Human Connection | Interfaith Understanding | Collective Transformation

Stories and Updates

Interfaith and Democracy: Finding Healing Through Conversation

If multi-faith dialogue has taught us anything, it’s that all too often we allow ourselves to be afraid of people who see the world differently, even hate them, especially in our desire to “win,” or to be right. To help confront and heal toxic polarization on GVSU’s campus and in our West Michigan community, the Kaufman Institute is focusing on the intersections of interfaith work and democracy over the course of this coming academic year. Kyle Kooyers reflects on this and offers a look at what’s coming up

Earlier in August, Liz and two of her GVSU students attended the Interfaith America Leadership Summit. As a part of the opening plenary, they heard from Shira Hoffer, a senior at Harvard and a change-maker in the pursuit of interfaith understanding on her campus, who offered very poignant and frank advice: “If you ever feel as ‘unexpert’ as me, it doesn’t mean you can’t still do something.” Liz offers a reflection on the humility and hope required to define success in a dynamic field.

Save The Date

September 10, 2024 - Tuesday Table Talk
September 11, 2024 - First meeting of the Interfaith Book Group
September 12, 2024 - GVSU Student Multifaith Mixer
September 24, 2024 - Faith Over Division Tour
October 1, 2024 - One Small Step Listening Event with StoryCorps
October 10, 2024 - Valarie Kaur and the Revolutionary Love Bus Tour
October 29, 2024 - Padnos Public Engagement on Jewish Learning Lecture
December 5, 2024 - Jewish, Christian, Muslim Triennial Interfaith Dialogue