My mom died on Saturday. Less than two weeks ago, she and I were plotting a visit of purchases at the Amish farms that surround her home so we could freeze fresh fruits and vegetables for the coming winter. A day later, she was rushed to the hospital. At 95, she had little reserve to … Continue reading Arlene Chase–In Memoriam
A Movement Anthem, Then and Now
Last Sunday, the postlude in church was a familiar tune made popular in the civil rights and anti-Vietnam War movements of the sixties. A couple soloists and an acoustic guitar led the congregation in “We Shall Overcome.” Before we began singing, the musicians asked us to notice how many issues that motivated this song a … Continue reading A Movement Anthem, Then and Now
Crisis in Kashmir
[The following words were spoken last week at the Indianapolis Pakistani Community Rally, by the Rev. Dr. Richard “Dick” Hamm, former General Minister and President of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and a frequent participant in the US-Pakistan Interreligious Coalition (UPIC). His words are used with permission. You can find background on this crisis … Continue reading Crisis in Kashmir
Hong Kong’s Future; America’s Silence
Here in the US, we have been distracted by the death of Jeffrey Epstein and other ongoing scandals swirling around people in positions of power. Half a world away, a drama is unfolding with the potential for truly epic implications. Protesters in Hong Kong, who fear their limited autonomy from China is being whittled away … Continue reading Hong Kong’s Future; America’s Silence
Eid Mubarak
This week, Muslims around the world celebrate the end of Ramadan with the holiday of Eid Al-Fitr, an Arabic term that means the "festival of breaking the fast" and marks the end of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time of drawing closer to God. Not unlike the Christian season of Lent, it is … Continue reading Eid Mubarak