In a world where troubling news abounds, Tysons Interfaith is dedicating 2026 to highlighting “What’s Going Right.” Whether it is individuals, organizations or nations working to improve the lives of others and to build a just and peaceful future for all of us, there is always good news to be found.
We hope the following blog post will bring you encouragement and inspiration to make a positive difference in your own corner of the world.
Contributed by Susan Posey, Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, McLean
On September 27, 2026, Tysons Interfaith held the second event in its Oneness of Humanity Series, “Different Beliefs – Shared Values.” This event was held at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean and was shared online via Zoom.
On this Sunday afternoon we were privileged to hear from faith leaders from three faith traditions: Imam Chaplain Naeem Baig for Islam, Matthew Regan (Rev. Bup Hee) for Buddhism and Gurusangat Kaur Khalsa for Sikhism. Each presenter discussed the origins of their faith traditions and their own experience with their faiths. They welcomed questions from audience members such as what principles they believed their faiths had in common with the other traditions represented in the room; and what challenges their faith communities are facing.
As usual when I attend events such as these where people of different faiths come together to learn and have conversation, I am struck by the level of respect, genuine interest, good will and friendship that is present in the room. I am grateful for having been brought up in the Christian faith, but events such of these remind me of the breathtaking variety of ways humans experience God, how big and loving God is, and how much we have in common with our neighbors.
To read more about our presenters or to watch a recording of this event, please visit: LINK.
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I am grateful to Tysons Interfaith for hosting this series of events. The first session occurred in May with panelists Dr. Ashkan Monfared representing the Baha’i Faith, Rabbi Jeffrey Saxe representing the Jewish religion, and Dr. Richa Agarwala representing the Hindu religion.
The third and final session for this year will occur on Sunday, November 22 at 4:00 pm again at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in McLean. We will hear from Father Don Rooney representing Catholicism; Sashi Agarwal representing Jainism and Kersi Shroff of the Zoroastrianism tradition. I hope you will consider joining us in person or online. Registration information is coming soon and will be found on https://tysonsinterfaith.org/.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
In a world where troubling news abounds, Tysons Interfaith is dedicating 2026 to highlighting “What’s Going Right.” Whether it is individuals, organizations or nations working to improve the lives of others and to build a just and peaceful future for all of us, there is always good news to be found.
The following blog post illustrates how people of differing faiths and backgrounds are gathering in community to have meaningful conversations. Please join us! We hope this post will encourage and inspire you to make a positive difference in your own corner of the world.
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Contributed by Stephen Wickman, St. Thomas Episcopal
The theme of this month’s Tysons Interfaith Coffee House was polarization, a major concern that came up in prior months. (Please drop by anytime 11:00-12:30 on the second Wednesday each month; programs start about 11:30, but all are welcome at any time.)
Facilitated by the Rev. Dr. Trish Hall, we talked about how our personal blinders go up when we discuss sensitive subjects and how we interrupt and focus on ourselves. To avoid this, it was important to listen respectfully, even to those who cannot seem to articulate the foundation for their beliefs or who lack critical reasoning skills.
I was put on the spot at one point to explain why I am a Christian, and my response was all over the map. I noted that my faith journey began in the fundamentalism of my family, moved through the Methodist church, and then found a home in the broad tent of the American Episcopal church. In retrospect, I was trying to explain what some call the Wesleyan Quadrilateral, after John Wesley, the Anglican priest who founded Methodism and who based his teaching on scripture, tradition, reason, and experience. The Episcopal Church accepts his approach, among many others.
I was also asked why, as a Christian, I am moved to participate in interfaith work. Well, Jesus of Nazareth expressed his love for all people, particularly those on the margins of society, regardless of their background. Shortly after his death, Paul the Evangelist successfully promoted his teaching, linking it to Judaism and Greek traditions and philosophy. These had broad appeal that ultimately enlightened Europe and America.
Foreign observers have long noted that, more so than in Europe, religion is a powerful force in American society. This fact puzzled Alexis de Tocqueville, who esteemed the United States for keeping religion out of politics and relegating it to the personal sphere. Perhaps that has changed, particularly with the rise of social media, where personal opinions are blared far and wide in the form of memes or short posts that often lack civility, let alone critical thinking.
I will leave you with something I came across recently on a Jesuit website. I hope it will spark your interest to join our discussions.
A Prayer for Unity
In this century and in any century,
Our deepest hope, our most tender prayer,
Is that we learn to listen.
May we listen to one another in openness and mercy
May we listen to plants and animals in wonder and respect
May we listen to our own hearts in love and forgiveness
May we listen to God in quietness and awe.
And in this listening,
Which is boundless in its beauty,
May we find the wisdom to cooperate
With a healing spirit, a divine spirit
Who beckons us into peace and community and creativity.
We do not ask for a perfect world.
But we do ask for a better world.
We ask for deep listening.
– Jay McDaniel, Professor of Religion, Hendrix College, Arkansas
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
To learn more about Tysons Interfaith, please visit: https://tysonsinterfaith.org/.
Contributed by Stephen Wickman, St. Thomas Episcopal
In this 250th year of American independence, this Juneteenth prayer from the Roman Catholic Sisters of Mercy (www.sistersofmercy.org) reminds us of our commitment to the equality of all people and our aspiration to form “a more perfect union.”
“Good and gracious God,
Who loves and delights in all people,
we stand in awe before You,
knowing that the spark of life within each person on earth is the spark of your divine life.
Differences among cultures and races are multicolored manifestations of Your Light.
May our hearts and minds be open to celebrate similarities and differences among our sisters and brothers.
We place our hopes for racial harmony in our committed action and in Your Presence in our Neighbor.
May all peoples live in Peace.
AMEN.”
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
In a world where troubling news abounds, Tysons Interfaith is dedicating 2026 to highlighting “What’s Going Right.” Whether it is individuals, organizations or nations working to improve the lives of others and to build a just and peaceful future for all of us, there is always good news to be found.
We hope the following blog post will bring you encouragement and inspiration to make a positive difference in your own corner of the world.
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Contributed by Michael Goldberg, the Baha’i Community
On May 17, 2026, Tysons Interfaith sponsored an educational event that explored the shared values of various religions. There was a panel discussion with three presenters, Dr. Ashkan Monfared representing the Baha’i Faith, Rabbi Jeffery Saxe representing the Jewish Religion, and Dr. Richa Agarwala representing the Hindu Religion.
The Interfaith Movement aims to foster peace by reducing religious conflict, violence, and prejudice, while emphasizing shared values like justice and the Golden Rule. It works by bringing diverse faith groups together to work on issues like poverty and human rights, by dispelling stereotypes, by educating communities about other religions to reduce fear and discrimination, and advocating for religious freedom.
Each presenter had ten minutes to present the core values of their religion. This was followed by an interactive session between the audience and the presenters. Each religion has unique frameworks, yet they share common spiritual principles. All three traditions uphold the Golden Rule: treat others as you wish to be treated. They all share a sense of justice and righteousness, living a moral life, standing up for fairness and protecting the vulnerable. Giving to the poor and serving the community are spiritual duties in each faith. Human life is viewed as sacred and a gift from a higher divine source. Creating harmony in society and fostering peace among people are central goals. Each religion acknowledges a single, ultimate, divine reality, the source of the universe.
One takeaway I gleaned from this discussion is that we must rethink the path to peace. That to have peace, we must first have unity and not just the absence of war. We can build that unity by knowing that our friends and neighbors although different in appearance, religion or culture, share the same moral principles that are most important to us. This event is the first in a series that will explore the underlying values of other religions. The next event will be held in September. Stay tuned for the upcoming announcement.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
The Tragedy of May 18th and Beyond…
Contributed by Andra Baylus, the Meher Baba Community
Dear Friends,
Our world is filled with joys and sorrows. It is important to acknowledge both. The ancient Chinese philosophical concept of Yin and Yang certainly exists. It is how we greet each occurrence that determines how it will affect our private lives, if personal, or make an imprint upon humanity if an incident becomes known to the public. Surely, the tragic death of 5 people at the Islamic Center of San Diego has registered in our hearts and minds, not only as a hate crime, but as a crime against the ideal that our democracy holds of a society free to worship as we please and to peacefully assemble.
What is called for at this moment?
Bishop Budde, of the Christian faith and Rabbi Shankman of the Jewish faith responded by speaking up for their Muslim brothers and sisters who are suffering; not only due to the death of their fellow congregants but also the loss of their treasured safety in practicing their religious tradition of prayer within their mosque. They knew that all faiths are now at risk and that we must stand up for one another – that any act of violence on one community’s house of worship injures us all. They affirmed their friendship “with those across the wide spectrum of religious life,” and further affirmed “to promote and protect each faith tradition’s rightful place” in our society.
I encourage us all to thoughtfully read their statement and their suggestions. More importantly, see how we can reach across the abyss of religious silos we sometimes create and to extend the hand of friendship with an invitation to join in our diverse religious celebrations and experience our diverse religious cultures.
For it is only that when we give…we receive. When we receive, we say, as in Psalm 23:5 in the Bible, “My cup runneth over.” And when we feel more abundance, love, compassion and kindness than we can possibly hold – then we naturally, in turn, want to give back. Giving love and extending the hand of friendship is truly the impetus to embracing each man and each woman as our beloved brother and our beloved sister in the Family of Humanity.
Link to Budde and Shankman Statement: https://mariannbudde.substack.com
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Contributed by: Lois Herr — First Church of Christ, Scientist, McLean
Many people set aside time in their day for prayer, reflection, or meditation. As a Christian Science practitioner, I often find inspiration in daily audio reflections, called the Daily Lift, and presented by members of our church.
I found a recent Daily Lift to be particularly meaningful. It is entitled No bullies in the kingdom of heaven. In this segment, Diane Collins from Radnor, Pennsylvania, shares her experience with a bully at her office. Drawing on her spiritual understanding, Diane shares her belief that the kingdom of heaven is already within each of us, and that accepting this can help us deal with all of life’s challenges.
The Daily Lift is comprised of audio presentations contributed by Christian Science church members worldwide – with the majority coming from the U.S. This particular Lift will remain on the website for thirty days before being retired.
May this segment bring you peace and encouragement.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
In a world where troubling news abounds, Tysons Interfaith is dedicating 2026 to highlighting “What’s Going Right.” Whether it is individuals, organizations or nations working to improve the lives of others and to build a just and peaceful future for all of us, there is always good news to be found.
We hope the following blog post will bring you encouragement and inspiration to make a positive difference in your own corner of the world.
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On any given day in Fairfax, Virginia, over a hundred people walk through the doors of The Lamb Center, regardless of the season. Some are regulars. Some are first-time visitors. Some are young. Some have jobs; some are jobless. Some have homes; some are unhoused. Some work full-time but still need food. Everyone who walks through these doors is our neighbor.
The Lamb Center (TLC) is a Christian ecumenical daytime drop-in center serving neighbors experiencing homelessness. We provide holistic support at no cost to guests, creating community, restoring dignity, and building pathways toward stability. Our services include meals, showers, laundry, AA meetings, pastoral care, daily Bible studies, weekly chapel services, case management, workforce development, and an onsite nurse practitioner and dental clinic.
So what’s going right at TLC? We are a community.
Last year, TLC welcomed more than 2,000 unique guests and recorded over 36,000 visits, neighbors returning again and again to a place that knows their name. We are sustained by more than 100 partner churches, thousands of individual donors, and hundreds of active volunteers. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
On any given day, you’ll find staff and case managers working alongside volunteers from across the region, and guests who’ve been coming for years sitting next to someone walking in for the first time. Our community encompasses everyone from those in immediate crisis to those well on their way to thriving. This wide-reaching approach is intentional. The tent is big. That’s by design.
All are welcome to our services. All are welcome to case management, workforce development, and the programs that build pathways toward stability. And all are welcome to our social programs too; bowling outings, an art program, community events where guests aren’t just recipients of care but participants in a shared life together.
This is TLC’s Christ-centered approach in practice. Our Christian identity isn’t a filter; it’s the foundation. The conviction that every person bears inherent dignity, that no one is beyond reach, that showing up matters: these beliefs animate everything we do. All are welcome, because Jesus is at the center.
That conviction is also what sustains the work when the work is hard. Beacon Landing, TLC’s new permanent supportive housing development set to open later this year, is evidence of that; 54 units of deeply affordable housing, built through years of persistence and community trust. It exists because the center holds.
The community. The constancy. The Christ at the center of it all. That’s what’s going right at The Lamb Center.
To learn more, visit https://www.thelambcenter.org/
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Contributed by Yerusalem Work
My favorite photograph is called Long Walk to Freedom.
I, Yerusalem Work, captured the shot in the winter during my college career as I was walking into the African-American Cultural Center. I looked behind me with my camera in hand and grabbed this moment: a slice of life. I witnessed a man of color wearing a suit-and-tie, marching on a walkway in the snow with a backpack on. I immediately felt his struggle to make progress by pursuing an education and becoming someone, whose work was sought after.
The contrast of black-and-white, his footprints, the wall made of bricks, and the trees all stand out in this image revealing the tension between the natural world and man-made contexts. There’s a saying that education is the key, but they keep changing the locks. We’ve come a long way as a nation, but we have far to go before we achieve equity.
This photo through depth of field depicts a struggle to traverse a vast distance. Yet, it is a beautiful invitation to draw near. With this submission, I was a finalist in an international photography competition. I hope it is a source of inspiration and reflection for you.
Yerusalem Work, a creative writer and the membership director of the Congregational Library Association, has a heart for interfaith dialogue and is a passionate community builder. A holder of a master’s degree in library science and prolific author, she regularly blogs and self-publishes her writing. Her writing has been published in Muslim Matters, Islamic Horizons, and Tysons Interfaith. She considers it an honor and a pleasure to write on Islamic themes.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Contributed by Rev. Dr. Trish Hall
Several years ago, I adopted a practice of noticing. I embraced it as a spiritual practice, and my intention was/is to stay alert to notice the little things as well as the grand displays.
Last week, when we were driving into the District we encountered unexpectedly heavy traffic, then realized why there was so much congestion. The cherry blossoms were astounding! Great swaths of white and pinkish white blossoms in all directions. I have never seen them more radiant. They were putting on a captivating show, and the totally entranced gawkers were drinking it in.
There is a concept, “what you focus upon expands” … in your awareness and your experience. Coming from my spiritual practice, I rephrase that to what I notice expands me.
Social and public media currently place so much attention on what is not life-affirming, that it creates a magnetic attraction, drawing attention to itself. It is said that “energy flows where attention goes.” How much of your energy are you allowing to be captured by media? Ask yourself if that is how you want to expend the precious moments of your life.
Calling upon my noticing practice, I have been celebrating the fact that nature flows through its seasons with no regard for media attention. The cherry blossoms didn’t care whether they had media coverage – which of course they did. Their exuberance was enthralling. In our neighborhood, as the blossoms have begun to cycle and fall, we have vast expanses of white carpets that look much like snow. The leaves on my volunteer cherry tree have popped out unfurling toward the sun. Our lawn is verdant. The leaves on several bushes in our back yard that turned yellow in the heavy winter frost now appear as adornments on the fresh green of new growth.
Oh, and the birds – the wrens, woodpeckers, cardinals, doves, finches and so many more! We have resident birds that winter with us, and migratory varieties – some arriving for the summer and others are stopping for nourishment on their journey further north.
Spring is springing! I am so grateful to be noticing how life has awakened. Even the yellow-jackets and flies are making their presence known. My energy is flowing in the celebration of nature. I find peace in a world that is all too often exhibiting turmoil. I consciously choose where I place my attention. I embrace nature and celebrate the birthing and expansion of the season! I invite you to join me in awe at how radiantly nature gifts us with its beauty.
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.
Contributed by Susan Posey, Redeemer Lutheran, McLean
In a world where troubling news abounds, Tysons Interfaith is dedicating 2026 to highlighting “What’s Going Right.” Whether it is individuals, organizations or nations working to improve the lives of others and to build a just and peaceful future for all of us, there is always good news to be found.
We hope the following blog post will bring you encouragement and inspiration to make a positive difference in your own corner of the world.
This week, Ramadan began for our Muslim brothers and sisters, and the season of Lent began for many in the Christian community. As we enter this time of reflection, I hope all (however we experience the Divine) will remember the remarkable journey of the Buddhist monks who recently completed their 2,300 walk for peace.
Their message for individual and collective peace seemed to resonate with people they encountered on the 108-day walk. In deed, people were hungry for it. The ceremony welcoming the monks to National Cathedral on February 10 was attended by thousands of people, including faith leaders from all types of faiths.
In his remarks at National Cathedral, the Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara concluded that he hopes the message of peace the monks carried is something we will unlock in our own hearts and minds every day.
There are many press accounts about the monks’ incredible journey. Here is just one:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/buddhist-monks-15-week-walk-peace-ends-washington-dc-rcna258458
To view the ceremony held at National Cathedral on February 10, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5lbugF8PHY
This blog post is the expressed opinion of its writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Tysons Interfaith or its members.