Originally published in: Meriden Patch (04/24/2017)
The Inter-Religious Clergy Alliance of CT is perpetuating a unifying three-part Interfaith Dinner Reception and Scripture study of spiritually awakening proportions free and open to all ages and backgrounds! Amid rising divisiveness, several religious communities, including Jewish, Christian, and Islamic, of CT River Valley are uniting on an educational platform to celebrate the affinities shared between their sacred traditions and counter the rise of injustice through peace-loving action.
The progressive gatherings will feature timely topics and interactive hands-on workshops advancing fellowship and solidarity amidst diversity followed by engaging Q & A sessions. The enlightening programs will foster unique opportunities for attendees to work together in building bridges instead of walls and serve as a workable model for the larger community. Complimentary potluck dinners will be served.
The first of these events entitled “Peacebuilding and Justice” was already held at Congregation Beth Shalom Rodfe Zedek located at 55 E Kings Highway, Chester, CT 06412 on Monday, March 20th at 6PM.
The second of these events entitled “Responsibility to Our Fellow Human Beings” will be held at the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community CT Baitul Aman “House of Peace” Mosque located at 410 Main St, Meriden, CT 06451 on Monday, April 24th at 6PM.
The third of these events entitled “Prayer and Spiritual Practices” will be held at the United Church of Chester located on 29 W Main St, Chester, CT 06412 on Monday, May 15th at 6PM.
Co-hosted also in collaboration with First Baptist Church in Essex, First Church of Christ, Congregational in East Haddam, Trinity Lutheran Church in Centerbrook among others.
About Ahmadiyya Muslim Community & Connecticut Chapter:
Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is a dynamic, reformist and fast-growing international movement within Islam. Founded in 1889, the Community spans more than 200 nations with membership exceeding tens of millions. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA, established in 1920, is among the first American-Muslim organizations and the largest united under one spiritual leader. Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is the only Islamic organization to believe that the long- awaited Messiah has come in the person of Mirza Ghulam Ahmad (1835-1908) of Qadian, India. Ahmad claimed to be the metaphorical second coming of Jesus of Nazareth and the divine guide, whose advent was foretold by the founder of Islam, Prophet Muhammad. The Community believes that God sent Ahmad, like Jesus, to end religious wars, condemn bloodshed and reinstitute morality, justice, and peace. Ahmad’s advent has brought about an unprecedented era of Islamic revival and moderation. He divested Muslims of fanatical beliefs and practices by vigorously championing Islam’s true and essential teachings. The worldwide Community is lead today by its peace-loving spiritual head Mirza Masroor Ahmad, the fifth Successor of the Messiah and Khalifa of Islam.
The Connecticut Chapter of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community USA was established in the late 1980’s under the leadership of its founding President Manzur Mannan. Its Mosque in Meriden was purchased in 2007 and was named Baitul Aman “House of Peace” by its current international leader Mirza Masroor Ahmad. In June 2016, the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community Meriden, Connecticut was awarded the United States Attorney’s Office National Security and Major Crimes Unit Award by the United States Attorney Deirdre M. Daly and Department of Justice. This was under the leadership of Dr. Mohammed Qureshi for the “courage, leadership, and tremendous generosity of spirit” in an exemplary response of compassion to the shootings its Mosque sustained in November 2015. In March 2017, the Community was the honored recipient of the “Spirit of Meriden” award recognized by the City of Meriden for the undying outreach, services and donations to the city.
