Brought to you Valentines’ week, 2017, as a community service by the Arizona Interfaith Movement, to build bridges of better understanding in our community, this event addresses “Love, Sex and Marriage.” Most religions agree upon the phrase “Love thy neighbor” but where is the line drawn when it comes to romantic love and sexual activity? Most religions have a “code” of conduct but has that code shifted over the years? What about common law marriage? How do different faiths adjust to shifting mores?
Video Part I Panelists Share
Video Part II (Q & A)
We thank our Panelists, who shared briefly, followed by Q & A.:
. Rev. Rock Freemont – Christian – Rev. Rock Freemont is an Associate Pastor at Central Church, a United Methodist Community. He most recently served as Spiritual Life and Housing Coordinator at Justa Center. Previously he served as a Chaplain with the Arizona Department of Corrections, ministering to those incarcerated on Arizona’s Death Row. He is the current Chair of the Arizona Foundation for Theology. A graduate of both Grand Canyon University and Kino Institute of Theology, Rev. Rock holds a Master of Theology degree from Campbellsville University in Kentucky. Currently he serves as the Lay Academy Coordinator for the Southwest Conference of the United Church of Christ. He also teaches throughout the valley and is dedicated to ecumenism and education. He is extensively engaged in a variety of diverse faith interests and has a deep and profound passion for ministry and for bringing people together.
. Deedra Hill Abboud – Islam – Deedra is a Muslim and is an attorney, author, blogger, community activist, entrepreneur, world traveler, and expert on the art and science of finding solutions, not fault – at work, at home, and in the community. She has studied Islam for over 20 years and attended Islamic Law classes though Seton Hall Law School. A frequent media resource, she has been profiled and quoted in print media as well as interviewed on ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX affiliates, and international media outlets.
. Rev. Staffan and Mrs. Jane Berg – Family Federation of World Peace and Unification – Staffan is a Minister for the Unification Church and has served in many ways for his Church, as well as being an active panelist on various topics for the Monthly Faith Forums and for speaking requests by universities. Staffan and his wife, Jane, have raised their family in Tempe.
. Anita Rangaswarmi – Hindu – Anita has lived in the valley for over 30 years. She is an active member of the East Indian community. She has degrees in Engineering, Business (MBA), and Public Health (MPH) and had a successful corporate career for over 20 years. Anita has practiced Bhakti yoga, the yoga of love and devotion for over 30 years. She facilitates wellness workshops to assist individuals in healing mind, body and spirit by integrating Ayurveda, yoga and meditation techniques. She is a member of The International Yoga Therapists Association, and is a Yoga Alliance instructor. She serves as a Board member for Arizona Forward an organization which brings business and civic leaders together to improve environmental sustainability and economic vitality in Arizona. In her spare time, Anita she volunteers on the board of East Indian Cultural Associations, and the Arizona Interfaith Movement. She also enjoys playing badminton and being involved in outdoor activities with her husband and three grown sons.
Moderator: Rev. Dr. Mitzi Lynton Director of Outreach for AZIFM
We welcome your feedback on some new times and locations to enlarge our audience / participation within our community ( Larry@azifm.org). We are pleased to offer Community Faith Forums, monthly, through the school year, to discuss topics of the day together in a respectful manner, listening and considering many different perspectives. While AZIFM doesn’t take positions on issues, through the different viewpoints discussed, hopefully one can have a more sound basis for their own viewpoints. We’d like to thank our panelists and those who attend and ask such great questions that help us all learn!!
