THOMAS JEFFERSON UNITARIAN CHURCH
October 12, 2021 | 0 COMMENTS |Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church, Louisville, KY
I am writing in support of The Salaam Network (“Network”) for the 2020 Atlantic Renewals Award. As the former minister of Thomas Jefferson Unitarian Church (“TJUC”) and as a participant in interfaith work in Louisville, Kentucky, for over three decades, I have followed the work of Network from its earliest days and have been impressed by the quality of and participation in its programs, and believe that such efforts are important to the health of the local community.
The impressive resume, both as an highly respected academic and as an involved activist, of Dr. Riffat Hassan, one of the principal founders of the Network, speaks for itself. In my opinion, Dr. Hassan’s involvement has helped draw an impressive array of participants and contributors to the Network’s mostly educational efforts. For example, two of TJUC’s most credentialed members, each known for their engagement with peace and education efforts, have been involved from the beginning of the Network. I was pleased when TJUC was invited to be participate in the Network and encouraged the involvement of these members, and am happy that TJUC’s engagement has continued and grown since my retirement. I understand that a successful multi-part Network program has just concluded this month at TJUC.
All of the Network’s programs which I have experienced have been high quality, engaging programs speaks lifting up the common values which Islam shares with other religious traditions and, more generally, with the broader Louisville community. Participants are given the opportunity to learn accurate information about Islam and its concerns, and to increase their understanding of how diversity enriches our local community. At a time when fear of Islam and of immigrants is being aggressively promoted by some politicians and when social media and some other media share uninformed and often simply false stories about Islam, it is important that the Network steps up to offer facts and informed perspective to help sustain and grow community instead of tear it apart.
The Islamic community has been an important, growing part of the greater Louisville community for longer than I have lived here. In recent years, the rise of visible anti-Islamic actions has, regretfully, increased. In a city that proudly claims Muhammad Ali as its most famous native son, I believe it is important for the Network to continue its efforts to educate, to heal, and to inspire us all.
he Rev. Elwood R. Sturtevant, Minister Emeritus
Rev. Elwood R. Sturtevant, Minister Emeritus
www.tjuc.org/
November 26, 2019
