FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
PLYMOUTH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
4126 Ingersoll Ave, DES MOINES

in-person and virtual options

Pressing matters: The importance of a free press

Presenters:
Carol Hunter
Executive Editor of The Des Moines Register

Erin Murphy
Des Moines Bureau Chief of The Gazette in Cedar Rapids
President of Iowa Capitol Press Association

Ty Rushing
Senior Editor of Iowa Starting Line
Co-founder and President of Iowa Association of Black Journalists

Join us at Crossroads in December for a discussion on the importance of a free press. Our panel consists of longtime and respected journalists from some of Iowa’s top print and online media outlets. Carol Hunter, Erin Murphy, and Ty Rushing will share why a free press matters in our democracy, and the challenges they face in today’s political climate.

There are three ways to attend Crossroads. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Four bag lunch sandwich options are available for $12: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, December 13. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will NOT be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we do need your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This virtual presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Crossroads is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Des Moines.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
ST. PAUL'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
1340 3rd Ave SE, CEDAR RAPIDS

in-person and virtual options

The Impact of Religion on Voting Behavior

Presenter:
Bruce Nesmith
Professor of Political Science, Coe College

The intersection of religion and politics is always an interesting discussion. And then you throw in voting and it becomes even more “interesting.” How has religion influenced voting in times past and, more importantly, how is it influencing voting patterns in today’s political climate? Bruce Nesmith, Professor of Political Science, Coe College, breaks it down for us as our guest presenter at the first Intersections luncheon in the new year.

There are three ways to attend Intersections. Registration is required for all three:

• Attend in person (with lunch) by clicking here. Three boxed lunch options are available for $12 each: turkey, ham, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on TUESDAY, JANUARY 2. Late orders or walk-in requests for lunch will NOT be available.
• Attend in person (no lunch) by clicking here. There is no cost for this option, but we do need your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
• Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This virtual presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Intersections is a monthly gathering of the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa in Cedar Rapids.

In today’s world that often approaches controversial issues and difficult conversations with arguments and division, Interfaith Alliance of Iowa believes strongly we are better when we listen to understand, utilize facts, and center the stories and experiences of those most impacted by any issue. Here are two guides created to do just that.

Faithful Conversations on Abortion is a tool to help faith communities hold open conversations regarding access to reproductive health care, including abortion. We offer this series of videos and study guide as conversation starters. They are available for anyone to use but are particularly focused on empowering and supporting conversations in faith communities. Find it here.

Faith & Racial Justice: The Intersection of Public Education and Racism is a study guide for faith communities to dive deeper into the context and factors that connect racism and public education — looking through the lens of their faith or beliefs to understand the intersection of faith, public education, and racism. Find it here.