The Friends Journal Blog

By Stephen Willis Dotson
Islamic Society of North America 2011 Convention

In this post-Christendom, post-9/11 country, there is a growing inter-faith youth movement, thanks in part to the ability of new tools to enable communication and relationship. Youth from many backgrounds are represented in this movement, but not Quakers. Why? I believe it is because Friends have not successfully implemented the contemporary structures and new technologies through which this movement functions. We experience a lack of connection both inside and outside of our community due to generational and technological issues. This post will be an exploration of how Muslim, Quaker, and other faith communities pursue work with young adults to achieve a vision for the future of their respective communities.

By Stephen Willis Dotson
A Friend at the Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

As Quakers, we certainly witness (and occasionally participate in) the inflated rhetoric and sensationalism of our mainstream media, but typically we are not the victims of it in any way that causes serious detriment. The same can not be said for Muslims. While we are made out to be Amish oatmeal-makers and parrot-breeders (really, google “Quaker parrot”), our Muslim brothers and sisters are made out to be terrorists and theocrats, trying to force the rest of the world to live under the most extreme interpretations of Islamic law.

By Stephen Willis Dotson
A Friend at the Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

An entire day of programming at ISNA was given to the issue of the Arab Spring, or the series of uprisings and popular revolutions (some peaceful, some not) that have changed the nations of Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain, and Syria.

By Stephen Willis Dotson
A Friend at the Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

I hold a strong opinion that positive and sustainable social change almost always involves three common traits: youth, faith, and diversity. One of my inspirations in being here at the ISNA convention is that I might better understand how these dynamics functions in this specific faith community and foster sustainable social change by engaging in interfaith relationship, dialogue, and action.

By Stephen Willis Dotson
A Friend at the Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

What happens first at a Quaker conference? Someone gives a talk about how good it is to see everyone, reflects on the last year, and how exciting the program is this year, right? This is not what happens first at an Islamic conference. First, pray together, receive a “khateeb” (sermon), and eat delicious food. The resulting sense of being anchored in unity as humans with worldly needs, but also as children of the one God is palpable.

By Stephen Willis Dotson
A Friend at the Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA)

As-Salāmu `Alaykum, Friends! The Annual Convention of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) is the largest gathering of American Muslims to happen each year. I’ve been feeling the need to stretch outside my comfort zone, so while many Friends will be at the FGC Gathering in Iowa, it seems fitting that I will be in Chicago eating Halal, and sticking out like a sore thumb in my capacity as a journalist for Friends Journal.

By Sarah Katreen Hoggatt
Sarah in Europe

I saw a picture in an upstairs hallway of Corrie standing on a road with a suitcase in hand and a smile on her face, the caption underneath reading, “Corrie, tramp for the Lord.” Corrie traveled extensively sharing her story of The Hiding Place with the entire world, speaking in an untold number of places, talking about tolerance, compassion, and diversity . . . .