Being Muslim in today's world

CHALLENGING EXTREMISM AND
THREATS TO OUR DEMOCRACY

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
6:30 PM
First Unitarian Church
1800 Bell Ave, Des Moines

In-person only; Reception to follow presentation; Reservations requested

featuring Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons
Vice President of Programs & Strategy, Interfaith Alliance

Interfaith Alliance, our national partner, has spent more than three decades challenging religious extremism at the federal and local levels. We know the voice and leadership of this organization has never been more important – especially given the growth and impact of Christian nationalism. It is our privilege to host Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Programs & Strategy of Interfaith Alliance, as he shares what is happening across the country to fight back against religious extremism and threats to our democracy. Join us for this critical conversation to be better prepared for the work ahead.

Make your reservation today!

Intersections meets the first Friday of each month in Cedar Rapids

INTERSECTIONS | Cedar Rapids

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

in-person and virtual options

Project 2025 – Where do things stand now?

Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons
Vice President of Programs & Strategy
Interfaith Alliance

The playbook of the far right for an authoritarian takeover of American democracy was Project 2025. But what has happened since the 2024 election? We knew prior to the election the rights and freedoms of anyone living in these united states were on the line. We also understand people of faith as well as faith communities have a critical role in calling out and addressing Project 2025. Where do things stand now? Guthrie Graves-Fitzsimmons, Vice President of Programs & Strategy of Interfaith Alliance, was the first to draw attention to the role of Christian nationalism in Project 2025 before the election. Guthrie will join us to share his insights and how we can best respond to the religious extremism.

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 $15: turkey & swiss on ciabatta, roast beef & cheddar on wheatberry, and garden veggie salad. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Tuesday, September 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 must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

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

Crossroads meets the third Friday of each month in Des Moines

CROSSROADS | Des Moines

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
11:45 AM - 1:00 PM
Plymouth Congregational Church
Waveland Hall
4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines

in-person and virtual options

Being Muslim in today’s world

Sabriya Khan
Muslim Community Organization, Masjid An-Noor

Islam is one of the largest religions in the world but for those who are not Muslim, do we really know enough about the beliefs, practices, and sense of community found in the tradition? How have world events and human biases impacted daily living for the Muslim community – historically and especially right now? Sabriya Khan, a leader in the Des Moines Muslim community, will share her perspective.

Join us at the Interfaith Alliance of Iowa Crossroads luncheon in September as we hold our second Understanding Our Neighbors project focused on learning about and understanding one another just a little bit more.

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 $15: turkey, roast beef, ham salad, and vegetarian. You must pre-order and pay for your lunch by 12:00 PM on Wednesday, September 17. 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 must have your RSVP to ensure we have enough seating.
Watch via YouTube by clicking here. This online presentation will be livestreamed on our YouTube channel.

Understanding Our Neighbors is a project of Interfaith Alliance of Iowa intended to help each of us listen to and understand those who differ from us. After all, if we don’t take the time to understand our neighbors, how can we ever move our world to one that is less divided? Understanding Our Neighbors may appear as a speaker at one of our luncheons (Crossroads and Intersections), a Zoom gathering, or in other ways. We invite you to come ready to learn, listen, ask questions, and find a better understanding of your neighbors.

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

2025 LGBTQ - LEGACY LEADER AWARDS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 9
4:30 - 7:00 PM
The River Center
340 SW 3rd St, Des Moines

Now more than ever, it is important to honor central Iowa’s LGBTQ community. Representing a wide range of vocations, they lead with vigor and compassion, solving problems and helping build a community that we can be proud to call home. To honor Iowa’s LGBTQ leaders, dsm magazine has collaborated with Capital City Pride for their seventh annual LGBTQ Legacy Leader Awards. They also will recognize an emerging LGBTQ leader as well as an ally of the LGBTQ community.

Interfaith Alliance of Iowa is thrilled to share that our executive director, Connie Ryan, is the 2025 LGBTQ Ally honoree!

Brian McLaren: What the world needs from people of faith

ST. CATHERINE OF SIENA DIALOGUE SERIES

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
2:00 PM
Sheslow Auditorium, Drake University
2507 University Ave, Des Moines

Wisdom for a World Falling Apart: What the World Needs from People of Faith

Brian D. McLaren is Dean of Faculty of the Center for Action and Contemplation, founded by Franciscan priest Richard Rohr. A former English professor and pastor, McLaren is an activist, podcaster, and author of many books, including Life After Doom and Faith After Doubt. He is widely recognized for his work at the intersections of spirituality, social justice, and ecological concerns. McLaren will address the urgent need for new ways of thinking, becoming, and belonging in these turbulent times.

St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church and Student Center at Drake University is the host of the Dialogue Series. Please direct all questions to them.