A Muslim Challenges & The Pastor Backs Off

Click the link for full story - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/a-muslim-challenges-the-pastor-backs-off_us_588a8d82e4b0020b224b434e

Muslims at Trump’s Inauguration and the conflicts within

ABC NEWS VIDEO CAPTURE

President Trump extending his hand towards Imam Magid at the National Cathedral

Click here for full story - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/muslims-at-trumps-inauguration_us_58858713e4b0111ea60b980a

Are Muslims a part of the American story?

   
Click here for Full Story http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/are-muslims-a-part-of-the-american-story_us_58818eb3e4b0d96b98c1da86

America Will Always Be A Great Nation

On Sunday, December 18, 2016; a model for a cohesive America was unveiled with a handful of volunteers at the Thomas Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, the nation’s capitol. Eventually this model can become an anti-dote to prejudices against people of different faiths, races, cultures and ethnicities.

A few pictures from the event: https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/sets/72157674321116443/show

America is going through a major crisis at this point in history, and each one of the 325 million of us is stressed out. There is always the silver lining to such crises. Throughout our history, whenever we were pit one against the other; we chose to come together and found solutions to live with each other.

Right now, the White Americans are concerned about erosion of the values they hold dear with the influx of immigrants from different cultures, races and religions. They are worried about their place and role in the future of America. The African Americans are equally apprehensive with apathy of fellow Americans. Instead of understanding it as a movement to protest against the violation of their civil rights, the Black Lives Matter is attacked antagonizing the situation further. The undocumented aliens are worried about the possibility of their families being torn apart; they are concerned about doubling down of the wrong to correct the first wrong.

The woman’s right to decide about her body is under risk of being yanked out. The LGBT community is concerned with the State attempting to resurrect old disdainful attitudes towards fellow Americans. The rise of Anti-Semitism is deeply troubling and an increase of 9% in such hatred is severely affecting the fabric of our society. Muslims are worried sick about the dumb idea about Muslim registry, there again this year has recorded 67% surge in Islamophobia. It appears that no American is spared from bias from someone or the other.

Even the Native American’s inalienable right to water is jeopardized now. Dr. Harbans Lal of Arlington, Texas adds, “They were in a similar position as the White American now, when the migrants from Europe destroyed the Native American culture two centuries ago.”

We are a divided nation at this juncture, and we are committed to change it.

The divisiveness has caused us to lose trust in each other to function effectively as a nation. A nation’s strength to achieve peace, safety and sustain its prosperity hinges on two strong legs; the economic structure that puts food on the table of every American, and the social structure that maintains the cohesiveness of America.

Thanks to President Obama for leaving behind a strong economic structure, we have the lowest unemployment and highest degree of consumer confidence. However, the pre-election rhetoric has severely damaged the social structure of our nation. Whether you are on the right, left or the center, you are concerned about your liberties and freedoms, thus all Americans are living in anxieties.

Shall we wait for President Trump to put the derailed train back on the tracks? I would say, let the government stay out of our lives. If it cannot make our lives better, it should not mess it either. It is our responsibility to see that we get along with each other and preserve the social structure of America. Together we can bring stability in our lives.

Here is what we can to do to restore America where everyone feels included in the nation building. This is a pluralistic model of inclusiveness to restore faith in each other and rededicate our commitment to one America and one nation with liberty and justice for all.

We are Americans first with our own unique beliefs, cultures, ethnicities, abilities, sexual orientations, languages, traditions and other uniquenesses. All we have to do is come together as Americans, recognize and validate each other’s life.

We came together; a handful of volunteers took the bold initiative to set the model for a cohesive America in the years to come. The event was inaugurated by Rabbi Jack Moline, one of the most influential rabbis in America. He has served in numerous leadership positions for Jewish, interfaith, and community organizations, and has advised key religious and political leaders of the United States on issues of religion and values.

Each one of the following American Faiths was celebrated and or mentioned including but not limited to Atheism, Bahá’í, Buddhism, Christianity, Dao, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Native Americans, Paganism, Scientology, Shinto, Sikhism, Tao, Unitarian, Wicca and Zoroastrian traditions.

When we live as neighbors, fellow workers, students, players, activists and inhabitants of the same city and same neighborhood, it behooves for us to learn about each other’s moments of celebrations and commemorations.

The more we know about the other, the less mythical they would become. Knowing in this instance implies knowing them personally and not hearing from those who have gains to be had by pitting one against the other or presenting false information about the other. One of the best ways to sustain America’s greatness is stick to our creed, “that all men are created equal” and that everyone’s right to life, liberty and pursuit of happiness must be protected.

My safety and well being hinges on the safety and well being of others around me. It behooves for each one of us to work towards that goal, at the end every one of us would be better off.

Festival of Faiths was born out of a necessity. The apprehension that we see in each American about the other is not healthy for America’s harmony, peace and prosperity. As Americans, we are determined to go past the doom and gloom, and celebrate America.

American will always remain a great nation and a beacon of hope to the world; we are the lead civilization where we are working on respecting the otherness of others and accepting the God given uniqueness of each one of us.

God Bless America and you can count on this event next year. We would expect to gather hundreds of Americans of from different races, religions, ethnicities and political spectrums to come together and celebrate the Festival of Faiths and Celebrate America.

Mike Ghouse is a community consultant and is committed to building a cohesive America. He offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about him is captured in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

Martin Luther King’s advice to American Muslims

Published at Huffington Post - http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/martin-luther-kings-advice-to-american-muslims_us_5876c25ee4b0f8a7254484b9

Are American Muslims the only ones who are apprehensive at this time? The answer is an emphatic no! At this time every one of the 322 Million Americans is concerned about the immediate future of his or her space in America. How do we turn things around? However, the Americans who are most vulnerable at this time are Muslims and I wanted to find answers.

As a passionate practitioner of Pluralism, I was seeking guidance from an individual who is my mentor along with Prophet Muhammad, Jesus Christ, Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Pope Francis and my own father. MLK was within my reach; I could stand with him and reflect for answers.

So I walked up to the Tidal basin in Washington DC to meditate in presence of Martin Luther king Jr., the weather was cold, but the presence of MLK was heartwarming! I have been here many times, including October 16, 2011 when the memorial was unveiled by President Obama. Crowds of people were visiting, but I was in my own world seeking guidance.

America would not have been the great nation it has become, had it not been for the efforts of Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr., I was admiring them. Today, I can proudly say, America is God’s own country where you can find people of every race, nationality, ethnicity, language, culture and religion. We see God as one, none and many and in every form; male, female, genderless and non-existent, being and non-being, nameless and with innumerable names. America is a representation of all of God’s creation, there is nothing like this.

None of the immigrants would have come to the United States and made this nation great, if they had to sit in the back of the bus, drink water from a different fountain and live a dehumanized humiliated life. Thanks to the majority of the White Americans and MLK for being the catalyst for making America a great nation! I am here today, because of their vision and the civil rights act. Thank you Dr. King. I thank you every year for making America a great nation.

My cell phone Alarm got me out of my meditative trance, and I decided to walk and read the stone carving across me. It read, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

I screamed - Eureka!

DARKNESS CANNOT DRIVE OUT DARKNESS

Everyone turned around and looked at me as if I was nuts. Without batting an eyelid, I pointed towards the engraving, this was the advice MLK gave to deal with intense conflicts, a few simply nodded affirmatively and few walked away. I felt in my guts he was talking to me the American Muslim. I recall my dream from early 2000 when Mahatma Gandhi patted on my back and said, “Son you have work to do.” This was exciting to me and this is my calling. I knew no problem is insurmountable and I wanted to talk to my fellow Americans, particularly Muslims.

We have built this great nation in the last 240 years and if you have the desire to move from darkness into light you can do it. My inner voice said, “Mike, the time is now, go out and make the effort and have patience, as Lord Krishna had advised Arjuna in the Hindu Epic of Mahabharata to do his duty and leave the results to the creator.

Humanity survives on hope.

The voice said, you can contribute to the hopes of American Muslims, and secure their future, thus build a cohesive America where each one of the 322 Million Americans can live with hope and sense of security. The gloom and doom has got to be driven out. Darkness cannot drive darkness out, only the light can do it. The intellect in me argued –Would Muslims listen to you? Then I remembered the story my mother told me, “Once Prophet Muhammad expressed his frustration to God that people were not listening to him, what he should do? God shot back, “Muhammad do your duty and it is up to me to guide people to accept your message or not” Ha! What a relief it was.

So here is my Message to American Muslims

This is the year of great American Integration. Muslims have to be contributors to the goodness of America despite getting the short end of the stick.

Our approach ought to be conflict mitigation and goodwill nurturence and not confrontation; this was Prophet Muhammad’s approach in dealings with conflicts. Confrontation causes both sides to dig in their heels and keep them on pins and needles, where as discussions and dialogue, however frustrating they might be opens up new vistas of cooperation. That is what Pluralism is all about; respecting the otherness of others. There is a whole chapter in Quran on that.

Whether the issue is Christian, Jewish, Hindu, Muslim, LGBT, Race or the other, they are American issues that affect us all, and together as Americans, we will find pluralistic solutions to issues of the day that we all can live with. Injustice is the biggest destroyer of tranquil societies.

My safety hinges on the safety of people around me, so it is in my best interests to work for the safety and goodness of fellow Americans.

Many a Muslim ‘leaders’ are conformist chickens and run like hell if anyone makes even the slightest of noise. They are afraid and cannot cope with dissent and disagreement. They just don’t have the courage to take the stand for doing the right thing. Leadership is having the vision to foresee the problems and cobbling reluctant people and opposing views together through agonizing discussions and move towards maintaining the dynamic equilibrium of the societies. It takes guts and we hope to train enough Muslim leaders to take those steps.

Democracy has not seeped into many a Muslim organizations. The controlling men are afraid of discussions and willingly kill good ideas and rot in mediocrity. We need to remember that sustainable decisions are made after due discussions.

Thanks to our Imams, they are a blessing and play a key role in reshaping Muslim relationships with fellow Americans. In the past, we have asked the Imams, and they have come through it, we asked them to pray for the release of Yazidi women, persecuted Christians or harassed Shia, or call on them to urge Muslims to honor our Veterans on the Veterans Day, they have done it all. Fellow Americans need to know this, and we are going to do a lot more now.

Between the Imams, Muslim Scholars and us, we will test each other in stretching beyond our sketchy religious boundaries created in middle ages, but will unequivocally stick together and remain within the Pluralistic traditions of Islam.

We need to reach out and talk with those who are polarized and those who are not friendly. We have had great success with people who were written off by fellow Muslims as right wingers as if we are the bloody wrong wingers. We will continue to work with them and endure the humility if necessary for achieving greater good for them, for us, and for all of us.

It is time for Muslims to take the steps necessary to allay the fears of fellow Americans and undo the tensions, remove the suspicions and restore trust among Americans. This is what a Muslim ought to be; a conflict mitigater and a goodwill nurturer.

What is good for Muslims has got to be good for others and vice-versa for the goodness to be sustainable. There is a shortage of visionaries among Muslim or they have simply given up, if you are the one, time is now to pick up the ball and run.

We are planning to hold two major conferences and a whole bunch of activities listed at the Center for Pluralism and World Muslim Congress for the purpose of rebuilding trust with fellow Americans.

Do American Muslims want Sharia?

We owe it to fellow Americans to clarify the myths about Sharia, and propose fixing this problem through a conference that is being planned with Islamic scholars and those who are opposed to Sharia to make the event credible. Let’s “clear the air” of misunderstandings for all Americans. We need to put this fear behind and move on with our lives.

Does Quran Promote Violence?

This is not only for concerned Americans, but for Muslims as well. It is a book of guidance for the whole of humanity to build orderly societies. The Quran is about building cohesive societies and not exclusive societies. The Quran is not about governing other people but living in harmony with all of God’s creation. In effect Quran tells you to mind your own business and let others mind theirs.

If you are a “doubting Muslim” about Quran, this seminar is for you. Many a Muslims seem to be faith deficient. Shamefully a few Muslim scholars have deliberately misinterpreted 60 verses to make Allah un-friendly towards Jews and Christians. This needs to be fixed. Here is an article at Dallas Morning News.

America is a great nation and we have to do everything to keep it that way by including and assuring fellow Americans who are disaffected that they need not worry; their culture and their way of life will not change due to immigrants or Muslims. We are all better off in making sure America remains America. You are who you are and I am who I am; let’s learn to live with each other by respecting the otherness of others and accepting the God given uniqueness of each one of us. We love this country and we will fight to keep it that way.

Dr. Mike Ghouse – all about him in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

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Jewish Muslim Relationship gets a big boost in Washington, DC.

December 11, 2016, Washington, DC — The 3rd Annual Summit of Rabbis and Imams was held today at Tifereth Israel Congregation in Washington, DC. The theme of the summit was standing up for each other and building enduring relationships to contribute towards the cohesiveness of America, an America where no one has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.

Story after story was shared. A seven year old boy asks his father on the next morning after the elections, “Dad, are we going to be kicked out of America now?” Another six year old girl asks the same question to her father and follows it up with, is any one in our family going to be deported?” A woman with a stroller and the baby was stopped by a guy driving the truck, who did not want her to cross the road. Swastikas were painted on some Jewish homes and synagogues and anti-Jewish statements have been made. A dramatic rise in Anti-Semitism /Islamophobia in particular and other phobias in general have caused a great deal of concern.

Collectively, mistakes have been made over the years, we have talked extensively about the issues facing Women, African Americans, Jews, LGBT, Muslims, Mexicans and all others except one group, the unemployed/ underemployed rural white Americans who were affected equally like all others.

Hillary Clinton did not extend a ‘specific’ hand of friendship towards them, had she done that, the story would have been different. This neglect has caused a severe damage to the social fabric of our nation; everyone is apprehensive and has lost trust in each other to function effectively. At least from here on we must include everyone in the dialogue, and as an individual my efforts would be directed towards reaching the disaffected ones. We cannot exclude anyone from our conversations. Our first priority ought to be making peace with those who are perceived to be polarized; without them, we remain polarized.

The first part of the summit was organized as round table talks – A Rabbi, Muslim and others were seated alternately around the table with a given set of questions to identify the problems and offer solutions over the fabulous lunch.

Walter Ruby, Muslim-Jewish program Director, Foundation for Ethnic Understanding said, “The main issue at the Summit will be how to respond to the election and how Jews and Muslims can work together in support of each other if either community is demonized, discriminated against or the victims of hate crimes or government repression.”

If Muslims were to run into a dire situation, most Americans will stand up for Muslims out of a sense of fairness and justice, and we know darn well that Muslims will reciprocate it wholeheartedly out of a sense of gratitude and inherent caring for fellow beings.

The group then moved to the sanctuary to watch a sampler of a play about what transpired during the City council hearings when Muslims of Naperville applied for a permit to convert a dilapidated building into a Mosque. This was a play on the real story about the Ground Zero Mosque and was performed well. I was involved in it from day one when all that happened: Pamela Geller was out on the street protesting and on that day Sean Hannity pitted me against her on his radio show. A whole blog is dedicated to the issue. http://groundzeromosque.blogspot.com/

The initial message from the organizers stated, “At a moment of heightened bigotry and increased demonization of Muslims, Jews and other faith communities, rabbis and imams will affirm our commitment to stand up for each other and for religious freedom, pluralism and democracy.”

Jonathan Greenblatt, director of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which campaigns against anti-Semitism and other bigotry, said he would register as Muslim if the database is created because of “painful memories” from when Jews were “identified, registered and tagged”. That sentiment was echoed by virtually every Rabbi and laity present in the sanctuary.

A few remarks from the organizers:

Daniel Spiro, Coordinator, Jewish-Islamic Dialogue Society of Washington (JIDS), “The most important theme I tried to convey in my remarks is that there are so many synergies that arise when Jews and Muslims engage with each other. We can grow theologically, learn from each other’s experiences as misunderstood minorities, and become true peacemakers. Muslim-Jewish engagement is a must.”

Steve Sawmelle, “The most valuable part of the program was the culminating plenary session where concerns, and then suggestions, were expressed by Summit attendees. There was a palpable feeling of unity in the room as we discussed concrete action steps to take.”

Andra Baylus, lead coordinate of the Greater Washington Muslim-Jewish forum. “”The challenges we face today are huge, for they touch upon the core of humankind’s inability to accept our differences, whether it be ethnic or religious. This Summit today is about Imams and Rabbis rising above these multifaceted differences given to us by our Creator, to teach their respective communities to strive to see the Light of God shining in the face of the “other”, recognizing that we are all beloved brothers and sisters in the Family of Humanity, who are guided by the values embodied in our religions, destined to transform dissonance into harmony, indifference into compassion and, most important of all, mistrust and hate…. into love.”

My roaring thoughts were, how do we get this message to the world around us? As an American and a Muslim committed to building a cohesive America, where no American feels excluded or alienated, this event was uplifting and this good news must reach all Americans.

Unless we stand up for each other, the world would not be a better place to live. America’s greatness lies in the spirit of standing up for each other. My peace hinges on peace of people around me no matter who they are, my security depends on the security of people around me no matter what political, religious or social affiliation they espouse.

Here is another great opportunity for Muslims and Jews to come together to strengthen the bonds. Our issues are not Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Hindu, Sikh, Bahá’í or the other. They are American issues as they affect us all in functioning effectively, and together as Americans we have to find solutions. No American has to live with the feeling of alienation or apprehension or fear of the other. We are all in this together and stand with fellow Americans for the common good of every American.

No good is sustainable unless it is good for all. Imbalance or injustice leads to more of it.

Mike Ghouse is a community consultant and is committed to building a cohesive America. He offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day. All about him is captured in 65 links at www.MikeGhouse.net

My Last Visit to the Obama White House

My Last Visit to the Obama White House

Picture Courtesy Jack Pagano - https://www.flickr.com/photos/mikeghouse/albums/72157677385955980

Thursday, January 5, 2016, about 40 Muslims attended the last meeting with the Obama administration folks. It was the last day for the White House staff and the officers from the Public Engagement Office. The transition team joined as well. It was a full two hour meeting called at the last minute.

It was a joy to hear each one of them. Their language and the actions they have taken were all inclusive; they were talking about all Americans. It was sad to see them all go. No one from the Obama team is staying behind of course; that is our tradition. I salute each one of them to be part of this meeting and demonstrate the right path for Muslim integration.

The most important outcomes of the meeting were the pro-active concepts to “get involved” and “build coalitions”. It is similar to wanting to have a chance of winning the jackpot, but first you have to buy the lottery ticket. The crucial call was to stand with each other. Everyone is apprehensive at this moment - so let’s get the hell out of our silos and meet other people! We are all Americans - and if time permits, I will put together a full report on this.

In some ways, I am glad my term with the American Muslim Institution is ending on 1/31/16; for this allows me to resume my lifelong work on Pluralism with full passion.

My goodbye note to the American Muslim Institution: Article: http://www.theghousediary.com/mission-accomplished-american-muslim/

Welcome to the Center for Pluralism

Please take a look at the effective things we will be doing and have done over the past 20 years. We believe 2017 will be billed as the year of “Great American Integration” and we will be a big part of it. Center for Pluralism is not a Muslim Organization, it is an Organization for all Americans as you read through it, you will find out. If this resonates with you, please consider being a contributor to the Great American Integration movement. The homepage of the website has links to everything we do.

Islam is one of the segments of the Center for Pluralism

We will call on our Imams to promote Sunnah of the Prophet to be the “Amins of America” and to encourage their congregants to do more in caring for neighbor. This is Allah’s guidance and # 1 priority for Muslims today. It is time to review the beautiful Islamic values for creating a better world for the Aalameen – whole humanity.

Our Imams and Scholars are the catalysts for reshaping Muslim relationships with fellow Americans, and guide us forward with the great American national integration, where each one of the 322 Million Americans have the similar interest; harmony, cohesiveness and safety of Americans.

In the past, we have asked the Imams and they have done it, whether we ask them to pray for release of the Yazidi women or persecuted Christians or Shia, or call on them to urge Muslims to honor our Veterans on Veterans day, and join us on commemorating Holocaust and Genocides, they have done it all. The world needs to know this. Between us and the Imams, we will stretch ourselves to our limits, but will unequivocally stick together and remain within the Pluralistic traditions of Islam.

The “American Amin Award”. This recognition is awarded to Muslims who follow the foundational values of Islam: Amin, as Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) was called, i.e., an Individual who reaches out to every human regardless of his or her religion, race, region or other uniqueness for the common good of humanity. Alhamdu Lillah, we have recognized the best individual in America to qualify to receive the award. This is a good beginning - the start of a wonderful tradition. Details: http://centerforpluralism.com/awards-the-american-amin-awards/

Birth Celebrations of Prophet Muhammad (Festivals of the World) – 1/21/17 Those Muslims who may have called it a “bidda” in the past will like and appreciate this event. This is not a “run of the mill” program. Unlike the traditional devotional Mawlid, it is a unique intra-faith and interfaith program for it highlights the Peace Maker Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) work that contributes to creating a better world for all of humanity. It is an intra-faith and interfaith program, not a big program but a good start. No doubt, you have not attended anything like this. Details: http://centerforpluralism.com/milad-prophet-muhammads-birth-celebrations/

RELIGIOUS AND CULTURAL MUSLIMS WILL BE AFFECTED Whether we are religious Muslims or cultural Muslims, none of us, nor will our children be spared should the Muslim registration process begin. Even if our children change their names, they are still children of cultural or religious Muslims required to be registered and watched. It may even affect their future employment as well.

We can do nothing and live like 2nd class citizens or we can take bold steps to change the equation! We should have the courage to do the right thing – i.e. to get involved in building coalitions with our fellow Americans... not to be against anyone but for the good of everyone! At the “Center for Pluralism”, we are organizing events to facilitate such coalition building and invite you to attend the following events:

Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides - Sunday, January 29, 2017. We have to acknowledge, learn and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other; then, commit ourselves to resist the temptation to be prejudiced and stop stereotyping others. The truth is that we cannot demand peace unless we are peaceful ourselves. Information at www.HolocaustandGenocides.com VIDEO:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uneRYgYfgWI

Essence of Christianity – Tuesday, January 31, 2017 Learn the wisdom of each one of the 13 religions in 13 workshops in 13 months. Knowledge leads to understanding and understanding to acceptance of the otherness of others. This is a monthly series of workshops. – 13 religions, 13 months and 13 workshops - http://centerforpluralism.com/workshops/

DO YOU QUALIFY TO BE A PLURALIST?

If these videos resonate with you, you belong to “The Center for Pluralism”. Our focus is going mainstream. We are all in this together and we will boldly change the narrative together.

Americans Together YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vAwvoqz01I“Voice of America” – http://www.voaindonesia.com/a/aktivis-antar-agama-rayakan-keragaman-as/3652147.html

Do American Muslims want Sharia? We owe it to fellow Americans to clarify the myths about Sharia, and propose fixing this problem through a conference that is being planned with Islamic scholars and also with attackers of Sharia to make the event more credible. Let’s “clear the air” of misunderstandings for all Americans.

Does Quran Promote Violence?

If you are a “doubting Tom” about Quran, this seminar is for you. Also, many Muslims seem to be faith deficient; Quran does not promote violence. It is a book of guidance for the whole of humanity to build orderly societies. Shamefully, a few Muslims have deliberately misinterpreted 60 verses to make Allah un-friendly towards Jews and Christians. Once I challenged a major pastor in Dallas that if he finds three faults with the Quran in a public discussion, I will join his ministry. - He backed off!

A few “credible” Muslims actually chewed me out. They asked, “What if he finds three faults?” That was the faith they have in the Quran, and there are many more like them. It is time to get rid of this way of thinking. The Quran is about building cohesive societies and not exclusive societies. The Quran is not about governing other people but living in harmony with all of God’s creation. More at www.Quraanconference.com which is an important Program coming soon to Washington DC. http://www.dallasnews.com/news/news/2010/09/19/In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397

Media Conference

Muslims love to blame the media because that is the easiest thing to do. Though it is difficult, the right thing to do is to engage with them. We are planning on inviting the media people from the right and the left to dissect news reporting about Islam in America so a major public event is being planned.

• 2017 is the year of Great American Integration http://centerforpluralism.com/2017-is-the-year-of-great-american-integration/

• America will always be a great nation and we have to do our parthttp://centerforpluralism.com/america-will-always-be-a-great-nation/

• Successful Jewish-Muslim Summit http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/jewish-muslim-relationship-gets-a-big-boost-in-washington_us_5851dca7e4b0d97882b7b6af Video - https://youtu.be/5y0D7qO7eHc

• This Muslim Guy is committed to restoring America’s harmony http://centerforpluralism.com/the-muslim-guy-is-committed-to-restore-americas-harmony/

OUR PROGRAMS

Links to all the events are on the home page

• Thanksgiving Celebrations & Awards Night - 19th Annual event Celebrating cultural pluralism

• Unity Day USA – 13th Annual Event – bringing Americans Together to rededicate our pledge to the safety and security of America

• Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides – 12th years where we come together to be with each other in their most difficult time.

• Workshop on Understanding religions – all Religions – 3rd series – Learn about each faith from its practitioners and not the greedy guys who misrepresent others.

• Celebrating Festivals of Faiths – America is God’s own country – with so many faiths, cultures, traditions, ethnicities, language and other uniqueness. It is an annual Event

• Sharia – do Muslims want Sharia in America? 3rd time event. Listed above

• Quran – does it promote violence? – 2nd time event. Listed above

• Phobias – Programs to be launched on Anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Hinduphobia, Misogyny, Homophobia, Xenophobia and other phobias

• Opinion Makers– Several media events are planned. We will be doing video interviews with the policy makers, media personnel and movers and shakers to bring them on the same page – how do we build a cohesive America, where no American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other.

• Standing up for others – if you don’t stand up for others, why should anyone stand up for you? Chronicles of standing up for Atheists, Bahá’í, Buddhists, Christians, Hindus, Jains, Jewish, Muslim, Native Americans, Pagans, Sikhs, Wicca, Zoroastrian and others like the LGBT community and immigrants.

We are all about Education, Action & Leadership – The CFP is committed to building a cohesive America where no one American has to live in apprehension or fear of the other. Coming soon: Mike Ghouse Talk Show. All our activities are geared to mitigating conflicts & nurturing goodwill.

You can help! All supporters will be listed on our website, we seek your support to get this going on a full scale to restore America.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MikeGhouse/

Twitter: https://www.Twitter.com/MikeGhouse

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