Dallas Calendar

Pluralist's Thanksgiving Celebrations

2011-11-22T22:10:00.000-08:00

I am pleased to share the following articles about thanksgiving and it’s significance in our lives. I am committed to mitigate conflicts and nurture goodwill amongst people of different affiliations, that is my passion and I speak about it.

1. Dallas Morning News: Why should we be thankful?
It is a day to pull ourselves together and tie up the loose ends of life. Through the year we receive a lot of good from others in the form of words and actions, and many a times it is a one way transaction and remains incomplete. Those who achieve balance in life are the happiest people. Indeed, our happiness is directly dependent on fulfillment of our desires; lesser fulfillment yields greater discontentment. So, the enlightened Buddha says, fewer the desires, lesser the sorrows! A full narrative is at:
http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/11/texas-faith-why-should-we-be-thankful.html

2. Huffington Post – A Pluralist’s Thanksgiving. The article weaves through several religions touching the heart and soul of each one. It's just not you, ask Bill Gates, whom God has blessed, he would say not enough! Ask the Homeless; the answer is still the same, not enough. Who has enough then? Then read the incredible story of gratitude. Appaiah turned around and asked me instead “Isn’t there so much to thank the lord?” I was rendered speechless. Here is a man with nothing to hope for, yet he is not complaining, that is gratitude!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse . If not published on Thursday, go to: http://theghousediary.blogspot.com/2011/11/essence-of-thanksgiving.html

Americans Together building a cohesive America

Our Mission is to build a cohesive America, where no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. As a society, it is our responsibility to keep law and order and faithfully guard the safety of every citizen. Hate, prejudice and stereotyping are some of the many sources of disrupting the peace in a society and it is our duty to track down the source of such hate and work on mitigating it and nurturing goodwill. We need your input.

http://americatogetherfoundation.blogspot.com/2011/11/americans-together-documentary_11.html

Happy thanksgiving

Mike Ghouse is committed to building a cohesive America and offers pluralistic solutions on issues of the day to the media and the public. He is a speaker thinker and a writer on the topics of pluralism, cohesive societies, Politics, Islam, interfaith, India and Peace. Over a thousand articles have been published on the topics and two of his books are poised to be released on Pluralism and Islam. Mike's work is fully indexed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/ and you can find all of his current articles at www.TheGhousediary.com

ADDITIONAL READING, IF YOU HAVE THE TIME

KENTUCKY STATE SENATOR WILLIAMS REMARKS OFFENDS HINDUS

It is not only a Hindu issue; it is indeed an American issue. The speaking out shouldn't be just from Hindus, but Christians, Jews, Muslims, Atheists, Pagans, Wiccans, Zoroastrians and others as well. Why should anyone stand up for you, if you are not willing to do the same for others? No one has a right to belittle other's faiths.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/senator-williams-offend-hindus_b_1075392.html

SIKHS AND MUSLIMS CAN COME TOGETHER FOR GURPURAB The ill-will between Sikhs and Muslims has run deep for over 350 years based on mistranslation of a verse from Quraan by Emperors sycophants, and carried further by the leaders of the Sikh community without any one making an effort to correct the translation and remove the misunderstanding. I was blessed to have that opportunity to interact with Dr. Aulakh Singh in Melbourne, Australia and hope, the ill-will mitigates. The good news is that, most of the Sikh youth are not familiar with it and I am glad they are not. Finding the truth is one’s own responsibility. Full story at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/sikhs-and-muslims-on-542n_b_1087327.html

ESSENCE OF EID-AL-ADHA: A MUSLIM FESTIVAL OF SACRIFICE

The following article, "Essence of Eid-al-Adha" was written for non-Muslims as well as Muslims, so they can relate with the essence of our celebrations. Unless we connect and relate, myths continue to flourish about us. There is a slight humor in the dialogue between Prophet Abraham and God with the intent of understanding what love and sacrifice mean in a relationship. A few Muslims may not see it, but Insha Allah it will go a long way in building bridges. I do hope the last item about appreciating men and women in the uniform goes a long way in building relationship.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mike-ghouse/essence-of-eidaladha-a-mu_b_1075393.html

9/11 and Dallas Muslims

2011-09-05T19:55:00.001-07:00

You would be pleased to know that Muslims have taken initiatives to work towards a cohesive America and I am pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial, the Unity Day USA on Sunday Sep 11 at 5:00 PM at the Unity Church of Dallas on Forest Lane. Details are at www.UnitydayUSA.com. Kindly rsvp to Unitydayusa@gmail.com Thank you

Mike Ghouse, Texas faith panelist
(214) 325-1916

Invitation to 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial
UNITY DAY USA -2011
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2011 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Unity church of Dallas, www.UnitydayUSA.com

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX 75230

www.Unitydayusa.com

We are pleased to invite you to the 7th Annual Unity Day USA; a purposeful event to bring Americans together. This is the 10^th Anniversary of 9/11, from this day forward we hope to effect the change to make. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

On this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and well being of our nation.

Unity Day USA is about re-affirming our faith in the goodness in humanity, and the longing for harmony and co-existence. The traditions include but are not limited to Native American, Atheist, Baha’i, Buddhist, Christian, Earth-traditions, Hindu, Muslim, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wicca and Zoroastrians; thus it is an all inclusive event.

It is an experience to feel a sense of unity with fellow Americans that will bring a feeling of coming home to where we drop all of our identities and to be united together as an American family.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. Our faiths reinforce the idea of one nation with liberty and justice for all.

Muslim Speaker Mike Ghouse

2011-04-14T19:38:00.001-07:00

NURTURING PLURALISTIC VALUES EMBEDDED IN ISLAM

A Muslim Speaker, thinker, organizer and an activist committed to building cohesive societies with a belief that what is good for Muslims has got to be good for the world and vice versa to sustain peace, harmony and prosperity.

To be a Muslim is to be a peace maker, one who constantly seeks to mitigate conflicts and nurtures goodwill for peaceful co-existence of humanity. God wants us to live in peace and harmony with his creation; Life and Matter. Over 1000 articles have been published on a range of topics in Islam and Pluralism. Insha Allah, a book outlining the Muslim vision is on the horizon.

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece
Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

If that has been you, Mike Ghouse ought to be your hero.

It is hard to imagine that anyone has worked harder than the Carrollton resident to demonstrate the peaceful and moderate side of Islam.

And that effort includes personally visiting Dallas' First Baptist Church last Sunday just to put a friendly face on the "evil, evil religion" that the Rev. Robert Jeffress denounced a few weeks before.

"It was wonderful," Ghouse said of the visit. "We were so warmly received."
He hopes a quick chat with Jeffress will be the start of deeper discussion about Islam and the importance of respect between religions.

"I want to have a dialogue with him, not to say he is wrong but to share another point of view," Ghouse said.

The 57-year-old Muslim was born in India and has lived in the United States for 30 years. He owns a small property management firm. But most of his day is devoted to building bridges between people of different faiths.

"It is my passion," he said in his distinctive raspy voice.

He has been a guest a dozen times on Sean Hannity's TV and radio talk shows. "I don't like the way Sean cuts me off, but I have to honor him for giving the American public a semblance of another point of view."

Ghouse said he can understand fear and criticism of Islam because he went through a time of similar feelings. As a teen, he was troubled by passages of the Quran. He called himself an atheist for a while.

But he said deeper study led him to realize the Quran had been purposely mistranslated down through history.

In the Middle Ages, European leaders commissioned a hostile Quran translation to foster warfare against Muslim invaders.

Later, Muslim leaders produced another translation to inflame Muslims against Christians and Jews.

"It was all for politics," he said.
Ghouse said he hopes to present Jeffress with a modern, faithful translation and challenge him to find evil verses.

"If he can, I will convert. I will join his church," Ghouse said. "If he can't, I will call on him to retract his statements and become a peacemaker."

Ghouse acknowledges that deep problems persist within Islam. "Three steps forward, two steps back," he said with a sigh.

And he agrees that mainstream Muslims have not done enough to counter violent images of their faith.

"That is very true," he said. "But part of it is that many Muslims have given up hope that we will ever be heard."

He said repeated denunciations of terrorism seem to fall on deaf ears.

And some efforts have backfired - like the proposed Islamic information center in New York. He said it should be hailed for furthering the moderate Muslim cause.
Instead, it has deepened hostility toward Muslims.

I have been astounded by the amount of anti-Islam propaganda that circulates via e-mail. Tons of it has come my way in the last few weeks.

One theme is that people like Mike Ghouse can't be trusted, that Islam encourages deception.

But Ghouse says actions speak louder than words. And he points to elections in Muslim nations.

More than half of Muslims live in countries with some degree of democracy. And time and time again, Islamist parties are overwhelmingly rejected in favor of secular, mainstream parties.

"The religious parties don't get more than 3 percent of the vote," Ghouse said.
Polls show deep mistrust of Muslims. "But the most important question in those surveys is: 'Do you know anything about Islam?' " Ghouse said. "Most people say no."
What keeps him going is faith in Americans, he said.

"The majority of Americans, if they know the truth, they will change their minds."

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Mike Ghouse is a speaker, writer, thinker, futurist and an activist of Pluralism, Islam, India and Civil Societies passionately offering pluralistic solutions on issues of the day.

He is a commentator at Fox News on the Hannity show, nationally syndicated Radio shows along with Dallas TV, Print and Radio networks and occasional interviews on NPR. He has spoken at international forums including the Parliament of Worlds Religions in Melbourne, Middle East Peace initiative in Jerusalem, International Leadership conference in Hawaii, Washington and elsewhere.

Concerned by the divisiveness, he saw the need to bring Americans together and founded America Together Foundation committed to building a cohesive America, indeed it is in response to ACT America which is bent on pitching one American against the other. We will be holding series of educational programs, conferences and workshops to address the issues that divide us such as Civil Right, GLBT, Quraan, Abortion, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, Racial Profiling and Stereotyping.

The Annual Unity Day USA is in its 7^th year now, it is a purposeful event to bring Americans together, on this Unity Day, we the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, unity, prosperity and wellbeing of our nation.

Thanksgiving Celebration is in its 15^th year showcasing cultural diversity.

The 5^th Annual Reflections on Holocaust and Genocides is to learn and to acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things we have inflicted upon each other and commit to avert such tragedies. Through this event non-Jewish people have consciously learned about Holocaust for the first time, it was also for the first time that people of 14 faiths came together to join in to commemorate the Holocaust that commemorated within the Jewish Community for years. They are not alone anymore in their anguish, we are all in it together with them, and it is a Muslim initiative to effect a positive change.

The programs, seminars and workshops conducted by the Foundation for Pluralism have become a part of the America Together Foundation. While the Foundation for Pluralism continues championing the idea of co-existence through respecting and accepting the otherness of other, the commitment to nurturing the pluralistic ideals embedded in Islam through the World Muslim Congress continues.

# # #

Fuller Profile is at: http://www.mikeghouse.net/MuslimSpeaker.MikeGhouse.asp

Mike is working on two books scheduled to be released this year; The American Muslim Agenda and My Journey to Pluralism.

Mike has written over 1000 Articles on Pluralism, Islam, India, Peace & Justice and civil societies published in a wide spectrum of Newspapers and Magazines around the world.

Locally, he is a panelist at Dallas Morning News's and writes weekly on a range of issues facing the nation. Washington Post, Huffington Post and other news papers and sites regularly publish his work.

Mike is available to speak on Pluralism, Islam, Civil Societies, and Peace & Justice at your place of worship, school, work place, seminars, workshops or conferences. His work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.MikeGhouse.net/

Dallas Conference on building an inclusive America

2010-12-02T21:54:00.001-08:00

No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to understand the issues and find ways to remove such fears in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.
When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church,
6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX
. 75230

PRESS RELEASE | INVITATION

Contact: MikeGhouse@aol.com

You are invited, details below

No American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.
Since our independence in 1776, we have been tested time and again by various political, economic and religious forces to divide us, however, at the end we have come out strong as one nation. The Civil War, the Great Depression, the World War, Pearl Harbor, Women’s rights, Abortion, the Vietnam War, Civil Rights, Budget Deficits, Unemployment, 9/11, the Iraq and Afghanistan War have all been difficult, but we will make it through and sanity will prevail.

The controversy over the Muslim Community Center in New York has unraveled the difficulties Catholics, Jews, Mormons, Wicca and others have endured.

We have come a long way to embrace and accept the otherness of other. However, this year has given rise to yet another temptation; to blame Islam, calling it an evil, evil religion and calling its prophet a false prophet. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone’s advantage, as Americans, are we going to let that happen? No, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves.

If we make an effort, goodness will come to our rescue. Mike Ghouse adds, “As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths, malice and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur’aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, a conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year.”

The Conference puts the Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons, elected officers and the public. The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the “terrifying passages” of Quraan. For the first time in history, the actual verses from Quraan will be read directly and explained by panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds. The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or share the additional information right from the very Quraan for further understanding.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

When: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010
Where: Unity Church,

6525 Forest Lane, Dallas, TX

. 75230

Event: Qur’aan Conference in Dallas
Purpose: To demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam
Website: http://www.quraanconference.com/
Inquiries: quraanconference@gmail.com
RSVP: Confirmattendance@gmail.com
Call: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916

THE EVENT IS FREE

Thank you.
Mike Ghouse for
A COHESIVE AMERICA,
AMERICANS TOGETHERhttp://www.quraanconference.com/

Documentary – listed at www.QuraanConference.com

Quraan (Koran) Conference in Dallas, an American effort to build cohesive societies

2010-10-14T03:42:00.001-07:00

The Conference puts a Quraan in the hands of panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, lay persons, elected officers and the public. It is to demystify the myths about Quraan and Islam. An American effort to build cohesive societies.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Oct 10, 2010 - DALLAS, TEXAS - The Foundation for Pluralism and the World Muslim Congress have announced a conference on Quraan in Dallas to be held between 3:00 PM and 6 PM on Sunday, December 5, 2010 at the Unity Church of Dallas.

Representing the organizations, Mike Ghouse adds, "As members of diverse family of faiths, we seek to demystify the myths and falsification of our respective faiths. It is time for all of us to gather and understand the Qur'aan, the holy book of Muslims, which has been the subject of attack by a few among us. Indeed, the conference is a positive response to negative sermons delivered from a few pulpits of America this year."

The uniqueness of the event is highlighted by facing the "terrifying passages" of Quraan. For the first time in history, the actual verses from Quraan will be read directly and explained by non-Muslim panelists made up of Pastors, Rabbis, Pundits, Shamans, Clergy, lay persons and elected officials who have a deep interest in bringing Americans together on common grounds. The Muslim scholars either affirm their reading or refer to the Quraan for further understanding. It would be indeed a first hand educational experience.

It is time now to replace the ill-will with goodwill; no American has to live in anxieties, discomfort or fear of the other. The purpose of this conference is to remove such myths in an open forum in the public and restore the cohesiveness of our society and work towards building a safe and secure America.

Bring your children to experience the multi-cultural costumes in a designated room for them.

Refreshments will be served after the event.

THE EVENT IS FREE

Please R.S.V.P. to confirmattendance@gmail.com
Direct your inquiries to QuraanConference@gmail.com .

For details visit website http://www.quraanconference.com/

Mike Ghouse is a speaker, thinker, writer, optimist, educator and an activist of Pluralism, Interfaith, Islam and Civil Societies. He heads the Foundation for Pluralism and World Muslim Congress and offers Pluralistic solutions to the media and the public on issues of the day. Mike's work is reflected at three websites & twenty two Blogs listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Qur’aan Conference, an American event

2010-09-30T20:24:00.001-07:00

Qur’aan Conference, an American event

From times immemorial Religion has been “abused” and “misused” to someone gain, usually for controlling others. Are we going to let that happen? As Americans, we can pull ourselves together and not fall for the temptations to divide ourselves. No American has to live in fear of the other, nor live in anxieties or discomfort.

All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all.” Details at http://www.quraanconference.com/

Mike Ghouse is a speaker on Pluralism and Islam offering pluralistic solutions to the media and public on issues of the day. His blogs and sites are listed at www.MikeGhouse.net

Ramadan Mubarak - Happy Ramadan

2010-08-10T20:05:00.000-07:00

Muslims around the world will begin fasting from Wednesday, August 11, 2010 and for a whole month thereafter.

Thanks to Washington post, they will publish three articles on Ramadan; The Politics of Ramadan, The Rituals of Ramadan and the Spirit of Ramadan towards the third of Ramadan.

True fasting is self-purification; and from this, a rich inner life brings about values such as justice, generosity, patience, kindness, forgiveness, mercy and empathy - values that are indispensable for the success of the community.Consciousness of behavior and vigilance over action are the most profound dimensions of fasting: the fasting of the heart focuses on the attachment to the divine.

That is when Ramadan really becomes a source of peace and solace, just as Christmas goes beyond the rituals to bring forth kindness, charity and caring. For fasting to be truly universal, its benefits must extend beyond the fraternal ties of Muslims and must extend to forging a common humanity with others. Fasting is meant to impart a sense of what it means to be truly human, and its universality is reflected by its observance in Bahai, Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Jain, Jewish, Sikh, Wiccan, Zoroastrian, other faiths and importantly the native traditions.

Mike Ghouse is a Speaker, Thinker and a Writer on Islam and Pluralism and is a frequent guest at Media offering pluralistic solutions to the issues of the day. His work is listed on 22 of his blogs and two websites listed at http://www.mikeghouse.net/

Unity Day USA - a 911 Memorial event

2010-07-25T03:44:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to invite you to Unity Day USA; a purposeful event to bring Americans together. The idea for Unity Day USA was first conceived on Tuesday, September 11, 2001 and took its current form on Sunday, September 11, 2005. We cannot let things happen and drift into the abyss of incoherence. It is an initiative to come together to stand up for the safety, security and cohesiveness of America.

Continued: http://911unitydayusa.blogspot.com/

Press Release on Holocaust and Genocides

2010-01-16T11:36:00.000-08:00

PRESS RELEASE

Contact: Mike Ghouse (214) 325-1916,
email: MikeGhouse@aol.com
event email: HolocaustandGenocides@gmail.com
Website: http://www.holocaustandgenocides.com/

III ANNUAL REFELCTIONS ON THE HOLOCAUST AND GENOCIDES

DALLAS – (January 15, 2010) –The Foundation for Pluralism announces the 7/7 speakers Panel to reflect upon the Holocaust and Genocides event at 5:00 PM on Sunday, January 24, 2010 at the Center for Spiritual Center, 4801 Spring Valley Road, Dallas, TX. 75244.

Each individual in the seven member panel would acknowledge the inhumanity in each one of us and reflect upon the solutions for co-existence. It is a purposeful event to learn, acknowledge and reflect upon the terrible things, that we humans have inflicted upon each other.

What can you do as individual?

Continued: http://holocaustandgenocides.blogspot.com/2010/01/press-release-on-holocaust-and.html
~~~~

A tribute to Jesus

2009-12-23T23:38:00.000-08:00

A tribute to Jesus on this Christmas;

What does it mean to be religious?

Mike Ghouse

This column is dedicated to Rev. Petra Weldes of the Center for Spiritual Living in Dallas. Some of my conversation with her inspired me to write this tribute to Jesus and what it means to be religious.

Continued: http://worldmuslimcongress.blogspot.com/2009/12/tribute-to-jesus.html

~~~

Dallas Partnership Walk

2009-09-25T13:24:00.001-07:00

Dallas Partnership Walk

This is a beautiful event in Dallas that AKF hosts every year. I urge you to attend the event.

September 27, 2009
Dallas City Hall Plaza
1500 Marilla Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Registration: 10:00 a.m. Opening Ceremonies Begin: 12:00 noon
About Partnership WALK

Partnerships InAction is an initiative of Aga Khan Foundation U.S.A. (AKF USA) and its volunteers in communities across America to raise funds and awareness to help communities in some of the poorest areas of Africa and Asia create long-term solutions to poverty. The events give Americans an opportunity to actively take part in advancing human dignity and peace around the globe through volunteerism, awareness-raising and contributions.

PartnershipsInAction represents AKF USAâ€™s growing portfolio of programs including Partnership Walk, Partnership Golf, corporate and professional networking events, film screenings, essay and art competitions, educational and schools outreach activities, among others.

Partnership Walk is a public event to raise awareness about how people can make a difference in ending global poverty. It promotes partnerships among Americans and people in the developing world. Since 1995, 40 Partnership Walks have been held in U.S., attracting thousands of participants and bringing a spark of hope to vulnerable families in Africa and Asia.

100% of the funds raised at Partnership Walk go directly to projects supported by the Foundation.

This is one beautiful event in Dallas that AKF hosts every year.
I urge you to attend the event.

September 27, 2009
Dallas City Hall Plaza
1500 Marilla Street
Dallas, TX 75201

Registration: 10:00 a.m.
Opening Ceremonies Begin: 12:00 noon

As a Partnership Walk sponsor, you can join the ranks of internationally minded individuals and socially responsible companies.

100% of your tax-deductible contribution goes directly to projects supported by the Foundation. Not a cent is spent on administration.

CITY Contact
8421 High Meadows Drive
Plano, Texas 75025
Phone: 972-242-1682
Email: dallas@partnershipwalk.org
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9/11- 5th Annual Unity Day USA

2009-08-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

s

.

.
You are invited to the;
5th Annual Unity Day USA

Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas - The Foundation for Pluralism and several faith based organizations invite you to the 5th annual Unity Day USA, a purposeful event to celebrate the American Unity.

WHAT: On this Unity Day USA, we, the people of the United States of America of every faith, race, ethnicity, culture and background will gather to express our commitment to co-existence, Unity, safety, prosperity and well being of our nation.

WHEN: 5:00 PM, Sunday, September 6, 2009

WHERE: Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Lane, (between Hillcrest & Preston), Dallas Texas. 75230.

WHO: You, your friends, Individuals representing different faiths, Mayors, Fire, Police and Education Chiefs, Civic Leaders, public servants, and business leaders. Please visit the website www.UnitydayUSA.com for previous year’s pictures and activities.

YOUR ROLE: Your presence to express solidarity with Americans; it is being an American regardless of one’s faith, ethnicity or race. It is about experiencing the sense of unity with our own uniqueness and re-dedicating our pledge to one nation under God with liberty and justice for all.

As Americans we uphold, protect, defend and celebrate the values enshrined in our constitution. All our faiths reinforce the creed of "One Nation under God, with liberty and justice for all."

God Bless America;
One Nation under God with Liberty and Justice for all

Mike Ghouse Chair, Unity Day USA,
(214) 325-1916 –email: UnitydayUSA@gmail.com personal email: MikeGhouse@aol.com Website: www.UnitydayUSA.com
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08.06.09 - Dr. Cole, Engaging the Muslim world

2009-06-22T05:19:00.000-07:00

08.06.09 - Dr. Cole, Engaging the Muslim world

Dr. Juan Cole – August 6
FunAsia, 1210 E. Belt Line Rd., Richardson
6:00 p.m. - Reception, 7:00 p.m. – Dinner & Program
http://www.dallaspeacecenter.org/

Juan R. I. Cole is Richard P. Mitchell Collegiate Professor of History at the University of Michigan. For three decades, he has sought to put the relationship of the West and the Muslim world in historical context. Cole has written extensively about Egypt, Iran, Iraq, and South Asia. He has commented extensively on the Iraq War, the politics of Pakistan and Afghanistan, and the increasing conflict with Iran. He has a regular column at Salon.com. Cole is President of the Global Americana Institute, a non-profit project that aims to translate important books by great Americans and about America into Arabic. He lived in various parts of the Muslim world for nearly 10 years, and continues to travel widely there. His most recent book is Engaging the Muslim World.

For tickets, go to www.dallaspeacecenter.org/tickets

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07.09.09 - Ray McGovern Speaks

2009-06-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

07.09.09 - Ray McGovern Speaks

FunAsia, 1210 E. Belt Line Rd., Richardson
6:00 p.m. - Reception, 7:00 p.m. –
Dinner & Program
http://www.dallaspeacecenter.org/

Ray McGovern – July 9

Ray McGovern worked for 27 years and seven presidential administrations as an analyst for the CIA. Today, he is an activist who writes and lectures all over the country, speaking out against what he sees as corruption in the CIA. He asserts that the war in Iraq was manufactured and sold to the United States under false pretenses – the real reason being oil. McGovern holds degrees including an M.A. in Russian Studies from Fordham University, a certificate in Theological Studies from Georgetown University, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program.

For tickets, go to www.dallaspeacecenter.org/tickets

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06.27.09 - Summer Solsticelebration

2009-06-22T05:15:00.000-07:00

06.27.09 - Summer Solsticelebration

Summer SolstiCelebration
“We are all one under the Sun”
June 27, Saturday – noon to 10 pm

Bath House Cultural Center building & grounds
521 E. Lawther, Dallas, TX 75218 ~ off Northcliff & Buckner Blvd.
map: www.bathhousecultural.com
festival info: www.EarthRhythms.org ~ 214-261-5599

Earth Rhythms is proud to announce the return of Summer SolstiCelebration, the popular White Rock Lake tradition, after a hiatus of five years. The event captures the rising optimism and cooperation of our time with its unique array of activities.

• The Sun and Earth we share is celebrated in two summer ceremonies: an Egyptian solar ritual at noon and a sunset seasonal circle. A Living Peace Sun event concludes the festival.
• Tent villages of eclectic and hand-crafted wares beneath the shoreline trees, plus unique holistic and metaphysic vendors, offer roving entertainment and buskers’ circles for eclectic free-show opportunities.
• The north village also features a dog agility course and an animal adoption center, plus a storyteller's tent.
• A Stone Circle Stage beneath the live oaks hosts unique performances and activities, including a Cirque de SolstiCelebration and a sunset drum and dance circle.
• A labyrinth walk allows a moment of reflection. A Peace Zone showcases peace between people and peace within.
• A Gaia altar facilitates a connection to the Sun and Earth. A summer art installation challenges perceptions.
• A Chill Zone on the back porch has misters and fans to keep everyone comfortable, plus cold beverages, snacks and free cold water
• Inside the Bath House are live shows of consciousness raising music and a live art/music demonstration, plus a vegetarian café, henna tattoos and more.

Earth Rhythms has been the North Texas leader in seasonal celebrations for over 16 years, gaining national attention and recognition for their work. They have been heralded for their ability to find the highest common denominators that unite people and creating events around those concepts. More info at www.EarthRhythms.org or call 214-261-5599.

06.20.09 - Dallas, Walking 2 Destiny

2009-06-19T14:23:00.000-07:00

06.20.09 - Dallas, Walking 2 Destiny

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS CONTACT: John S. Shore
Shore Public Relations
214-738-1516, cell
jshore@shorepr.com

PHOTO/VIDEO OPPORTUNITY ALERT

WHAT: Walking 2 Destiny
An initiative of the Interfaith Service Network of the Memnosyne Foundation and the Church of Living God coordinated by several community organizations.

WHEN: Saturday, June 20, 2009, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 1 p.m. donation to children

WHERE: Church of the Living God, 1718 Overton Rd. Dallas, TX 75216
Event Contact: 214-228-5695

WHY: Walking to Destiny is the first initiative coordinated by the Interfaith Service Network of the Memnosyne Foundation with several diverse religious organizations that include The Church of Living God, Aga Khan Foundation, Lifeway Church, Bahai' Temple and individual volunteers from various faith traditions across Dallas.

VISUALS: A storyteller will tell the significance of Juneteenth, and local entertainers will give free performances. New Nike shoes, t-shirts and backpacks for the children will be presented at 1 p.m.

WHO: Reverend Dr. Todd Collier, Presbyterian minister and Memnosyne director
Mike Ghouse, Memnosyne Board member; Bahai’I Temple; Aga Kahn Foundation/Muslim Community; The Interfaith Coffee House; Lifeway Church, The Church of the Living God; Bishop Dr. Larry McGriff: The Church of the Living God and
Reverend Karen Hollie of Lifeway Church

Walking 2 Destiny serves the growing number of young people in South Dallas that are neglected like many areas of the Metroplex or forgotten due to the challenging social issues that they face: poverty, discrimination, abusive situations, addictions, unstable homes, and academic life. The first program is to provide clothing, food and popular gym shoes so that they can fit in with their peers and empower the youth to make positive changes in his/her life as they become involved on a personal level with others who care.

"Walking 2 Destiny is the first project of the Interfaith Service Network which is made of diverse religious traditions from around the city of Dallas. Any Church, Temple, Mosque, or Synagogue who would like to join our continuing outreach efforts are welcome to be a part of this continuing program!"

Interviews and photographs available.
http://www.interfaithservicenetwork.org/page91.html

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07-11-09 : The truth about 9/11, Plano

2009-06-15T14:54:00.000-07:00

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07-11-09 : The truth about 9/11

The truth about 9/11 on Saturday, July 11, 2009
Plano - Conference Center at Collin College,
Spring Creek Campus
2800 E Spring Creek PkwyPlano, Texas 75074
Get Directions
Ticket Info: $10 donation includes ALL DAY PASS and Free DVD film
Buy Tickets Website: http://www.711911.webs.com/http://www.peacefulfamilies.org/publications.html

The Essence of Freedom
Mike Ghouse, Dallas

The essence of freedom is our ability to question; question everything including our belief and what our government dishes out for us to believe.Many of us do not want to know the truth about 9/11 or simply write it off us a conspiracy theory, meanwhile the multiplier effect of our silence continues to wreak havoc on American families.We need to take the responsibility to at least explore the truth. Our Media has failed us, they never had the balls to ask tough questions to the President and his gang, they were afraid to question lest they be called unpatriotic.

Indeed, their irresponsibility has caused us so much grief and has ruined our financial institutions and finally has hurt the average American.I am glad even the Neocon outfits like Fox has displayed this event on their calendar along with the other TV, Print and Radio outlets in Dallas. Continued at:

http://mediamuddles.blogspot.com/2009/06/truth-about-911-and-essence-of-freedom.html
The truth about 9/11 on Saturday, July 11, 2009

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06-15-09 : Mosque in Morgan Town KERA TV

2009-06-15T14:43:00.000-07:00

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06-15-09 : Mosque in Morgan Town KERA TV
8:00 PM Dallas
Click on the image to get enlarged readable version

http://www.themosqueinmorgantown.com/film/airdates/

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06-17-09: The Roots of War on Kera TV

2009-06-15T14:23:00.000-07:00

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06-17-09: The Roots of War on Kera TV

9:30 PM - Television Premier

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Meg Fullwood
June 3, 2009 214-740-9377
mfullwood@kera.org

The Roots of War irs Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV

DALLAS/FORT WORTH: The Roots of War… the Road to Peace takes a look at the complexity of the events leading up to 9/11. Through interviews with experts, scholars and eye witnesses, the 90-minute documentary examines the impact of radical Islam on the world stage. The Roots of War … the Road to Peace airs at 9:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 17 on KERA-TV.

Shot on location in Baghdad, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Israel, Palestine, and the U.S., the documentary examines the historic conflicts in the Middle East and the role of the United States leading up to 9/11. From interviews with the man on the street to government officials, the documentary strives to achieve balance by presenting multiple perspectives.

“Our goal was to get beyond the sound bites and offer a historic perspective of the events leading up to 9/11,” says Niki McCuistion, executive producer and director of the documentary. “We wanted to take a look at the social, geo-political and economic costs of terrorism and investigate the seeds of the conflict between the great civilizations and religions of the world.”

Within hours of their arrival in Baghdad in 2004, Niki and Dennis McCuistion encountered a suicide bombing which took out several city blocks. Their unexpected immersion in terrorism and encounters with everyday citizens emphasized the complexity of the story they came to cover.

The team conducted over 300 hours of interviews in 8 countries over 7 years in producing the documentary. “The more questions we asked concerning the roots of the conflict,” says Dennis McCuistion, “the more we learned that the tensions will last for many years to come.”

The Roots of War… the Road to Peace was funded by a grant from the Hatton W. Sumners Foundation Inc. for the Study and Teaching of the Science of Self- Government.

ABOUT THE TEAM:

The Roots production team includes Niki McCuistion, executive producer/director and co-interviewer, Dennis McCuistion, narrator and co-interviewer and Phil Smith, lead camera and co-editor. Niki and Dennis McCuistion are co-producers of McCuiston, an issues-oriented television program that focuses on business, social, economic and governmental concerns and challenges. The program is produced and distributed nationally through public television and cable channels. McCuiston has aired on KERA-TV since 1990. Additional information is available at www.therootsofwar.com

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Dallas Calendar

Pluralist's Thanksgiving Celebrations

9/11 and Dallas Muslims

Muslim Speaker Mike Ghouse

In defense of Islam, pursuing a civil dialogue

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?

Dallas Conference on building an inclusive America

Quraan (Koran) Conference in Dallas, an American effort to build cohesive societies

Qur’aan Conference, an American event

Ramadan Mubarak - Happy Ramadan

Unity Day USA - a 911 Memorial event

Press Release on Holocaust and Genocides

A tribute to Jesus

Dallas Partnership Walk

9/11- 5th Annual Unity Day USA

08.06.09 - Dr. Cole, Engaging the Muslim world

07.09.09 - Ray McGovern Speaks

06.27.09 - Summer Solsticelebration

06.20.09 - Dallas, Walking 2 Destiny

07-11-09 : The truth about 9/11, Plano

06-15-09 : Mosque in Morgan Town KERA TV

06-17-09: The Roots of War on Kera TV

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/columnists/steve-blow/20100919-In-defense-of-Islam-pursuing-9397.ece
Over and over you hear it said: If Muslims oppose terrorism, why don't they stand up and say it?