Our East Palo Alto neighbors invite us to join them to march in support of immigrant communties and honor the work and legacy of César Chavez and the Farmworkers. Start at 5pm at Bell St. Park, East Palo Alto Arrive at 6pm for a short program at St. Francis of Assisi Church (1425 Bay Road, East Palo Alto) "The work for social change and against social injustice is never ended." Click here to download a flyer in English. Click here for a flyer in Spanish. read more ![]() ![]()
Holding on to Humanity: Bereaved Palestinian & Israeli Stories of Grief & Hope
Join us for a human centered evening of listening and reflection. Hear the deeply personal stories of loss from two Israeli and Palestinian members of the Parents Circle Family Forum and their courageous decision to work together to prevent further bereavement, to create dialogue, reconciliation and peace. CLICK HERE TO REGISTER. The Parents Circle - Families Forum is a joint Israeli-Palestinian organization made up of more than 800 bereaved families. Their common bond is that they have lost a close family member to the conflict. read more ![]() ![]()
Statement Against Christian NationalismThe 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. read more ![]() ![]()
San Mateo County Immigrant Support Opportunities
1. Share hotline material with your community. 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 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. read more ![]() ![]()
Out of the mud grows the lotus: Reflections from a Peaceful Presence
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. read more ![]() ![]()
SIGN UP FOR OUR E-NEWSLETTERWe 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
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 11th 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.
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Photos from Inauguration Eve Multifaith Community Gathering
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.
Rev. Dean Koyama and Rev. Gerald Sakamoto offered Buddhist chants. read more ![]() ![]()
Photos from MLK Community Sing! Jan 20 2025
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! read more ![]() ![]()
Humanitarian Support Options for Victims of Violence in the Middle East
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. read more ![]() ![]()
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