Peaceful Presence Meditation and StoryTwo highlights from our February 11 Peaceful Presence, hosted by the Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto, were a moving meditation and an inspiring story! Rev. Yushi Mukojima from the Mountain View Buddhist Temple led our meditation, which included these words:
Therefore, our spirit of justice should always be based on wisdom, compassion, and loving kindness, without anger and hatred. Even if we are upset with or even hate another person, we should not dwell on our differences, but just try to let them go. It may be very hard, but do not give into hatred. Hatred can never create anything constructive. To read the full meditation scroll down or click "Read More" below.
We were also inspired with a reading of the story Kamala and Maya's Big Idea. The book is written by Meena Harris, and illustrated by Ana Ramirez Gonzalez. Craig Wiesner and Derrick Kikuchi, long time participants with Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice and owners of the independent bookstore Reach and Teach, read the story to us. To purchase the book visit the Reach and Teach website. read more ![]() ![]()
Light the Night: Together We Stand
Tuesday, January 19, 6:30-7:30pm Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice is pleased to partner with American Muslim Voice and other faith organizations for this gathering. Join us for prayers for our nation from diverse faith traditions. Click here to download a flyer with a full list of participants. CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE PROGRAM LIVE ON YOUTUBE. read more ![]() ![]()
Peaceful Presence January 11, 2021 RecordingOn January 11th 2021, MVPJ hosted a Peaceful Presence.
Click here and use the passcode X9ZwZ@^d read more ![]() ![]()
The People's Inauguration 2021
Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice is excited to join The Revolutionary Love Project, along with other faith and civic organization throughout the country for this national event! The People's Inauguration will be a celebration of what is possible. After years of injustice and division, we need a moment of collective renewal and healing. Let's create a moral vision for the America we are capable of becoming. Imagine millions of us making our own oaths - to our core values, to each other, to ourselves. Be a part of The People Inauguration from wherever you are! CLICK HERE to register now! read more ![]() ![]()
Atherton joins Menlo Park in supporting the 'Back from the Brink' Resolution
Then, on November 18, 2020, through the efforts of MVPJ and two Atherton peace advocates (Les DeWitt and former Mayor Malcolm Dudley), Atherton joined Menlo Park in supporting the call. Entitled "Back from the Brink," this call was created by the Union of Concerned Scientists and Physicians for Social Responsibility, and has been endorsed by 250 organizations including the California State Legislature. Menlo Park and Atherton joined Los Angeles and seven other California cities to become the seventh and tenth California cities, respectively, to endorse 'The Call.' Click here to download a PDF of the Op-Ed (July 31, 2020 in The Almanac) "Stepping Back from the Brink: Steps to reduce the risk of nuclear war" written by Richard Duda (of MVPJ) and Judy Adams about the call and Menlo Park action. Click here to download a PDF of the Menlo Park Proclamation and the Atherton Proclamation. If you are a resident of a city that has not signed the Back from the Brink call and would like to work with MVPJ on the best way to approach your city council, please contact us at info@multifaithpeace.org. read more ![]() ![]()
Multifaith Prayers for Peace on 11th of the Month
In the midst of difficult times, Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice will host “Peaceful Presence,” a monthly prayer service on the evening of the 11th of each month, offering a time of quiet multifaith prayers for peace and strength for the journey. All are welcome: those of all faith traditions and of no defined faith, those who are suffering at the hands of their own government, those who need a pause in the midst of intensive work on behalf of others, and all who would like to pray with others for the well-being of all. The prayer time will include elements from several religious traditions. Upcoming: read more ![]() ![]()
Extemporaneous Speech by Julia Jackson, Mother of Jacob Blake
We need healing. As I pray for my son's healing - physically and emotionally and spiritually - I also have been praying even before this for the healing of our country. God has placed each and every one of us here in this country because He wanted us to be here." Click here to watch and hear Julia Jackson's full and very moving speech (August 25, 2020) on youtube. read more ![]() ![]()
June 11 Peaceful Presence on Racial Justice
"Peace and Struggle" remarks by Rev. Amy Morgenstern and inspired by Frederick Douglas. Click here to download and read. "Hearts of Stones" remarks were shared by Quaker Eric Sabelman from Palo Alto Friends Meeting. Click here to download and read. Jewish Reading from Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel and Song - presented by Rabbi Amy Eilberg. Click here to download and read. A Christian prayer led by Rev. Dr. Diana Gibson and inspired by Pope Paul VI, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, and the Poor People's Campaign. Click here to download and read. A song in memory of Chris Lundin, our beloved MVPJ Steering committee member, "music director," colleague and friend. (Click here to see our memory page for Chris.) "This is my song, O God of all the nations" was sung by Chris French from the Baha'i community. This was one of Chris Lundin's favorite songs.
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Pastor Calls for Change in Palo Alto
Rev. Smith's call for change was presented at the Palo Alto City Council Meeting on Monday, June 8. Click here to read the Palo Alto online June 9th article about that meeting. All of us are asked to pray for our country, our cities, for change and for jusice. AND we are called to act. You can support changes in Palo Alto right now by doing these few simple things:
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Calls to Action: Advocacy and Prayers Online, House Signs, On the Streets, and More
Many of us are unsure how to most faithfully protest the egregious atrocities of violence against our black siblings and how to stand up and take action for justice in this tumultuous time. As each of us discerns what we are called to do, let us turn to the best in our own faith tradition that inspires us to be most loving and courageous. Let us learn from others - those in other faith traditions and leaders from the past. And let us remember, and commit, that we are in this struggle for the long haul. What we do know is this: A time comes when silence is betrayal, and that time has come for us. Overview of Possibilities Online: Join or watch vigils; participate in training and education; advocate via social media; gather virtually for prayer and discernment; write emails to people in power; make donations; stay informed; watch movies and documentaries that help broaden your awareness. read more ![]() ![]()
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