Monday, December 25, 2006

Middleton to celebrate community's religious diversity

Middleton to celebrate community's religious diversity
By Teresa Peneguy Paprock
Niche editor, Capital Newspapers
Around Town - Middleton, November 22, 2006
www.madison.com/features/aroundtown/pdf/atm_20.pdf


One of the joys of living in a diverse community like Middleton is getting
to know your neighbors, whether they're Christian, Jewish, Hindu or Moslem.
In an effort to promote peace and goodwill between those of different
religious faiths, Middleton will celebrate the state's Ninth Annual
Interfaith Awareness Week in December. Kurt Sonnentag, of the Middleton City
Council, will read an official proclamation at 2 p.m.Sunday, Dec. 10 in the
Archer Room at the Middleton Public Library.

Middleton's the location for the keynote program of the weeklong event.
Representatives of Middleton's Christian, Sikh, Baha'i, and Sufi
communities, and more, will be on hand during Sunday's event, which will
feature displays, discussion, presentations, singing and dance.

Coordinator Rev. John-Brian Paprock, a Middleton resident and priest at Holy
Transfiguration Orthodox Church, says Dec.10 is also Human Rights Day.

"The idea of Interfaith Awareness Week is to demonstrate that we can get
along with people that don't believe what we do," says Paprock, who has been
involved in interfaith activities in the area for more than a decade."The
activities are to help us become aware of what others believe so we don't
mistake what others do out of ignorance or prejudice."

Paprock says that some people are uncomfortable with interfaith expression
"because they think they will lose their faith. But what actually happens
when we learn about other faiths is that our own faith is confirmed."

Paprock points out that in Middleton,"There are a wide variety of
Christians, as well as people who are Jewish, Baha'i and Hindu. We even have
a Sikh Gurdwara here. Middleton has a very diverse population. Sauk Trail
Elementary School is one of the most ethnically diverse schools in the area,
and when you attend their cultural events you meet people of a variety of
religious beliefs."

The focus of the Sunday event is "What it is to be a 'good neighbor' -
especially appropriate in the Good Neighbor City,"he says."Interfaith
activities fill in a gap. Ethnic, language and spiritual identities manifest
themselves in the subcultures of society, including here in Middleton."

We used to think of the United States as "a melting pot, where people's
cultures combined and became the same,"says Paprock."But more and more, we
are acknowledging the uniqueness of individuals. Our differences are as
important as our similarities."

Events honoring different faith traditions are being held throughout the
Madison area during the week, with a special observance to be held at noon
on Tuesday, Dec. 12 at the Wisconsin Capitol building.

For more information on Interfaith Awareness Week, or to participate in
activities, call 236-9622.


Middleton Proclamation (Draft - confirmed at Middleton City Council on
December 5, 2006)
THE CITY OF MIDDLETON OFFICE OF THE MAYOR A Proclamation
WHEREAS, Wisconsin has a long history of celebrating the diversity of
belief; and
WHEREAS, Wisconsin has been a leader in human rights throughout 159 years of
statehood; and
WHEREAS, the City of Middleton has been the "Good Neighbor"leader in the
state throughout the 150 years of its history; and
WHEREAS, December 10,2006 is Human Rights Day designated by the United
Nations and the 59thanniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human
Rights, which states in Article 18 that "Everyone has the right to freedom
of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change
his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with
others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in
teaching, practice, worship and observance;"and
WHEREAS, the State has developed great spiritual and religious diversity and
diverse beliefs have played an important role in the development of our
State; and
WHEREAS, the celebration of diversity diminishes no one, but enriches
everyone; and
WHEREAS, we affirm the right of every person to believe and act according to
their beliefs as long as it does not infringe upon the rights of others; and

WHEREAS, interfaith and multifaith efforts of different churches and faith
groups have a rich history in the city; and
WHEREAS, interfaith and multifaith coalitions, dialogues and activities
continue to grow in importance locally, regionally, nationally and
internationally; and
WHEREAS, Madison, the Capitol of the State of Wisconsin, is located on an
isthmus, which is considered a place of peace and reconciliation; and
WHEREAS, December 2006 holds holy days of many religious and faith groups;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Doug Zwank, Mayor of Middleton, do hereby proclaim
December 10-16,2006 as INTERFAITH AWARENESS WEEK in the City of Middleton
and encourage citizens to learn more about each others' beliefs in the
spirit of community.

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Friday, December 22, 2006

    Learning from Interfaith Awareness - Closing remarks for IAW9

    IAW9 – Closing Celebration – Monona, Wisconsin

     

    For theme: Tolerance and Understanding

    Closing of 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

     

    Learning from Interfaith Awareness

    By Rev Fr John-Brian Paprock

     

    Delivered December 16, 2006 at Monona Public Library

     

     

    If there is an inherent balance and harmony in the natural world, regardless of how it came to be, and I am only a small part of the natural world, then why do I keep bumping into others?    I don’t mean in the synchronistic “hello” at the supermarket or post office.  Whose fault is that?  I mean a metaphoric push and shove, tug and shake, that seems to be going on constantly - offending, defending, assuming, prejudging and sometimes outright hating.  I assume this can be done in ignorance as accidental stumbles do happen, but we all recognize the greater harm that is done by those that know better; those that act with understanding and purpose.

     

    The difficulty is maybe I’m “not the one out of synch” – at least not always. If I am, then my personal faith practice of the tradition of my spiritual ancestors can give me guidance and correction.  If I am not, then what?

     

    I can act with love and compassion when I am “bumped into” whether that is physically, emotionally, intellectually, or spiritually – whether it is intended or not.

     

    In Orthodoxy, we go to God for our personal propensity to knock into others and remain out-of-balance.  But it seems that the whole of this world is out of balance, and it is easy for others to bump me out from the good that I might do.  Sometimes fear drives me toward the less compassionate response, the self-indulgent sort.  It seems most of the people prefer to hunker down and isolate. It easier to be alone or isolated than to be bruised and bloodied in the spiritual anarchy that seems to dominate.

     

    What is true for an individual can also be said for groups of people, even nations, most especially, and perhaps most problematic, is that the troubles of society can happen in small groups, churches, religious and spiritual communities – but are wrapped in the guise of high spoken morality with words like, love, truth, unity, harmony, peace, etc.

     

    Perhaps in a signal of our puny efforts and mistaken focus, throughout Holy Orthodoxy, there are chanted prayers for peace – we pray for everyone, everywhere.  One of the great Russian saints, Seraphim of Sarov, said that “when we find inner peace, thousands around us will be saved.”  An elder once told me that the experience of peace and love are never personal.  He also told me that it is also a sin to cause another to sin.  My spiritual elders and ancestors seemed to understand that we are in this all together.

     

    Nevertheless, it seems that matters of spirituality and religious practice have been relegated to personal activities. Freedom of belief sometimes breaks down to “leave me alone” and everyone in families with members of diverse faiths, which is a growing population in America, has had to do battle on the frontiers of  family interfaith events, whether they were intended to be frontiers or not.  In this era, this is a wondrous development. Not the family fights, but rather the objective allowance for each to come to the knowledge of the truth in their own way and in their own time.

     

    This means, over the course of recent decades (perhaps a few centuries) that a marketplace of religious and spiritual groups has been developed.  In this marketplace, there is often great competition for numbers.  That is, there is a pervading cultural belief that the more people in a group, the more desirable (and therefore closer to God) they must be.  Cynically, it could be said that it is more materialistic than that – numbers translate to dollars in the basket…

     

    Often the decisions to adhere to one particular faith tradition or another have little to do with fundamental teachings anymore.  In a recent study, the number one reason for people to leave their faith community was that they didn’t like another family.  The next was that the programming didn’t fit their schedules or inclinations. Much further down the list was any creed or doctrine. It seems to have become a small factor for attending anywhere.  Yet, it is a common desire for a spiritual home in this world that causes people to go anywhere, even when superficiality has become a dominant decision-making force.

     

    With all the individuality of modern culture, the pervading desire is to “fit in;” to belong somewhere, anywhere.  With the marketplace that has been created, religion and spirituality become as commodities to be bought and sold, traded in lots or individually packaged. It IS easier for us to pick and choose, discarding the “stuff” we don’t like. The rewards of a deeper spiritual commitment seem to pale in comparison to the apparent richness of choice.

     

    Like a so many markets (clothing, grocery, electronics, etc), how many regular customers, especially exclusive consumers, become the sign of success. All of the sudden, numbers become the way to keep score in religious and spiritual matters. This has bred a sinister exclusivism that works at the superficial aspects of faith and spirituality – where packaging and promotion dominate the agenda; where the ends justify the means; where identifying your competition is done to exploit their weaknesses (and if they have none, then it is where “stuff” is made up to keep the numbers loyal, fearful of the competition).

     

    This has always been a strange obsession of humanity – “us” verses “them.” 

     

    May we never be so obsessed with another’s faith tradition or practice (or lack of any) that we forget the fundamental benevolent teachings of our own.  It seems silly perhaps to think that any adherent to any of the great religions and spiritual practices of the world could spend so much time practicing the antithesis of their own fundamental teachings.  One teaching that is shared is the golden rule that sparkles in its universality and shines in its practicality.  I am often reminded of what a kind old Russian Orthodox monk, with his long white beard, once told me: “It is more important to be Christian than to make sure everyone else is Christian – that is more than enough to keep one occupied in this life.” 

     

    If I believe in the sincerity and integrity of Holy Orthodoxy, the Christian tradition I practice, why should I be fearful of dialogue and discussion with others who believe differently.  If I take the teaching of Holy Orthodoxy seriously, there is more scriptural and religious teaching about love, hope, and peace than I can ever realize in my feeble work toward those ideals. 

     

    It could be a lack of personal faith that keeps people from such events.  It could be a lack of conviction in the church or religious tradition they self identify.  It could be that they are busy with the secular tasks of business and leisure and have placed all this “spiritual” talk at a low priority.  I hope it is obvious that I believe in the sincerity and integrity of Holy Orthodoxy and that I take its teachings seriously.  If it is not obvious, then pray for me, as it is too easy to diminish the very light within me.

     

    I have to acknowledge that Jesus does say there is no way to the Father except through Him. However, Jesus also said: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; even as I have loved you, that you also love one another" (John 13:34).

     

    Love is to act for the good and welfare of our neighbor. God forbid any of us be a cause of stress to our neighbor. Stress is problematic to our physical, psychological, and most important, spiritual welfare. We need to reflect on the words of St. Paul: "Love is patient and kind; love is not jealous or boastful; it is not arrogant or rude. Love does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrong, but rejoices in the right" (1 Corinthians 13:4-6). First as a Christian and second as a professional, I must apply this admonition to all dealings with my neighbors. Then, with all unworthiness, I suggest that all Christians do the same to lessen the distress among people. (Note: This idea is taken from an essay by Fr. George Morelli on stress.)

    It becomes imperative, then, that I learn to dwell more with my neighbors and less with the competitive marketplace of the American secularization of faith, spirituality and religion.  When I bump into someone, regardless of fault, I have learned to act and speak in politeness and courtesy.

    (structured pause here)

    There remain real places of disagreement and misunderstanding among spiritualities and religions.  Sometimes, it is very difficult to sit in a room where everyone has already consigned my soul to heaven or hell – often by simply reading my name and religious affiliation or looking at my outward appearance.  It is also difficult to disregard years of serious study and discerning practice. Maybe because of this, it remains difficult for me to reject TRUTH and beauty regardless of its earthly source and I have found it helpful to listen to others.

    In this 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness week, I listened to the speakers and to those that did not speak – to what they said openly and privately.  I have five areas of consideration for the future of interfaith awareness activity:

    1. Awareness can dispel ignorance, but is not a cure.  We still need to define “interfaith.” It is not a new religion. Although there may be those involved that believe that there will be one true religion, or that there already is one (and the rest of us just don’t realize it is theirs yet), Interfaith Awareness Week is only acknowledging the reality of our current existence; one where diverse faith traditions and communities already coexist in our society, sharing the same roads and neighborhoods in a free republic.

    2. Diversity is about differences.  Interfaith activity is primarily a place to acknowledge those differences.  Confronted with that, we still managed to have a week of peaceful interfaith events.  The choice to be involved or not is entirely up to individuals and groups as they see fit.  […Even though I have been known to ask with great enthusiasm.]

    3. Fear of conversion, and/or the “pushiness” of those of convicted belief, still keep some people from attending, speaking and sharing.  We acknowledge everyone speaks from their own training and experience; that authority and agreement are not required for interfaith dialogue. If we accept any, then we must accept all. So if “pushiness” is part of their faith, then that too needs to be acceptable in the fullness of what Interfaith Awareness Week was intended.  I have found interfaith dialogues are poor places for conversion of others.  On the other hand, interfaith activities are safe places and times for seekers to come and hear about different faiths and beliefs, to find, perhaps, direction toward what they seek.

    4. The “marketplace” that I spoke of has so increased in its influence that many are not comfortable utilizing the public square where interfaith activity in general, and Interfaith Awareness Week in particular, happens. There are some that see an implied endorsement of competitive “products” by attending. 

    5. Demonstrations of cooperative activities among faith groups and diverse individuals, such as planning and participating in the events this week, are important as a secular world would have all issues of faith marginalized.  There are those that benefit from a competitive spiritual “marketplace.”

    (structured pause here)

    I am grateful for this year’s events and the truly interfaith effort of a multifaith committee with coordinators of different faith traditions. 

     

    (Give an extemporaneous review of activities - the meetings at Perkins, the logo design, the library displays, capitol displays, the activities, pod-casting, blog, etc. here)

    As a conclusion, let me tell you more of what I am. I am an Orthodox priest. The root of the word for priest means “bridge.”   I hope that I am a good bridge today.  A good bridge is grounded and secure on both sides.  It is built to be a safe way to get across, from one side to the other. It is utilized for traveling, but is not the ultimate destination. A good bridge is a landmark, a signpost, a point to gain perspective, a place to mark distance. Whether over a small stream or a great chasm, a good bridge should also be a place where the view can be taken in, the soul refreshed and the journey nurtured. [If it is used frequently, it is built up a bit. If it is not used it will disappear.] The numbers of those crossing will determine a bridge’s structure as well as its need.

    If I have been anything of a good bridge, then that is a success.  However, if only one person crosses to the other side safely, then the bridge has succeeded marvelously. Hasn’t it?

     

    I am honored and privileged to be here in Monona and to be part of the closing event of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week. 

     

    I want to thank everyone for their participation whether in little or in much and wish to express my sincere hope that peace will prevail, if we let it.

     

     

     

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • IAW9 - Lakeview Event Audio (12-14-06)

    IAW9 - "Essence of Divinity"
    A Special Interfaith Awareness Week Dialogue Event
    Recorded as six audio tracks on 12-14-06 at the Lakeview Branch of Madison
    Public Library in Madison, WI

    Available for podcasting/download only

    http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/interfaithsociety.xml


    #1 of 6 tracks - 07:38
    Amit Mangar, American Hindu Association, opened the session and, as event
    coordinator, asked Rev Fr John Brian Paprock to read the City of Madison
    Mayoral Proclamation of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week

    #2 of 6 tracks - 17:07
    Dennis Jenkyns, Madison Area Baha'i Center, gave a Baha'i perspective
    (Amit Mangar introduction)

    #3 of 6 tracks - 17:25
    Rev. Shirley Funk, pastor at Lakeview Lutheran Church, gave a Christian
    perspective, followed by some short comments by Rev. Fr. John-Brian Paprock,
    priest of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church (Amit Mangar introduction)

    #4 of 6 tracks - 18:22
    Amit Mangar, American Hindu Association - Madison, gave a Hindu perspective
    (Rev. John-Brian Paprock introduction)

    #5 of 6 tracks - 13:12
    Salih Erschen from the Madison Dawa Circle and one of the founders of the
    Eastside Masjid gave a Muslim perspective (Amit Mangar introduction)

    #6 of 6 tracks - 12:32
    Rev Cheraga Sara Perkins of the Sufi Order of Madison and two other members
    of "Women With Wings" sang and chanted in her presentation which closed the
    event (Amit Mangar introduction)

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Kudos on 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week

    Kudos on 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week 

    =================================

    Here is some unsolicited email received.  Seven of the comments are included in this post.  We would love to hear your thoughts and opinions. 

    Please offer your comments to this post by clicking on the word "comments" at the bottom of this post.  Thank

    =================================

    Here are the kudos - so far:

    1. -----Original Message-----

    From: pejacobi    Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 12:57 PM

    Dear John-Brian,

    The Madison Baha'i Assembly asked me to send a special message to thank you for all your efforts regarding Interfaith Awareness Week -- both for this past week's experience as well as all the patient work put in over the years to make this happen and grow. Our community is happy to have been part of it and looks forward to next year.

    With gratitude and applause,

    Ellie Jacobi, for the Madison Baha'i Assembly

     
    2. -----Original Message-----
    From: Michelle Meyer
    Sent: Monday, December 18, 2006 11:51 AM
    Hello John-Brian
     
    Thank you for all the work you do in putting interfaith awareness week together. This whole event is quite an accomplishment - and it could not have happened without your vision.
     
    Thank you also, for inviting me to speak at the Capitol Rotunda event. I left that event feeling uplifted - that in today's world of division between the world religions - we all took time to affirm the work of healing those divisions. Should you ever need a speaker for other interfaith events - do feel free to contact me.
     
    In Peace:
     
    Michelle Meyer
    Leader: Whole Healing Ministry
     

    3. -----Original Message-----
     
    From: Gurdip Brar  
    Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2006 11:46 PM
     
     Dear Rev. Paprock,

    Outstanding job at putting it together. Appreciate your inviting me to participate. Wishing you and your family Merry xmas and wonderful New Year of 2007. Thanks.

    Gurdip S. Brar, Ph.D.

    President, G2DV Technologies 

    4. -----Original Message----- 

    From: BB Britton
    Sent: Wednesday, December 20, 2006 4:32 PM

    Thank you, Rev. Paprock, for all your sharings and efforts. I am look forward to finally meeting you.  All Joy and Blessing for you and all those you love, at this holy season of Christmas. May the new Year find all dreams actualized!   

     From the Eye of the Heart..Beverley Britton
    Lifeline Network for Peace
    The Children's Peace Quilt 

     

    5. -----Original Message-----

    From: Rich Hein

    Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 6:37 PM

    Rev. John-Brian Paprock,

    Thank you for the opportunity to have a Presbyterian Display and for having our minister ( Rev. Alex Thornburg) as one of the speakers. I do wonder what to do about the acoustics situation ?

    Blessings and Peace now and in 2007

    Ruth Hoffman Hein --- Member of Westminster Presbyterian

     

    6. -----Original Message-----

    From: Karen Tolley

    Subject: RE: Tuesday, 12/12 Interfaith Program at Capitol

    John-Brian,

    Thank you so much for the audio recording, I will truly enjoy listening to it again, in a much clearer version. Plus now I can share it with my family.

    Thank you.

    Karen Tolley

     

    7. -----Original Message-----

    From: Selena Fox

    Subject: 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol

    thanks much for making the recordings available so quickly, John-Brian.

    I did a continuous digital recording on a disc, but haven't listened to it yet. I hope to listen to your digital segments later this week when I get to my computer with the faster internet connection.

    Did you see the coverage yesterday on channel 15 news? .... there was a brief report on the 4 pm & 6 pm newscasts. The report included a bit of the Sufi women singing, Dennis of the Baha'i Community speaking, and some shots of you, the audience, others.

    [snip]

    I liked this year's program I also liked having the students join us this year .... the increased numbers were great! I hope that next year, in

    addition to audio recording, we can get a video made of it.

    I like the program page design this year .... and including the range of exhibits in the Rotunda was a good idea.

    [snip]

    Finally, thanks for mentioning Paul Jacobi yesterday ... a wonderful touch ... and thanks for all your work over the years to make this event happen. I am so glad to be part of it ... and am glad that it continues to evolve and grow!

    Blessings,

    Selena

    Circle Sanctuary

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Wednesday, December 20, 2006

    Keynote Address Text - 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol

    [John-Brian, People have been gracious about my statement. I don't routinely
    publish talks like these on our website or in our community newspaper.
    While the attached (below) is what was written in advance, I did deviate
    during its presentation at the Capitol. Shalom. - Steve Thu 12/14/2006
    10:27 AM]

    Fifth Annual Wisconsin Interfaith Awareness Celebration
    December 12, 2006
    State Capitol

    Keynote Remarks
    by
    Steven H. Morrison
    Executive Director
    Madison Jewish Community Council

    It's a distinct privilege and I am honored to have been asked to talk with
    you about "moving forward in our community of diverse people" as we
    celebrate interfaith awareness.

    While many here today may not remember a time when interfaith awareness and
    activity did not exist, it's important to remember that the movement is of
    relatively recent vintage.

    America in the 1920's proved the time and place for the beginning of the
    interfaith movement. This may seem incongruous to those students of American
    history who remember the intense isolationism and nativism that
    characterized America in the 1920's. The decade after World War I saw the
    passage the 1924 immigration act that severely limited access to the United
    States, the resurgence of the Ku Klux Klan, and the publication and
    dissemination by Henry Ford of The Protocols of the Elders of Zion, a
    forgery that alleged world Jewish conspiracy.

    And yet the 1920's were also the "age of goodwill." A sizeable number of
    American religious leaders judged the intolerance advocated by the KKK and
    others as un-American and un-Christian. In addition, WWI stimulated a sense
    of religious fraternity, as soldiers (and chaplains) of different faiths
    worked and fought side by side. Finally, many religious leaders realized
    that domestic harmony improved chances of more peaceful international
    relations.

    While the interfaith movement of the 1920's and 1930's successfully promoted
    interfaith education through lectures and workshops in America, the movement
    failed to effect change when it mattered most - in the political arena
    during the reign of the Nazis.

    The Holocaust changed the course of interfaith dialogue, shifting the focus
    from combating intolerance to understanding intolerance. How did anti-Jewish
    aspects of Christian theology encourage demonization of Jews? Where did
    these attitudes come from? Could they be changed, and if so, how? These are
    some of the philosophical questions that became part of interfaith dialogue
    in the postwar period, and they continue to be debated today.

    Interfaith activities expanded in pluralistic postwar America. The civil
    rights movement provided opportunities to actualize interfaith goals of
    social justice. The interfaith movement broadened its agenda to include race
    in the 1950's. By the 1960's, the group had implemented a national campaign
    to counter anti-Semitism and racism as well.

    As we gather today in the closing days of 2006 to reflect on interfaith
    awareness, we have an opportunity to remember with profound fondness and
    respect an individual who took interfaith awareness to heights unimagined in
    nearly 2,000 years.

    I, of course, am referring to Sister Rose Thering who died last May at age
    85. Sister Rose was a woman, nun, educator and compassionate and committed
    human being who helped bring about change against great odds and, in so
    doing - in my judgment - made the greatest interfaith contribution ever.

    Sister Rose understood early in life that anti-Semitism was wrong and
    devoted herself to working against it. As a young girl here in Wisconsin she
    was taught in Catholic school that Jews were Christ killers. Years later, as
    a Catholic school teacher, she was shocked that the religious textbooks and
    teachings remained unchanged. Her inquisitiveness and sensitivity led her to
    work toward bringing about change. She did a study on anti-Semitism in
    Catholic texts that resulted in her 1961 doctoral dissertation, which
    exposed the anti-Jewish slanders in textbooks and preaching.

    It's said that timing is everything in life, and how true that was for
    Sister Rose. She lived during a time of overt anti-Semitism in this country,
    as well as during a time of activism and change. It was certainly fortunate,
    if not divinely inspired, that her resolve to change the Church's teaching
    about Jews coincided with the Church's reform movement. Her deep belief in
    and respect for her faith provided the foundation for her to seize the
    moment. Ultimately, her work led to fundamental change of the teachings of
    the Catholic Church and its relationship with their "elder brothers and
    sisters."

    This, too, was the year when leaders and followers of many faiths banded
    together in what ultimately was a failed attempt to defeat legislating
    discrimination in our State's Constitution. Though we failed, we also
    forged stronger ties between religions and faith groups. So, too, this was
    the year when interfaith activity coalesced around stopping the genocide in
    Darfur.

    We close 2006 by coming together as a community of diverse people when the
    very existence of interfaith relations may be in jeopardy.

    Permit me to explain my deep - very deep - worry.

    America's more than two-century-old embrace of religious liberty has
    produced the most religiously pluralistic nation in history of the world.
    The success of that bold experiment in liberty cannot be denied, but its
    future is, I believe, at risk . . . mostly because religious pluralism can
    only exist when there is an unwavering commitment to maintaining
    religion-state separation as the best means of assuring robust religious
    liberty and to creating a climate of mutual respect in a religiously diverse
    culture.

    Yet, that is not the climate we are experiencing today. We are, today,
    confronted by a strikingly invalid view about the role of religion in public
    life. It portrays America as a Christian nation. As an aside, I never and
    will never use the term "Judeo-Christian" for the simple reason that there
    is no such thing. Besides, those who portray America as a Christian nation
    know what they mean . . . and they don't mean many, if not most, of us
    gathered today.

    This view wrongly suggests that the Founders never meant to separate the
    institutions of religion and state or to prohibit the establishment of
    religion. Such a view is historically inaccurate and endangers our common
    welfare because it uses religion to divide rather than unite the American
    people. This view of religion in public life, inaccurate and dangerous as it
    is, has gained credence in reaction to another inaccurate and equally
    damaging view of the proper role of religion in public life.

    It's doubtful, I think, that any of us would have come to our State's
    capitol were we not committed to religious liberty as well as a dynamic role
    for religion in public life. My sense is that we likely share a different
    vision about the future - a vision that avoids both the theocratic
    tendencies on one side and the hostility toward religion associated with the
    other. Now more than ever, the United States must maintain its commitment to
    freedom for persons of all faiths and of no faith.

    Today, then, is a very good day, indeed, to reaffirm our dedication to
    providing what Roger Williams called a "haven for the cause of conscience."
    We ought to agree with Williams that conscience is best guarded by
    maintaining a healthy distance between the institutions of religion and
    government.

    But, the reality is that reaffirmation of these truths is not sufficient. We
    need to apply these principles in practical ways whether we are electing a
    school board member or an American president, whether we are debating
    providing government support for so-called "faith based" programs or, yet
    once again, prayer in public schools.

    The first sixteen words of the First Amendment form the backbone of the
    American experiment. Together they guarantee religious liberty for Americans
    of every faith as well as for those who affirm no faith at all. A profound
    belief in the freedom of conscience motivated the decision of the Founders
    to disestablish religion in the new nation and to specifically protect the
    free exercise of religion. Both clauses require the separation of religion
    and state as the means of ensuring religious liberty.

    This "lively experiment" has allowed religions to flourish with unparalleled
    strength and diversity. The religious and ethnic diversity of the United
    States makes the constitutional prohibition against laws respecting an
    establishment of religion more important than ever. No one wants government
    taking sides against their religion in favor of someone else's. In matters
    of faith, government must not take sides at all.

    The "America is a Christian Nation" crowd argues that the phrase "separation
    of church and state" does not appear in the Constitution and that society
    cannot survive without government support of religion. As to the former,
    they are correct. "Separation of church and state," like "separation of
    powers," "fair trial" or even "religious freedom," does not appear in the
    Constitution.

    Yet, Article VI's prohibition against religious tests for public office and
    the Establishment Clause's prohibition against laws even "respecting" an
    establishment of religion makes clear that government is to be neutral in
    matters of faith. As to the latter, government support has proven a
    hindrance, not a help, to religion. History is replete with wrecked
    governments and weakened churches brought down by the unhealthy union of
    church and state.

    For America, I think, it comes down to this.

    Neither religion nor state may control, dominate or subjugate the other. Our
    heritage of religious liberty and religion-state separation must be
    reaffirmed and, as the Founders demanded, must remain as they intended them
    to be - the first words of the foundational First Amendment.

    Daniel Carroll of Maryland said it well more than 200 years ago when he
    declared that "the rights of conscience are . . . of particular delicacy and
    will little bear the gentlest touch of governmental hand." Carroll's lofty
    view of conscience captures our understanding of our past and guides our
    vision of the future.

    So today, as we "move forward in our community of diverse people," I ask
    that we each of us do so by committing ourselves to making this ideal a
    reality in the days and years ahead.

    = = =

    You can hear it online.
    KEYNOTE ADDRESS delivered by Steve Morrison, Executive Director of Madison
    Jewish Community Council
    12 minutes, 38 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state-cel
    ebration_12.html

    For podcasting (rss feed - download) listed as "#9 of 10 tracks" of the 5th
    Annual celebration
    http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/interfaithsociety.xml

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Local religious leaders were all preaching the same message - tolerance and acceptance

    MSNBC picked up the local story from their affiliate WMTV
    http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16151280/

    [note: The week has also been announced in Hindu Press International, Be The
    Cause, United Religions International, North American Interfaith Network,
    Interfaith Voices for Peace, and many local newsletters and internet
    communiqués (lists and urls)]


    http://www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/4877496.html
    First aired 12/10/2006

    Interfaith Awareness Week Kicks Off
    Religious Leaders Share The Same Message
    Local religious leaders were all preaching the same message Sunday -
    tolerance and acceptance.

    A celebration at the Middleton Public Library marked the kick-off to
    Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin.

    Over nine years, the event has grown from a handful of people in the Madison
    area to recognition in cities all over the state.

    Reverend John-Brian Paprock coordinates the celebration and says getting
    along with people of different faiths has never been more important.

    "That's an unfortunate reality of our current world is that we're really
    threatened by people who believe different or look differently and I think
    this is a way for us to come together to demonstrate that we can work
    together."

    Events continue all week, including a celebration in the Capitol Rotunda on
    Tuesday.

    For event details, go to http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/


    Video feed of news story

    http://video.nbc15.madison.com/global/video/popup/pop_player.asp?ClipID1=111
    2662&h1=Religious%20Leaders%20Share%20The%20Same%20Message&vt1=v&at1=News&d1
    =45833&LaunchPageAdTag=News&fvCatNo=&backgroundImageURL=&activePane=info&pla
    yerVersion=1&hostPageUrl=http%3A//www.nbc15.com/home/headlines/4877496.html&
    rnd=62554607

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Radio broadcast of 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol

    Immediate Release
    Contact: Nathan Moore, News & Public Affairs Facilitator, about the
    broadcast.
    newsfac@wort-fm.org 608-256-2001
    Contact Rev John-Brian Paprock about the event
    inroads@minister.com 608-836-6778

    Radio broadcast of 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol

    WORT-FM (89.9 FM) will air the 5th Annual Interfaith Awareness Celebration
    at the Capitol on Christmas Day, 12/2506, from 12:05pm - 1:00pm, during "A
    Public Affair". Some editing was made for length.

    5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol was attended by over
    150 people, including the World Religion Class of Sauk Prairie High School.
    This event was part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in
    Wisconsin.

    The broadcast on 12/25/06 will be from live recordings from presentations on
    12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Here is the program:

    1. OPENING AND PROCLAMATION
    1a. Rev Fr John Brian Paprock, director Inroads Ministry, priest of
    Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Madison
    1b. Anne Wynne, vice president of the Greater Madison
    Interrreligious Association, High Initiate of Eckankar
    1c. PROCLAMATION by the Governor of Wisconsin, read by: Christopher
    River Paprock, Middleton High School and Holy Transfiguration Orthodox
    Church, Madison

    2. BAHA'I - Dennis Jenkyns, Madison Area Baha'i Center

    3. NATURE RELIGION - Reverend Selena Fox, President of Greater Madison
    Interreligious Association and Senior Minister of Circle Sanctuary,
    Barneveld

    4. BUDDHIST - Venerable George Churinoff, Deer Park Tibetan Buddhist Center,
    Oregon

    5. LUTHERAN - Michelle Meyer, Leader of Whole Healing Ministry and
    Springdale Lutheran Church, Mt Horeb

    6. HINDU - Amit Mangar, American Hindu Association - Madison

    7. SIKH - Grudip Brar, Sikh Society of Wisconsin - Middleton Gurdwara

    8. PRESBYTERIAN - Reverend Alex Thornburg, Pastor of Westminster
    Presbyterian Church, Madison

    9. KEYNOTE ADDRESS delivered by Steve Morrison, Executive Director of
    Madison Jewish Community Council

    10. CLOSING (will not be broadcast on 12/25/06)


    Tracks can be listened to on-line or downloaded (podcast). Audio-CDs are
    available at cost.
    For on-line listening www.interfaithsociety.blogspot.com
    For Podcasting (rss feed - download)
    http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/interfaithsociety.xml

    Rev. John-Brian Paprock
    Inroads Ministry
    P.O.Box 5207
    Madison, WI 53705
    608.236.9622
    www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads
    www.interfaithsociety.blogspot.com

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Friday, December 15, 2006

    Audio - 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol

    5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of
    Madison, Wisconsin was attended by over 150 people, including the World
    Religion Class of Sauk Prairie High School. This event was part of the 9th
    Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin.

    For those that missed either due to schedule or distance, digital audio
    recordings were made of the entire event.

    These recordings (listed below) were made from the live presentations on
    12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Tracks can be listened to on-line
    or downloaded (podcast)- click URL below each track description. Audio-CD
    can be order as well through inroads@minister.com

    All tracks together is almost one hour.

    For podcasting (rss feed)
    http://frjohnbrian.hipcast.com/rss/interfaithsociety.xml

    Specific tracks (10 total for the event)

    1. OPENING AND PROCLAMATION
    >> Rev Fr John Brian Paprock, director Inroads Ministry, priest of Holy
    Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Madison
    >> Anne Wynne, vice president of the Greater Madison Interrreligious
    Association, High Initiate of Eckankar
    PROCLAMATION by the Governor of Wisconsin, read by:
    >> Christopher River Paprock, Middleton High School and Holy Transfiguration
    Orthodox Church, Madison

    #1 of 10 tracks. 11 minutes, 3 seconds

    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state_116
    599953943399627.html

    2. BAHA'I - Dennis Jenkyns, Madison Area Baha'i Center

    #2 of 10 tracks. 4 minutes, 0 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state-cel
    ebration_13.html


    3. NATURE RELIGION - Reverend Selena Fox, President of Greater Madison
    Interreligious Association and Senior Minister of Circle Sanctuary,
    Barneveld

    #3 of 10 tracks. 6 minutes, 50 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state_116
    599595013006209.html


    4. BUDDHIST - Venerable George Churinoff, Deer Park Tibetan Buddhist Center,
    Oregon

    #4 of 10 tracks. 2 minutes, 24 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state_116
    599419873542285.html


    5. LUTHERAN - Michelle Meyer, Leader of Whole Healing Ministry and
    Springdale Lutheran Church, Mt Horeb

    #5 of 10 tracks. 4 minutes, 9 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state_116
    599351033941572.html


    6. HINDU - Amit Mangar, American Hindu Association - Madison

    #6 of 10 tracks. 3 minutes, 56 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state_116
    599252552785111.html


    7. SIKH - Grudip Brar, Sikh Society of Wisconsin - Middleton Gurdwara

    #7 of 10 tracks. 4 minutes, 55 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state_116
    599333231789771.html


    8. PRESBYTERIAN - Reverend Alex Thornburg, Pastor of Westminster
    Presbyterian Church, Madison

    #8 of 10 tracks. 2 minutes, 59 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state_116
    598051596142065.html


    9. KEYNOTE ADDRESS delivered by Steve Morrison, Executive Director of
    Madison Jewish Community Council

    #9 of 10 tracks. 12 minutes, 38 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state-cel
    ebration_12.html


    10. CLOSING
    Fr John Brian Paprock
    Women with Wings (Ellora Atkinson, Rachel Roang, Thereasa Tolan & Joy Wood)
    Sufi Order of Madison

    #10 of 10 tracks. 7 minutes, 0 seconds
    http://interfaithsociety.blogspot.com/2006/12/5th-annual-wisconsin-state-cel
    ebration.html


    In service to God and humanity,


    Rev. John-Brian Paprock
    Inroads Ministry
    P.O.Box 5207
    Madison, WI 53705
    608.236.9622
    www.angelfire.com/wi/inroads

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Origins of gift-giving reach back aeons - link to article

    Here is an article that was written for the Holiday Idea Book, an insert
    magazine of our local newspapers, includes festive gift giving of 10
    traditions at this time of year. Love to hear what you think.

    Origins of gift-giving reach back aeons
    By John-Brian Paprock
    For Capitol Newspapers
    Sunday, November 19, 2006
    (fairly long article so link is here)

    www.madison.com/features/holidayideas/pdf/hol_22_31_32.pdf

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Wednesday, December 13, 2006

    5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    OPENING AND PROCLAMATION
    >> Rev Fr John Brian Paprock, director Inroads Ministry, priest of Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Madison
    >> Anne Wynne, vice president of the Greater Madison Interrreligious Association, High Initiate of Eckankar

    PROCLAMATION by the Governor of Wisconsin, read by:
    >> Christopher River Paprock, Middleton High School and Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church, Madison

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin


    #2 of 10 tracks. BAHA’I - Dennis Jenkyns, Madison Area Baha’i Center

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Tuesday, December 12, 2006

    5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    #3 of 10 tracks. NATURE RELIGION - Reverend Selena Fox, President of Greater Madison Interreligious Association and Senior Minister of Circle Sanctuary, Barneveld

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    4 of 10 tracks. BUDDHIST - Venerable George Churinoff, Deer Park Tibetan Buddhist Center, Oregon

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    #5 of 10 tracks. LUTHERAN - Michelle Meyer, Leader of Whole Healing Ministry and Springdale Lutheran Church, Mt Horeb

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    #7 of 10 tracks. SIKH - Grudip Brar, Sikh Society of Wisconsin – Middleton Gurdwara

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    #6 of 10 tracks. HINDU - Amit Mangar, American Hindu Association - Madison

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    #8 of 10 tracks. PRESBYTERIAN - Reverend Alex Thornburg, Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Madison


  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    9 of 10 tracks. KEYNOTE ADDRESS delivered by Steve Morrison, Executive Director of Madison Jewish Community Council

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • 5th Annual Wisconsin State Celebration in the Capitol in the center of Madison, Wisconsin - this recording was made live on 12-12-06 in the capitol building rotunda. Part of the 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness Week in Wisconsin

    Closing of the event. Rev Fr John Brian Paprock and Women with Wings (Sufi Order of Madison)

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Monday, December 04, 2006

    9th ANNUAL INTERFAITH AWARENESS WEEK - MUCH MORE THAN BEFORE


    9th ANNUAL INTERFAITH AWARENESS WEEK - MUCH MORE THAN BEFORE

    The 9th Annual Interfaith Awareness week will have more activities, more
    opportunities to meet people of diverse faith traditions and cultures, than
    any year before.

    This year's activities are co-sponsored by Inroads Ministry and the Greater
    Madison Interreligious Association. The coordinating committee has
    diversified venues and times for greater involvement during the week. Some
    of the interfaith ideals of cooperative leadership and service have flowed
    into the planning and running of each event. The coordinating committee has
    had members of five different faith traditions with others involved in
    specific events.

    Here is the program of events for IAW9. There is a three fold brochure of
    all the events that is available and can be sent electronically.

    =======================================================
    INTERFAITH AWARENESS WEEK OPENING EVENT
    DECEMBER 10 - Sunday, 2pm
    Good Neighbor Interfaith Celebration
    "PEACE & HARMONY"

    Opening Devotion - Judy Morgan (Middleton Baha'i Community) Interfaith City
    Council Resolution - Alderman Kurt Sonnentag, City of Middleton Outreach
    Ministry collection

    Multifaith Panel - with short individual presentations and discussion
    >Rev Fr John Brian Paprock (Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Christian Church)
    >Gurdip Brar (Sikh Society of Wisconsin - Middleton Gurdwara)
    >Darby Pugielli (St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church)
    >Judy Korn (Middleton Baha'i Community)
    >Pastor Jeff Jacobs (Springdale Lutheran Church, Mt Horeb)

    Closing with Sufi Dance for Peace led by Rev Cheraga Joy Wood & Rev Cheraga
    Gretchen Ellora

    There will be refreshments

    Preview almost half of the faith tradition displays that will be at the
    Capitol

    Middleton Public Library, Archer Room
    7425 Hubbard Avenue, Middleton
    Coordinator, Rev. John-Brian Paprock

    ==========================================================================

    DECEMBER 11-15 - Monday thru Friday
    Interfaith Awareness Week displays
    Capitol Rotunda, Capitol Building, Madison

    Baha'i Faith - Madison Area Baha'i Center
    Deer Park Tibetan Buddhist Center
    Episcopal Church in Wisconsin by St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church
    Greater Madison Inter-religious Association
    Hindu Beliefs by American Hindu Association - Wisconsin
    Interfaith Awareness Week
    Islam by Madison Muslim Community
    Jewish Calendar and Information by Madison Jewish Community Council
    Multifaith Calendars by Inroads Interfaith Ministry
    Orthodox Christianity in Wisconsin by Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church
    Presbyterian Church in Wisconsin by Westminster Presbyterian Church
    Religion of Light and Sound by Eckankar of Wisconsin
    Sikh Faith by Sikh Society of Wisconsin - Middleton Gurdwara
    Sufi Order of the West by Sufi Order of Madison
    United Methodist Church in Dane County and Wisconsin by First United
    Methodist Church
    Unity by Unity Church of Madison
    Yuletide by Circle Sanctuary

    In addition, we acknowledge the "Holiday Tree;" the Freedom from Religion
    Foundation Solstice declaration; the Dane County Evangelicals Jesus
    declaration and the Hanukkah Menorah (which will be in the capitol later
    this week) that inspire and complement the intent and purpose of Interfaith
    Awareness Week.

    Coordinators, Anne Wynne and Rev. John-Brian Paprock

    ============================================================================
    ===================

    DECEMBER 11 - Monday, 7pm
    Dane County Interfaith Awareness Celebration & Universal Worship "UNITY &
    DIVERSITY"

    Universal Worship participants:
    Hindu - Amit Mangar
    Buddhist - Celeste Robins
    Native American (Ojibwe) - Alice Loew
    Jewish - Francie Saposnik
    Christian (Baptist) - Guta Cvetkovic
    Islam - Rohany Nayan
    Wiccan - Selena Fox
    Baha'i - Judy Morgan
    Eckankar - Anne Wynne

    Universal Worship led by:
    Sufi Order of Madison members: Ellora Atkinson, Sara Perkins, Rachel Roang,
    Joy Wood

    Meriter Retirement Community, Health Center Auditorium
    334 W. Doty Street, Madison
    Coordinator, Anne Wynne
    MRC chaplain, Rev. Guta Cvetkovic

    ============================================================================
    ========

    DECEMBER 12 - Tuesday, 12noon
    5th Annual Wisconsin Interfaith Awareness Celebration in the Capitol
    "FORWARD"

    OPENING
    Joel Thundercloud - Ho Chunk drum

    INTRODUCTION
    Reverend Father John-Brian Paprock
    Co-Coordinator, Interfaith Awareness Week Director, Inroads Interfaith
    Ministry Priest, Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church

    Anne Wynne
    Co-Coordinator, Interfaith Awareness Week Vice-President, Greater Madison
    Inter-religious Association Higher Initiate of Eckankar

    INTERFAITH AWARENESS WEEK PROCLAMATION
    Read by Christopher River Paprock, Middleton High School Holy
    Transfiguration Orthodox Church

    BAHA'I
    Dennis Jenkyns
    Madison Area Baha'i Center

    NATURE RELIGION
    Reverend Selena Fox
    President, Greater Madison Inter-religious Association Senior Minister,
    Circle Sanctuary

    LUTHERAN
    Michelle Meyer
    Leader, Whole Healing Ministry - Springdale Lutheran Church

    HINDU
    Amit Mangar
    American Hindu Association

    SIKH
    Gurdip Brar
    Sikh Association of Wisconsin - Middleton

    PRESBYTERIAN
    Reverend Alex Thornburg
    Pastor, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Madison

    KEYNOTE ADDRESS
    Steve Morrison
    Executive Director, Madison Jewish Community Council

    CLOSING
    DANCE FOR PEACE
    Led by Ellora Atkinson, Rachel Roang, & Joy Wood - Sufi Order of Madison

    Individuals of different faiths will be available for questions and
    discussion before and after the program at their respective displays.

    ============================================================================
    ====

    DECEMBER 13 - Wednesday, 9:30am
    Madison Interfaith Dialogue Group Monthly Meeting "The longest continuous
    interfaith dialogue in Wisconsin"

    Holy Wisdom Monastery (St Benedict Center) Highway M, Middleton
    (Technically, not part of IAW9 planning - it is part of the week's intent)
    ============================================================================
    ========

    DECEMBER 14 - Thursday, 6pm
    Madison Interfaith Awareness Celebration "ESSENCE OF DIVINITY"

    ISLAM - Salih Erschen (Dawa Circle of Madison)
    HINDUISM - Amit Mangar (American Hindu Association)
    BAHA'I _ Dennis Jenkyns (Madison Area Baha'i Center)
    CHRISTIAN - Rev. Shirley Funk (Lakeview Lutheran Church) or Rev Fr
    John-Brian Paprock (Holy Transfiguration Orthodox Church)
    SUFI - Rev Cheraga Sara Perkins with Tereasa Tolan (Sufi Order of Madison)

    Madison Public Library - Lakeview Branch
    2845 N. Sherman Avenue, Madison
    Coordinator, Amit Mangar

    ============================================================================
    ===========

    INTERFAITH AWARENESS WEEK CLOSING EVENT
    DECEMBER 16 - Saturday, 10am
    Monona Interfaith Awareness Celebration
    "TOLERANCE & UNDERSTANDING"

    Representative of Monona City Council to present city proclamation

    Baha'i - Dennis Jenkyns
    Hinduism - Amit Mangar
    Sufism - Rev Cheraga Sara Perkins
    Eastern Orthodox Christianity - Rev Fr John-Brian Paprock

    Refreshments and discussion

    Monona Public Library
    1000 Nichols Road, Monona
    Coordinator, Dennis Jenkyns

    ============================================================================
    =============

    ****************************************************************************
    ***

    PUBLIC LIBRARY DISPLAYS

    > Through December 18, interfaith book display at Monona Public Library
    > For the month of December, interfaith book display at Middleton Public
    > Library Interfaith book displays at Madison Public Library - Main
    > Branch & Lakeview Branch
    (call to check for times and location of displays)

    ****************************************************************************
    ********

    There may be additions/changes before events.

    Copies of municipal proclamations are available - State of Wisconsin, Dane
    County, Cities of Madison, Middleton and Monona. The Wisconsin proclamation
    by Gov. Doyle is posted here as well.
    For more information, text copies of the proclamations or other contact
    reasons:

    Rev. John-Brian Paprock
    IAW9 Coordinator
    Inroads Interfaith Ministry
    P.O. Box 5207, Madison, WI 53705
    (608) 236-9622 ~ inroads@minister.com
    www.interfaithsociety.blogspot.com

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock

  • 9th Annual
    INTERFAITH AWARENESS WEEK
    DECEMBER 10 - 16, 2006

    For Wisconsin, Dane County & the cities of Madison, Middleton & Monona

    �encouraging citizens to learn more about each others' beliefs in the spirit of community.�

    * * *
    GOOD NEIGHBOR
    INTERFAITH CELEBRATION
    MIDDLETON PUBLIC LIBRARY
    7425 HUBBARD AVENUE, MIDDLETON
    SUNDAY, DEC. 10 - 2PM

    * * *
    DANE COUNTY
    INTERFAITH CELEBRATION
    & UNIVERSAL WORSHIP SERVICE
    MERITER RETIREMENT COMMUNITY
    HEALTH CENTER AUDITORIUM
    334 W. DOTY STREET, MADISON
    MONDAY, DEC. 11 - 7PM

    * * *
    5th Annual Wisconsin Capitol
    Interfaith Awareness Celebration
    Capital Building Rotunda
    Tuesday, December 12 - 12 noon

    * * *
    MADISON INTERFAITH CELEBRATION
    LAKEVIEW PUBLIC LIBRARY
    2845 N. SHERMAN AVE., MADISON
    THURSDAY, DEC. 14 - 6PM

    MONONA INTERFAITH CELEBRATION
    MONONA PUBLIC LIBRARY
    1000 NICHOLS ROAD, MONONA
    SATURDAY, DEC. 16 - 10AM

    o Displays of World Religions
    ** Monday thru Friday**
    The Capitol Rotunda
    o Monona Library
    Display through Dec. 18
    o Madison Public Library
    Main Branch, Lakeview Branch
    o Middleton Library
    Display entire month of December

    Interfaith Awareness Week is co-sponsored by Inroads Interfaith Ministry and the Greater Madison Inter-religious Association

    The Proclamation of Interfaith Awareness Week has been made by Wisconsin�s Governor and the Dane County Executive every year SINCE 1998

    ALL EVENTS ARE FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FOR MORE INFORMATION
    (608) 236-9622 ~ inroads@minister.com

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock
  • Friday, December 01, 2006

    Can world religions find common ground? - Middleton kicks off Interfaith Awareness Week

    [Everyone is invited to the Middleton City Council Meeting (Middleton City
    Hall - 12/6, 7:30pm) when the "Interfaith City Council resolution" is
    scheduled - Councilman Sonnentag will be presenting the proclamation at
    12/10 event; in addition, a collection will be taken for Middleton Outreach
    Ministry food pantry at the Middleton event; BTW displays at the capitol now
    number 18 - JBP]

    MIDDLETON TIMES TRIBUNE
    http://www.newspubinc.com/main.asp?SectionID=7&SubSectionID=101&ArticleID=31
    60&TM=53128.36

    Can world religions find common ground?
    11/30/2006 11:48:00 AM
    Matt Geiger
    News Editor

    There is an analogy popular among philosophers. In it, four blind men
    encounter an elephant. Having never seen one before, each man feels a
    different part of the animal and describes it in radically different ways.
    One man feels the trunk and thinks it is a snake, another feels the legs and
    thinks it is a tree, and so on. They may not know it, but each person is
    describing different aspects of the same thing.

    For the philosopher, the elephant represents God and the men are the world's
    many religions.

    Rev. John-Brian Paprock wants to get together with leaders from other faiths
    and talk about the elephant.

    Paprock, a priest at the Holy Transfiguration Mission Parish in Madison,
    founded Wisconsin Interfaith Awareness Week nine years ago. It all began
    when Paprock sent a draft proclamation about tolerance to then governor
    Tommy Thompson. To Paprock's surprise, Thompson signed it. Since then the
    event has continued growing.

    On Dec. 10, the weeklong series of interfaith gatherings will kick-off at
    the Middleton Public Library before heading back to the capital.

    "Interfaith is all about learning how to get along with people who think
    differently than you," Paprock, a Middleton resident, explained.

    "We hold the gatherings on neutral turf at municipal buildings, so it
    doesn't turn into 'come to my church,'" he continued. "It's honoring the
    American tradition and what has become a worldwide tradition in many places
    - the freedom to believe."

    The event draws diverse people (nearly half the participants in past years
    were non-Christian), and Paprock said Interfaith Week involves admitting not
    all people view the world in the same way.

    "We like to think that all Muslims are alike, but they're not. We like to
    think all Hindus are alike, but they're not," observed Paprock. "We need to
    develop a vocabulary so that we can communicate with other people. That way,
    when someone says Dharma or Karma, we understand them - not in just the pop
    sense - but the real meaning of the term."

    People often ask Paprock why he endorses religions other than his own.

    "It always comes up: 'How can you endorse another faith?'" he comments. "But
    I say, 'They don't need my endorsement - they already exist. They already
    have followers and some of them have been around for even longer than
    Christianity if you use the year 33 (A.D.) as a starting point."

    The rules are simple: there is no proselytizing; people must be honest about
    their faith; and materials about each religion can be made available but not
    handed out.

    "The idea is that by learning to communicate, we learn that we can work in
    the same room together without killing each other," Paprock said. "That's
    actually the point we are at and it became all the more evident after 9/11
    that it's important."

    STARTING IN MIDDLETON

    The entire week runs Dec. 10-16, starting on United Nations Human Rights
    Day. Since 1998, the Governor and the Dane County Executive have proclaimed
    the week inclusive of Human Rights Day as Interfaith Awareness Week. In
    1999, the Mayor of Madison joined the annual proclamation. This year, the
    Mayors of Middleton and Monona will be proclaiming this special week as
    well. Middleton Mayor Doug Zwank is scheduled to read a proclamation
    honoring the week at the Dec. 5 common council meeting.

    A multi-faith committee has worked on coordinating a variety of locations
    and times for Interfaith Awareness Week events this year. Although details
    of presenters at each event are still being worked on, each event already
    has more than four different faith traditions represented in the program.

    There are commitments for more than 14 displays of different faith
    traditions at the state capitol. Some of the displays will be previewed at
    the Middleton kick-off event Sunday afternoon.

    Some of the faith traditions already involved include: Baha'i, Buddhist,
    Christian (several denominations), Eckankar, Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Sufi Order
    of the West, Unity and Wiccan

  • Buy "Neighbors, Strangers and Everyone Else" a book by Rev John Brian Paprock