distinguished professor and authority in interfaith dialogue. This event was part of our ongoing efforts to foster understanding and dialogue between different faith communities.
Dr. Considine, recognized for his extensive work in Christian-Muslim relations and his scholarly contributions to Islamic studies, provided insightful perspectives on the themes of his book, which explores the life of Prophet Muhammad from a Christian viewpoint. The discussion was moderated by Daniel Hummel, Assistant Professor of Philanthropy, Nonprofit Leadership, and Public Affairs at Slippery Rock University, who guided the conversation to delve into the significant aspects of religious pluralism and interfaith respect.
This gathering not only highlighted key elements of Dr. Considine's research, including Muslims in the United States and the impact of Islamophobia but also emphasized the importance of scholarly dialogue in building bridges across religious divides.
For more information about Dr. Considine, visit his profile at https://profiles.rice.edu/faculty/craig-considine . For more on Daniel Hummel, visit his research page at https://hummelresearch.wixsite.com/hummel-research
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Together in Spiritual Solidarity - Virtual Prayer Series Event 2
On May 31, 2020, in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, societal unrest, and natural disasters like the Michigan dam collapse, the Intercultural Association of Michigan (IAM) held the second event in our "Together in Spiritual Solidarity" virtual prayer series. This event aimed to provide solace and strengthen community resilience through shared prayer and reflection.
This gathering, streamed during a time of significant challenge, focused on the power of prayer to alleviate anxiety and contribute to mental well-being. Prayers were specifically dedicated to frontline workers, acknowledging their critical role and sacrifices during the pandemic. The event brought together individuals from various faith traditions, as well as those who identify as spiritual but not religious, to find common ground in seeking peace and healing.
A participant remarked, "This was very beautiful and encouraging even though I don’t follow a religion. I am spiritual and do meditate, and hearing this was inspiring for me to follow more consistently with my practice. Thank you for creating this platform."
This series exemplifies IAM's commitment to fostering a supportive environment that transcends religious boundaries, promoting peace and spiritual well-being in times of crisis.
Together in Spiritual Solidarity - Virtual Prayer Series Event 1
On May 3, 2020, the Intercultural Association of Michigan (IAM) hosted "Together in Spiritual Solidarity," the first event in our virtual prayer series. This interfaith gathering brought together community and faith leaders from diverse religious backgrounds to offer prayers and seek solace during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The event was livestreamed on YouTube, allowing participants from across Michigan and beyond to join in this moment of unity and reflection. Leaders from various faiths shared prayers and messages of hope, emphasizing the strength found in togetherness even when physically apart.
"Together in Spiritual Solidarity" highlighted the power of prayer and shared belief as a source of comfort and strength, reinforcing our bonds and reminding us of the resilience that comes from our collective spirit.
