Thursday, June 16, 2022, we opened our doors to Akron Area Interfaith Council, Global Ties Akron and delegates of the International Visitor Leadership Program. During this brief encounter area faith leaders shared how they are opening doors and reaching out to marginalized communities. Our international guests were Mr. Befekadu Hailu Techane from Ethiopia, Executive Director, Center for Advancement of Rights and Democracy, Mr. Patrick Orth from Germany, Director for International Cooperation, Hamburg Pride e.V., Ms. Jelena Colakovic from Montenegro, Program Director, Juventas NGO, Ms. Joanna Piwowonska from Poland, Director, Strategic Projects, Foundation Institute for Regional Development. Our local faith leaders were April Stoltz, Tea Time for Peace, Isam Zaiem, Tea Time for Peace, Jennifer McKinley, Hudson Community Resource Coordinator, Hudson Ministerial Association, Ann Duff, AAIC & Women’s Interfaith Spirituality Heritage (WISH), Conni Dubick, AAIC & Dominican Associate of Peace. Charlie Nelson, Elizabeth Nelson, Sheri Banks, Tom Ulrich and Nancy Williams also represented AAIC.
Jen Batton with Global Ties Akron facilitated the discussion. The topics of discussion focused on who the marginalized are in Northeast Ohio and the common pain being afflicted upon various communities around the globe.
