The CDD News, Los Angeles Community Development Department newsletter, featured the Religious Pluralism Public Forum, which CRCC Managing Director Brie Loskota moderated in June and was sponsored by the City of Los Angeles Human Relations Commission.
The panel, held in the Van Nuys City Hall Chambers, was hosted by Los Angeles City Councilmember Tony Cárdenas. The forum also featured a showing of the video “Judgment Day” and a photography exhibit by Nicole Maloney.
Panelists included:
- Imam Jihad Turk, Religious Director of the Islamic Center of Southern California;
- Mark Shirin, Archdeacon of the Armenian Apostolic Church;
- Dr. Morgan Hakimi, C/Chair Department of Psychology, Touro College;
- Kavneet Singh, Managing Director, Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF); and
- Susanna Khalil, Esq., Board Member of the Coptic LA Diocese Young Professionals Committee.
From the article:
Nearly 80 people attended the event. They approached the topic head-on engaging the panelists in discussions around integration and the American dimension of the communal identity. They also explored challenges that some faith groups have experienced and the hurdles they have overcome in order to be included and recognized as part of the larger society. The dialogue provided a contrast of shifting attitudes following the attacks of 9/11 and initiatives for reconciliation and interfaith efforts. Among the attendees was a delegation from Nigeria that was able to experience how our city, which prides itself on diversity, engages its faith groups.
