Events

FID’s activities allow people to learn about different cultures, socialize and experience other cultures, and bond in ways that promote a healthier society. These activities have included educational, social, and community service events. Here is a list of our recent activities:

2007

FID was awarded at MLK Diversity Awards Brunch!

Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue received the diversity award of the year in community group category at 9th Annual Tempe Human Relations Commission Martin Luther King Jr. Diversity Awards Brunch... Read more

2006

Third Annual Dialogue Dinner - TUCSON

FID - Ramadan Dinner 2006 was held in Marriott Tucson University Park Hotel on September 30, 2006. FID’s Dialogue Dinner was a huge success with a very diverse and educated group of attendees. Key note speakers were Prof. Linda Darling, History Dept., University of Arizona ,Most Rev. Bishop Gerald F. Kicanas, Diocese of Tucson, Rabbi Shafir Lobb, Congregation Ner Tamid,Rev. Ronald Rude, Lutheran Campus Ministry, Karin Uhlich, Council Member, Ward 3, and Ramazan Kilic , Vice President ,FID. Carol West, Council Member, Ward 2 presented a certificate of proclamation from Mayor Bob Walkup’s office. Read more

Interfaith Dialogue Dinner - Phoenix

Since 2004, Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue (FID) has been organizing interfaith dialogue dinners to bring the members of different faiths and communities of Arizona together. We aim to increase intercultural awareness in our community. FID hosted its 3rd Annual Interfaith Dialogue Dinner at the Phoenix Marriott Airport Hotel on 12 October 2006, Thursday, at 7:00 pm. About 150 guests from various religious and cultural groups attended the dinner. The dinner was co-sponsored by the Global Cultural Connections Foundation (GCC) of California. Read more

Exploring Faiths and Cultures: Bahai Faith

We continued the Exploring Faiths and Cultures seminar with Baha'i Faith. Mr. Paul Harasha who works at Mesa Community College as a Professor in Sociology, was the guest speaker. First, he showed a 3-minute video about the three Oneness in Baha'i Faith, and then started his presentation. He outlined the principles of the Baha'i Faith and answered some questions while he was explaining the important points of the faith. Prof. Harasha also talked about the origin and history of the Baha'i faith. He emphasized the notion of fellowship and dialogue as well. The presentation was followed by a question and answer session. After the refreshments were served, participants interacted through informal conversations while enjoying refreshments in a friendly atmosphere.

Exploring Faiths and Cultures: The West African Ifa Tradition

On 1 May 2006, the West African Ifa Tradition is presented in the Exploring Faiths and Cultures series by Ms. Iyalorisa Marilyn Omifunke Torres.

Ms. Torres has been actively involved in philanthropy, public policy, organizational management, program design, multicultural education, and training for over 20 years. Her main focus has been in coaching, training, public speaking/storytelling, international touring, lecturing, and multicultural program design, institutional development, legislative research, conference design, coordination and facilitation. In the area of multicultural education focus has been given to: West African, Caribbean, European, Polynesian, South and North American indigenous traditions. Read more

Religion, Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion

The Foundation for Inter-cultural Dialogue (FID) hosted a distinguished speaker at the Memorial Union at ASU on 3 April 2006. Dr. Gary D. Bouma from Australia was the honorable guest of FID. Dr. Gary D. Bouma is currently the UNESCO Chair in Interreligious and Intercultural Relations - Asia Pacific and the Head of the School of Political and Social Inquiry at Monash University, Australia. The topic of Dr. Bouma’s presentation was "Religion, Cultural Diversity and Social Cohesion" and approximately 12 guests attended the talk. The diverse structure of Australia and the relation between the members of different faiths and culture groups were examined during Dr. Bouma's talk. The attendees joined the discussion with their personal experiences in their life. Everybody was very glad with the discussion and the great appreciation was presented to Dr. Bouma. »

Abraham: A Model of Religious Tolerance and Peace

Abraham: A Model of Religious Tolerance and Peace "Abraham: A Model for Religious Tolerance and Peace" was a panel organized by the Fellowship of Faiths and Cultures Club (FFC) and the Religious Studies Society (RSS), both of Arizona State University (ASU). The event was held at the Memorial Union at ASU on 28 February 2006 and was sponsored by the Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue (FID). Distinguished speakers representing Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which share Abrahamic tradition, honored the event. The goal of this event was to understand Abraham's mercy, tolerance, and embracing voice that welcomes all humankind and emphasizes commonalities among these religions. Over thirty guests attended this unique event. Read more

2005

Exploring Faiths and Cultures: Christian Science

Location: Memorial Union Room 221 (Apache), Arizona State University
Date and Time: Nov 29, 2005, 5:30pm-7:00pm
Guest Speaker: Anne Taylor, Christian Science Committee on Publication for Arizona

1940s Christian Science Church, St. Petersburg, FL

Exploring Faiths and Cultures seminar series was carried on with Christian Science. Ms. Anne Taylor, who serves as the Christian Science Committee on Publication for Arizona, provided information about Christian Science. She explained the Christian Science as a scientific system of healing based on Jesus’ teachings and works. She came to the event with her husband Lloyd Taylor and her co-worker in the Committee Office, Bob Livingston, who is a Christian Science practitioner in Sun City West and his wife, Kathy Livingston. The 30-minute presentation was followed by a question and answer session. The discussion continued after the refreshments were served.

Interfaith Dialogue Dinner

More than 150 guests attended the 2nd Annual Interfaith Dialogue Dinner on October 22nd, at Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, Phoenix.

The theme of this year's dinner was "The art of Living Together". The event started with a video presentation and continued with speeches of Dr. Paul Eppinger, Executive Director of Arizona Interfaith Movement, Rev. Doug Bland, Pastor of Tempe Community Christian Church, Mr. Ramazan Kilinc, Vice-President of Foundation for Inter-Cultural Dialogue, and Mr. David Wm. Engelman. Read more

Exploring Faiths and Cultures: Catholicism

We would like to announce a new event by FID: “Exploring Faiths and Cultures.” Exploring Faiths and Cultures is a seminar series that is being held once each month and open to anyone who is interested in learning about different faiths and cultures. We plan to get together for about 30 min and listen to a representative of a religion/culture, which will be followed by a question and answer session. We believe that this will be a perfect opportunity for all of us not only to socialize with different people but also to ask questions that we haven’t been able to ask anybody. Read more

The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi

The Whirling Dervishes of Rumi, one of the most exquisite ceremonies of spirituality, was a rare opportunity to experience a mesmerizing seven-century old ritual, incredible performance featuring beautiful costumes, hypnotic live music with flutes, string and percussion, and the amazing sight of the Dervishes whirling on the stage. Read more

The Necessity of Inter-cultural Dialogue

The Necessity of Inter-cultural Dialogue Panel was organized jointly by the Fellowship of Faiths and Cultures Club (briefly FFC Club) and the Foundation for Inter-cultural Dialogue (briefly FID) and held on February, 9 at ASU Memorial Union.

The goal was to promote communication, mutual respect and cooperation among different cultures and faiths that make up this society, which is really from various cultural backgrounds, all over the world. Thus, this panel was a great opportunity to form new friendships, to establish a fellowship and a peaceful dialogue atmosphere for this community. Read more