Welcome Back

The focus in this class is a little different from all the other JustFaith offerings. Instead of looking outward into the world, this class took me inward to a deeper look at my language and the effect it has on all my relationships. It offered an opportunity to take a deep look at how language shapes our relationships as well as bring about the more just world our hearts know is possible. It helped me shift away from dualistic thinking--to move from a language of judgment to a language of invitation, to become aware of the needs of others and how those shape every conversation, how to create a safe space for all conversations, and it gave me an opportunity to practice listening for the whole story, to include all the lenses. As we continue to look for the way through all that separates us in these times, this class helped me notice my language, and offered strategies for finding a third way. It reminds me of Rumi’s poem. Here is a part of it, “Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and rightdoing, there is a field. I'll meet you there.” This class opens us to the field—the possible thread running through all the other classes, through all our relationships and, indeed, through our lives. I am grateful for this experience.

Julie Powell-Mohr • Pilot Group

This new collaboration between Catholic Relief Services and JustFaith Ministries, provides the opportunity for all of us to engage in a movement of prayer and action for global change. A meaningful action that can have and international impact on some of the most vulnerable communities around the world, offering a concrete response to Pope Francis’ invitation to grow in fraternal love, and a community life that is grounded in service.

Vivi Iglesias • CRS National Advisor for Partnerships

As a Unitarian Universalist residing in the Bible Belt, I've become used to interfaith-based conversations that revolve around all the flavors of Christianity, so this course on Spiritual and Racial Equity surprised me as being true to its promise of welcoming and speaking to people of all faith traditions. My favorite part could be the guided meditations which were effective even over Zoom. I recommend this course for people who recognize that systemic racism in American makes individual relationships messy, complicated and nuanced - yet the participant is prepared to dig in anyway, willing to experience discomfort at times because, ultimately, the pavers on the pathway to justice we are laying down are comprised of joy, prophetic wisdom, empowerment, and good will, all of them being spiritually-centered attributes and pursuits that we may overlook. Engaging in the 'struggle' and the 'work' of anti-racism may be necessary labor but this program prepares participants' hearts and minds to be open to the beauty and transformation that are always within our reach along the way, no matter how distant we may be from the justice we seek.

Jim H.