Silicon Valley Interreligious Council (SiVIC) builds interreligious harmony and understanding to promote a just and compassionate society in Silicon Valley.
Subscribe to SiVIC NEWS for news and announcements of upcoming interreligious opportunities in the South Bay and beyond.
Check our
Calendar of Upcoming Events
Our Programs – Join Us!
Interfaith Dialogue and Learning
Support for the Unhoused
Community Resilience Leadership
Compassionate Silicon Valley
Our Network Blog
SiVIC letter to Pacifica Institute
Pacifica Institute and the Hizmet Movement
June 15, 2016
We have been fortunate in the San Francisco Bay Area to work cooperatively with the Pacifica Institute, a local organization that is inspired by the Hizmet movement and the teachings of Fethulla Gulen. Hizmet, meaning “Service,” is a world-wide faith-based movement, and has inspired hundreds of local groups dedicated to education, multicultural relationship-building, and compassionate relief efforts.
Through Pacifica’s regular dinners that bring together people from across the religious spectrum to learn from each other and distinguished speakers, their community multicultural events like the Children’s Festival held in San Francisco and San Jose, and shared service projects to the poor and homeless, we have developed deep and lasting connections and appreciation for one another across religious and cultural divides.
Some local religious and educational leaders have also had the opportunity to travel to Turkey, not only to see the sights, but to meet and dialogue with people there and gain a deeper appreciation of the country and its people.
In the South Bay, the Pacifica Institute was one of the founding organizations of the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council. They have continued as staunch supporters of our shared work, and we have together sponsored many interreligious events.
It is particularly astonishing to hear that in Turkey, President Erdoğan’s government has sought to defame Hizmet and restrict its activities. It is not our purpose to comment on Turkish policy. However, in our experience, members of the movement have been deeply committed precisely to the things that counter terrorism—open conversation, shared service, education, and multicultural and interreligious understanding.
We appreciate the relationships we have built with the members of Pacifica Institute, and look forward to future cooperative efforts to build a more just and compassionate society for all in Silicon Valley.
Executive Committee, Silicon Valley Interreligious Council
Rev. D. Andrew Kille, Chair
Orlando: Diocese of San Jose, ING
Statement from Bishop Patrick J. McGrath, Diocese of San Jose
June 14, 2016
The tragic events of Orlando are a horrific reminder of the power of hatred and violence. Unaware as we still are of the motives behind the murderous rampage, the targeting of members of the LGBT community is a wound on our society.
While our first reaction is to lash out with the same degree of hostility, we hear the words of the Lord, calling us to repay even hatred with love. We cannot become the evil that we detest.
The call within our nation to consider as suspect entire populations of citizens, immigrants or visitors is contrary to what is best in the American people. We cannot relive the prejudices of the past, nor conjure up new ones in this century. Violence will only beget more violence. The cycle must be broken.
We join with all who are committed to the common good, rooted in the values of justice, love, peace and tolerance, as we pray for those who lost their lives or their loved ones and who live now in fear because of acts of violence.
ING and Affiliates Stand in Solidarity with LGBTQ Communities Against Hate
We as American Muslims express our deep shock and sorrow over the horrific attack in Orlando, mourn the loss of innocent lives, and extend our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those who lost their loved ones. Our prayers and thoughts go out to all those impacted by this senseless attack, in particular the LGBTQ communities which have been the most impacted by this brutal act. As Muslims, we know all too well what it is like to be members of a targeted community, and we appreciate the long and unwavering support the LGBTQ community has given us. We stand in solidarity with them and categorically reject homophobia and any form of bigotry, hatred, and violence against any individual or group on the basis of race, color, gender, disability, religion, familial status, sexual orientation, and national origin.
All human life is sacred, and all traditions forbid the wanton taking of it. Yet far too many lives continue to be lost due to hatred and bigotry which have no place in our country and our communities. While the motive behind this heinous act is yet to be determined, we will continue our efforts to bring people of all faiths and of no religious faith together to heal, to counter all voices of hate and violence, and to work for interreligious and intercultural understanding.
A crowdfunding campaign has been launched by American Muslims to support the families of the Orlando shooting victims. Click here to donate.
Vigil and Candle Lighting for Orlando in Cupertino
There will be a vigil and candle lighting service at St Jude’s Church this evening, June 14, 6-7 pm.
Please join us if you are in the area, or join us in spirit. There will be a few speakers, readings, silences, candle lighting, reading of the names of those who died, tolling the bell and a call to action. Location: St Jude’s Church, 20920 McClellan Rd, Cupertino, CA 95014
For more information, contact Rev Wilma Jakobsen – wilma@saintjudes.org