Rabbi Howard Shapiro, Imam C.B. Hanif and Tom O'Brien at Florida Atlantic University's Lifelong Learning Society. More scenes and upcoming area events below.

What a joy — as one may glean from the additional photos at the end of this post — to share perspectives on Islam and Muslims for The Lifelong Learning Society at Florida Atlantic University’s Honors Campus in Jupiter.

Deep gratitude to Rabbi Howard Shapiro and Tom O’Brien, my hosts and co-presenters for the very rewarding Feb. 10 session, part of their World’s Religions series. A slide featured during our presentation stated: “Dialogue Requires Trust.” My kind hosts fostered both. Our high-intelligence-quotient, capacity audience also was wonderful, as was the LLS staff.

As always, there is never enough time for all the questions, or for all that could be said. But once again, new friends were made. Insha’Allah — G-d Willing — we’ll be sharing and caring again soon, as we expand the circle of Unity.

Upcoming:

Feb. 20: I serve as moderator for “Where Malcolm X was heading,” 2-4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches, 900 Brandywine Rd, WPB 33409. A timely Black History Month opportunity to hear unique insights on a key period of Muslim American history from folks who lived it. This session continues New Africa of the Palm Beaches‘ monthly forums featuring remarkable cultural diversity and exemplary models for interaction and cooperation. More details here.

Feb. 27: “Mother of (MLK) Nation,” my tribute to Lil Cohen, longtime local champion of peace and justice, who recently died in her late 90s. Women’s Int’l League for Peace and Freedom luncheon, 2 p.m. at the Jasmine Thai Restaurant, 3897 N Haverhill Rd, WPB 33417, 561-689-5999.

Feb. 28: The Women’s Circle annual “Circle of Hope” gala fundraising dinner. Support the nonprofit organization in “Celebrating a Decade of Caring“ for needy women, with the Most Reverend Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito of the Diocese of Palm Beach, emcee Frank Cerabino of The Palm Beach Post and saxophonist Will Bridges, 6:30 p.m. at Benvenuto Restaurant, Boynton Beach. Call 561-244-7627, ext. 105.

March 17: Colleagues and I share Social Justice/Social Action perspectives from various spiritual traditions, 6:30 p.m. at the First Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Palm Beaches, 635 Prosperity Farms Rd, NPB 33408, 561-627-6105.

March 20: For “Constantine’s Sword,” I again am moderator as New Africa of the Palm Beaches returns to its usual DVD & Discussion format. James Carroll’s compelling documentary exposes religiously inspired violence and intolerance in his personal search for a better future, 2-4 p.m. at the United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches.

March 21: I address “Current Trends in Islam” as part of the American Jewish Committee of Palm Beach County’s series of lectures on “Understanding Islam,” 7-9 p.m. at Temple Beth David, 4657 Hood Rd, PB Gardens 33418. Register online or call the AJC office at 561-994-7286.

With my dear friend and teacher Tom O'Brien.

Rabbi Shapiro

(Again thanking our Maker for my dear Aneesha’s loving support — including the camera work.)

— C.B. Hanif

Welcoming all to the monthly "Model Dialogue" programs is NAPB's organizing team: (R-L): Aneesha Hanif, C.B. Hanif, Jaabir Muhammad, Otis Salahuddin.

New Africa of the Palm Beaches’ “Model Dialogue” series continues with:

“Where Malcolm X was heading…”

Sunday, Feb. 20, 2-4 p.m.

In recognition of Black History Month and on the anniversary of the assassination of El Hajji Malik Shabazz, a retrospective: Imam Jaabir Muhammad shares unique experiences from the original Nation of Islam and unique insight on Muslim Americans today.

Imam Jaabir Muhammad

NEXT:

“Constantine’s Sword”

Sunday, March 20, 2-4 p.m.

James Carroll’s compelling documentary exposes religiously inspired violence and intolerance in his personal search for a better future.

AND:

10^th Annual Family Interfaith Picnic

Sunday, April 17, 2-4 p.m.

(Dyer Park, West Palm Beach. More details to come.)

Programs 2-4 p.m. at

The United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches

900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach 33409

Moderator: C.B. Hanif, multimedia journalist

No admission fee; donations accepted

Join our gatherings featuring remarkable cultural diversity and exemplary models for interaction and cooperation.

Directions from I-95: Exit #71 west onto Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Turn right at third traffic light and left at stop sign. UMCPB is on left. More information call 561-309-5476.

BELOW: Scenes from last month’s highly enlightening “From King to…Cosby?” forum, Jan. 23., which featured the unique perspective of Edith Bush, executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee, 2011 recipient of Palm Beach State College’s prestigious MLK Individual Leadership Award.

(L-R): Edith Bush and Hope Kramer, Jane Tierney and Tee Jackson.

Ms. Bush and Hanif with Robert Hazard.

— C.B. Hanif

New Africa of the Palm Beaches’ Model Dialogue series kicks off Sunday, Jan. 23, 2-4 p.m. with: “From King to…Cosby?”

A forum on whether African-America’s glass is half-empty in light of Dr. Bill Cosby’s recent controversial comments. Specially invited to share unique perspective: Edith Bush, executive director of the Martin Luther King Jr. Coordinating Committee, 2011 recipient of Palm Beach State College’s prestigious MLK Individual Leadership Award.

Sunday, Feb. 20: “Where El Hajji Malik el-Shabazz was heading…”

On the anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X, Imam Jaabir Muhammad shares unique insight from the days of the original Nation of Islam to our current day.

Sunday, March 20: “Constantine’s Sword”

James Carroll’s compelling documentary exposes the religiously inspired violence and intolerance discovered during his personal search for a better future.

Sunday, April 17: NAPB’s  10^th Annual Family Interfaith Picnic

(Dyer Park, West Palm Beach. More details to come.)

All Programs 2-4 p.m. at

The United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches

900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach 33409

Moderator: C.B. Hanif, multimedia journalist

No admission fee; donations accepted

Join our gatherings featuring remarkable cultural diversity and exemplary models for interaction and cooperation.

Directions from I-95: Exit #71 west onto Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Turn right at third traffic light and left at stop sign. UMCPB is on left. Room #115. More information call 561-309-5476.

I still was feeling gratitude for the response by justice system and other community members to our “Rethinking” Racially Biased Policing workshop — when I was further heartened by the response to our Delray Beach Interfaith Clergy Association’s 2nd Annual Interfaith Harvest Festival.

My Delray Interfaith Clergy Association colleague Ron Arflin (R) chaplain at Abbey Delray South, host of our 2nd Annual Interfaith Harvest Festival.

The workshop was presented  by my Catalyst for Justice colleagues Jane Tierney, Rabbi Paul Menitoff and me at Florida Atlantic University Nov. 12. We had major support from Dr. Maria Santamarina and FAU’s Diversity Committee.

C4J directors (L-R) Jane Tierney, CEO, Rabbi Paul Menitoff, chairman, and yours truly, president, learning a lot at FAU.

The workshop featured Lorie Fridell, Ph.D., associate professor at the University of South Florida’s Department of Criminology. It was an outstanding presentation by the national expert on advancing professionalism through research and training.

Dr. Fridell gave the audience — justice and social service personnel, community and advocacy organizations, educators, academics and general public — plenty to consider.

Judging by comments from the law enforcement and other community participants, the workshop more than met our goal of presenting best practices that can assist the entire community in significantly decreasing ethnic, religious, gender and other bias.

Diana Scavo (L) of the Focolare movement and her daughter Joylani were among my guests. "It was a special and great time for us to listen to so many loving people who really want to contribute to be one family of God," Diana said.

I can’t say enough for this year’s host, Ron Arflin and Abbey Delray South — and last year’s, Dick Lewellan of Abbey Delray North, the companion Lifespace Communities retirement facility. See other comments and more photos at our DBICA Facebook page, also below and at the end of this post.

Our hostesses were members of The International League of Muslim Women's South Florida Chapter, in their trademark red-and-white.

The table conversation summaries not only were heart-warming, but affirmed our best hopes for the event.

(L-R): Participants from the Florida Conference of Muslim Americans included Imams Fred Nuriddin, Delacie Ummah Phillips, Hanif, and Melton Mustafa.

Along with those events, I was fortunate to hear Deborah Lee Prescott, Ph.D, associate professor of English at Palm Beach Atlantic University, as she elaborated at the Cenacle Sisters’ retreat in Lantana on Nov. 13 regarding her new book, Imagery from Genesis in Holocaust Memoirs, about which I wrote for this month’s Coastal Star.

And all of that followed my very rewarding time with our local Pax Christi group, when I spoke about the Quran and the Hajj. (This week, Muslims worldwide celebrated the successful completion of this year’s pilgrimage to the holy city Mecca with our major holiday, Eid al-Adha.)

Of course, I’m loving all of this — increasingly seeing people of all stripes learning more about each other — and even better, learning how to better treat each other.

Yes, in the words of the eminent Imam W.D. Mohammed — ”America’s Imam”  — (see here, here and here): “Goodness is on the rise.”

More evidence:

— C.B. Hanif

Maj. Joseph Bernadel, U.S. Army retired, graced our monthly “Model Interfaith Dialogue and Unity” series Sunday. Maj. Bernadel is CEO of the Toussaint L’Overture High School for the Arts & Social Justice in Boynton Beach. He is the permanent representative of the Haitian Diaspora to the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti. He is eminently qualified to speak on the circumstances in Haiti and how relief efforts can be more efficient.

Once again the gracious United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches was the venue, as our host group, New Africa of the Palm Beaches, provides opportunities for people to transcend religious and ethnic and other divisions by learning more about each other, and developing exemplary models for human interaction and cooperation.

Next up: on Nov. 21, 2-4 pm, a return to our usual DVD & Discussion format, with the excellent “Vision of Creating Community” Interfaith Alliance video presented by San Diego’s Masjidul Taqwa, and the Focolare Movement.

For now,  the consensus at Sunday’s gathering was we all learned a lot. Here are a few scenes:

— C.B. Hanif

A Comprehensive Update on Haiti Relief and Reconstruction Efforts

Featuring:

Maj. Joseph Bernadel

U.S. Army Retired,

CEO, Toussaint L’Overture High School for the Arts & Social Justice in Boynton Beach,

Recently unanimously elected as the permanent representative of the Haitian Diaspora on the Interim Commission for the Reconstruction of Haiti (ICRH).

Sunday, October 17, 2-5 p.m.

United Methodist Church

of the Palm Beaches

900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach 33409

This latest in the monthly “Model Interfaith Dialogue & Unity” series is organized by New Africa of the Palm Beaches in consultation with area interfaith clergy members. Journey with us as we seek to learn about each other rather than define or convert each other, learn to be the first to love the other, and develop exemplary models for interaction and cooperation.

No admission fee; donations appreciated.

DIRECTIONS FROM I-95: Take Exit #71 west onto Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Turn right at first corner then left at next (three-way stop sign). UMCPB is on left. For more information call 561-309-5476.

On the sign-in table was the Focolare’s Living City magazine edition proclaiming “Building blocks for world peace.” In the room, that’s what was happening. I’m not sure which was more inspiring: the enlightening DVD and discussion, or the wonderful human spirit with which folks connected after.

As we plan what’s next, while encouraging you and yours to do the same where you are (and/or join us next time), here are more scenes as Christian members of the Focolare in South Florida, Muslim members of New Africa of the Palm Beaches, and folks from other spiritual traditions joined for an examination of the late Blessed Lady Chiara Lubich‘s historic 1997 address at Harlem’s Malcolm Shabazz Mosque, at the invitation of the late eminent Imam Warith Deen Mohammed:

Thanks to the gracious United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches congregation for again hosting this excellent manifestation of model community life that UMCPB, and the other spiritual communities represented, embody and foster.

(And thanks to my sweetie, Aneesha, for all the photo work.)

— 30 —

Join Us As We Again Spotlight

“Model Interfaith Dialogue & Unity”

Featuring an examination of Focolare founder Chiara Lubich’s historic 1997 address to a gathering of 3,000 at Harlem’s Malcolm Shabazz Mosque. The event sparked a continuing upsurge in interfaith collaboration.

Sunday, July 25, 2-4 p.m.

United Methodist Church of the Palm Beaches

900 Brandywine Road, West Palm Beach 33409

Former Palm Beach Post writer/editor C.B. Hanif moderates a video and discussion with Mercedes Mont and Martin Alfaro, Christian members of the Focolare Movement.

The Focolare’s “Spirituality of Unity” has resonated with members of other faiths and spiritual traditions in more than 180 countries. Particularly among our Muslim community here in the U.S., the dialogue has sparked a dynamic and devoted relationship and initiatives of collaboration.

This program follows on the heels of such activities as the Interfaith Clergy Committee’s annual Institute Day program (“Promoting Civil Discourse in a Polarized Nation: People of Faith Respond”); the Delray Beach Interfaith Clergy Association’s Interfaith First Harvest Dinner; the 9^th Annual Family Interfaith Picnic hosted by New Africa of the Palm Beaches; and last month’s “Muslims & Christians in Model Dialogue and Friendship” forum at the same location.

Journey with us as we again seek to learn about each other rather than define or convert each other, learn to be the first to love the other, and develop this exemplary model for Interreligious interaction and cooperation.

“Religions, with all their differences, are being called on to come together as never before.” — Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue

“The Principle of Love, taken from the message of Jesus Christ, is an idea we embrace totally, and anybody can embrace totally.” — Imam W. Deen Mohammed

No admission fee; donations accepted.

Organized by New Africa of the Palm Beaches and the Focolare of South Florida.

DIRECTIONS FROM I-95: Take Exit #71 west onto Palm Beach Lakes Blvd. Turn right at third traffic light and left at three-way stop sign. UMCPB is on left. For more information call 561-309-5476.