What to Expect

Join us for an Iftar (meal to break the fast) and Interfaith scripture study on the meaning and value of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. Hosted at the newest LDS chapel in the area with food and dialogue facilitation provided by the Rumi Forum, an organization dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue and facilitating intercultural understanding.

Scriptural Reasoning:

We will be following the scriptural reasoning methodology for our dialogue, specifically designed for adherents to Abrahamic faiths (Judaism, Christianity, and Islam) to compare and assess differences and commonalities in each other's holy texts. Scriptural Reasoning groups exist all across the world.

Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month of the Islamic year. During this time Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset and celebrate this time as a period of community, reflection, and prayer. Before the beginning of the fast each, Muslims eat a pre-fast meal called suhoor. The post-fast meal is known as iftar and is frequently celebrated in the company of extended family, friends, and the community.

Muslims also remember Ramadan as the month in which Allah revealed the Quran and celebrate the end of the month with Eid Al-Fitr.

Since we are hosting this in an LDS meetinghouse, we would appreciate volunteers for set up and clean up. Please note that the meetinghouse is in an apartment building. Follow our instructions below and you won't get lost!

Please register by midnight on Wednesday, April 20 so we can give our hosts an accurate headcount for the reception.

Program outline:

• 6:30-7:00pm - Arrival

• 7:00pm - Scriptural Reasoning Activity

• 7:54pm - Communal Iftar

What to Expect

The Month of Loftiness in the Bahá’í calendar aligns with the 19-day fast, a month to elevate one's spirituality. During the 19-day Fast (this year running from March 2 - March 20), Bahá’ís will abstain from water and food from sunrise to sundown, engage in focused prayer, and work on their spiritual aspirations.

Join us in hosting the local Bahá’í community for a full meal to break the fast and a dialogue around the spiritual value of fasting. The meal will be catered. Plentiful vegetarian and gluten-free options will be provided.

Though not required, you are encouraged to bring a homemade dessert or a donation to contribute to the cost of the meal. Please register by 5:00p.m. on Tuesday, March 15th so we can get an accurate head count for the meal.

Program outline:

• 6:30pm - doors

• 6:45pm - welcome & opening prayers

• 7:00pm - serve dinner (sundown at 7:17)

• 7-8pm - small group discussions at tables

• 8-8:25pm - large group discussion

• 8:25pm - announcements and photos

What to expect

The Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception just saw its 100-year anniversary; the first foundation stone was laid in 1920. Intended to model "great cathedrals of the Old World" in its beauty, dignity, and sanctity, the Basilica blends Byzantine Revival and Romanesque Revival architecture. It is the largest Catholic church in the United States, one of the largest in the world, and the tallest habitable building in Washington DC. Built from the generosity and imagination of many generations of American Catholics, it is often considered to be America's official Catholic Church.

We have been invited for a tour of and talk about the Basilica during the season of Lent, where Catholics fast and make intentional sacrifices to maintain spiritual focus while awaiting the Easter Holiday. This makes this a special time to learn about American Catholicism.

Please register by midnight on Wednesday, March 16th so we can give our hosts an accurate headcount for the reception.

Program outline:

• 2:00pm - Tour of the Shrine

• 2:45pm - Talk in the Upper Church

• 3:15pm - Cake & Tea Reception