Honoring Pope Francis ~ 1936-2025

We join with people of faith and good will around the world in honoring the life and ministry of Pope Francis. No matter our spiritual tradition or station in life, Pope Francis' work for the poor and oppressed, his strong stance for the dignity and rights of migrants and immigrants, his leadership in responding to climate change and care of creation, his bridge-building between different faiths, and his relentless call for active nonviolence and end to war have been gifts to the whole human family and will continue to inspire us all.

Here are some links to tributes to Pope Francis we have gathered from diverse faith traditions -- just a few among many! 

Unitarian Universalist Association President: Pope Francis' "moral clarity and justice-centered ministry, including his work elevating climate justice and highlighting the dignity and humanity of migrant families, were significant to all people of goodwill."

CAIR National Executive Director: "The American Muslim community and many Muslims around the world appreciated Pope Francis' emphasis on the compassionate treatment of migrants and others facing crisis, his efforts to uphold the traditional values of his faith while maintaining a respectful tone, and his consistent condemnation of war crimes around the world, including in Gaza."

International Jewish Committee for Interreligious Consultation Chair: "His efforts to build bridges among faiths has been invaluable... Pope Francis' call for environmental stewardship ... [reinforced] the moral imperative to protect our planet for future generations ... His condemnation of antisemitism during his final public appearance resonated deeply with our community. ... We celebrate the legacy he leaves behind -- a legacy of hope, empathy and a vision for a more inclusive world."

Pax Christi International (Roman Catholic): Pope Francis was a steadfast defender of the Gospel values - particularly mercy, peace and nonviolence. ... Francis embodied a revolutionary spirit, urging a nonviolent revolution that prioritizes the well-being of all, especially the most rejected, excluded and under attack... He proclaimed, 'Faced with too much violence spreading throughout the world, we are called to a greater nonviolence, which does not mean passivity, but active promotion of the good.' This greater nonviolence... involves rejecting the temptation of violence, responding to evil with good (Romans 12:17-21), breaking the spiral of nonviolence, and creating potential for reconciliation."

Pacifica Institute: "We honor Pope Francis - a light of compassion, humility and peace. May his legacy inspire us to walk in love and serve in grace."

Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Ceremony

Joint Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony
Thursday, April 29, 10:30am PDT

The 20th Annual Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Day Ceremony, hosted by Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle-Families Forum, will be streamed on April 29, 2025. In the face of growing violence and division, the ceremony is an opportunity to come together in solidarity and remember the sanctity of all life. This gathering offers a profound alternative to division and despair, proving that even in times of great suffering, solidarity is not only possible, but imperative. Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice is proud to cosponsor this historic event.

This gathering commits to everything we are told is impossible.  Bereaved Israeli and Palestinian parents, children, siblings and friends will stand side by side in their pain. And they will raise their voices to say:

No more bloodshed. We refuse to be enemies. 
We will not let violence and injustice write our future.

Don't miss the largest Israeli-Palestinian peace event in history! Register today!

Statement Against Christian Nationalism

The Steering Committee of Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice issued this Statement Against Christian Nationalism on March 4, 2025. A slightly shorter version was published in The Mercury News on March 6, 2025 and titled "Americans of conscience must reject Christian nationalism."

Here is the full text:

 As a multifaith organization committed to peace and justice, we call on all governments in the U.S. including local, state, and federal to protect religious freedom. 

We affirm that true religious freedom includes both the right to practice one’s faith and the right to live free from the imposition of religious beliefs through government policy. In the United States we believe the rise of Christian Nationalism in particular threatens this freedom.  

When religion is used as a tool of political power, it often leads to the suppression of fundamental human rights. Therefore, we reject any attempt to use religious doctrine as a basis for governance in a way that restricts reproductive justice, denies LGBTQ individuals equal protection under the law, or marginalizes communities based on faith, race, identity, or national origin.

As people of diverse faiths and ethical traditions, we share a common calling to resist oppression and stand for a society where diversity is celebrated, and justice, equality, and compassion guide our shared future. We call on all people of conscience to reject Christian Nationalism and to work together to uphold the dignity, freedom, and rights of all.

San Mateo County Immigrant Support Opportunities

FAITH IN ACTION BAY AREA serves San Mateo and San Francisco Counties. Their Rapid Response work is growing. Here are ways you can support it (whether or note you live in San Mateo County!):

1. Share hotline material with your community.
HOTLINE PHONE: 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA)
Click on the following links for downloadable PDFs:
Report ICE Action poster (English)
Reporta a la Migra poster (ESP)
Community Response Line yellow cards for ICE sightings, immigration problems and attorney referrals (ENG)
Linea de Respuesta Comunitaria tarjetas para problemas migratorios y referirlo con abogados (ESP)

2. Call the hotline if you see or learn that someone has been detained by immigration enforcement, or if someone needs accompaniment at an ICE Check-In or court appearance. HOTLINE PHONE: 203-666-4472 (203-NO-MIGRA)

3. Become a trained verifier
CLICK HERE to sign up for upcoming trainings.

4. Donate to mutual aid for impacted families: 100% of donations go directly to provide material and legal support for families impacted by ICE detention or deportation. CLICK HERE. 

Out of the mud grows the lotus: Reflections from a Peaceful Presence

On January 11, 2025, our Peaceful Presence was hosted by the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple. Sydney Shiroyama, the Minister's Assistant and one of the leaders, later wrote an inspiring reflection on that gathering in light the Day of Remembrance and the ongoing political situation today. Click here to download and read her full article. Excerpts are included here, and the picture is from the service.

We post this with deep gratitude for Sydney's insights and for the wisdom and hope shared with us from the Palo Alto Buddhist Temple community - on January 11 and ongoing through our friendships. We need one another!

Excerpts from article by Sydney Shiroyama:

The theme of the January event was "Out of the mountain of despair - a stone of hope; Out of the mud grows the lotus." The phrase, “Out of the mountain of despair, a stone of hope,” is engraved in the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial in Washington D.C., and it is a famous line in his “I Have a Dream” speech. It serves as a reminder that even during times of great difficulty, the possibility of hope still exists. Rev. Koyama added a Buddhist metaphor with a similar meaning: “Out of the mud grows the lotus.” The lotus flower's emergence from muddy waters symbolizes transformation, enlightenment, and the power of perseverance.

SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTER

We are not alone!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTERS.

This is the best way to learn about upcoming MVPJ events, efforts and calls to act, as well as stay up to date about where our monthly "Peaceful Presence" gatherings will be held.

This list is used for Multifaith Voices for Peace & Justice emails ONLY. (We will never share or sell your emails to anyone!)

Peaceful Presence Gatherings on 11th of Every Month

Monthly Multifaith Prayers for Peace and Justice
On 11th of every month
NEXT GATHERING: Sunday, May 11: "Mothers Day Prayers for Children"
STARTS at 5PM

Peaceful Presence is sometimes hosted in-person, sometimes by Zoom, and sometimes hybrid (with both options - to join in person or via Zoom). Watch for updates!

Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice coordinates “Peaceful Presence” gatherings, a monthly prayer service on the evening of the 11^th of each month, offering a time of quiet multifaith prayers for peace and justice and strength for the journey. Each gathering is hosted by a different local faith community, includes contributions from diverse faith traditions, and has its own format and theme.

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: 
Sunday, May 11 - 5PM; location tba
Wednesday, June 11 - 7PM, Unitarian Universalist Church of Palo Alto

Photos from Inauguration Eve Multifaith Community Gathering

"We are deciding to love!" was the call of the Inauguration Eve Multifaith Community Gathering held on January 19, 2025.

More than 200 people came together from diverse faiths and spiritual backgrounds to be inspired and guided by local faith and civic leaders and choirs, and simply by being together, to commit to solidarity and love.

The event began with a procession of faith and civic leaders, and calls to prayer from Buddhist, Jewish, Baha'i and Muslim traditions.

Rev. Dean Koyama and Rev. Gerald Sakamoto offered Buddhist chants. Rabbi Chaim Koritzinsky blew the Shofar from the Jewish tradition.
Aasim Shaihu gave the Muslim Azan (Call to Prayer).The Eastside College Preparatory School was one of three choirs that inspired us!

Photos from MLK Community Sing! Jan 20 2025

Here are just of few of the wonderful photos of our MLK Community Sing! on January 20 in Mitchell Park.
About 60 people gathered to raise our voices with song for peace, justice and hope.

Local singer/songwriter Deborah Levoy led us in song. Local Spoken Word artist Andrew Ramirez of Know Expressions? contributed his awesome Spoken Word piece, "American Eyes."

These photos were taken by Alfred Leung of ProBonoPhotos.org. CLICK HERE to see all of the wonderful pictures from this event!

Thank you Alfred and ProBonoPhotos!

Humanitarian Support Options for Victims of Violence in the Middle East

Multifaith Voices for Peace and Justice offers a partial list of suggestions for giving to the many organizations that provide humanitarian support for victims of violence in the Middle East. The organizations on this list have been recommended by members of our Steering Committee for your consideration.

Click here for a google doc with a list of organizations and their missions, source of recommendations and their reasons, plus easy "how to give" links.This is a living document, and we may add to it as we learn of new opportunities.

Click here to download a PDF with this same information.

MVPJ is committed to work with advocacy efforts to end the violence in the Middle East, the root cause of this suffering. We know that such efforts take time, tenacity and a vision of the peace and justice that can and needs to be. In the meantime, it also vital to address the immediate suffering TODAY through the remarkable programs of organizations like these.

To read MVPJ's most recent statement on our commitments to work for peace in the Middle East, click here.