Countering Christian Nationalism – A Patrimonial System
This is the first in a series of articles to reflect on Christian Nationalism. For more on this topic, you can read my book, Go and Do Likewise: Following Jesus into Our Common Humanity. If you’re Christian: Take some time to think about your own faith tradition. How does it invite you to respect, build relationships,…
Read MoreFinding Each Other
Last week, we gathered people around tables to discover their shared power. On Thursday, we teamed up with Seattle University’s Center for Ecumenical and Interreligious Engagement and Holy Spirit Lutheran Church in Kirkland for a Potluck Project event. We brought together about twenty-two leaders to experience what the Potluck Project is all about. It’s not…
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Either All of Us Are Human, or None of Us Are
Human beings have survived and thrived by forming in-groups. This instinct is so central to our lives that we’re often willing to risk everything to protect our group. But here’s the problem: other in-groups can be seen not just as different, but as threats—or even as less than human. And once we’ve stripped another group…
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Of Values and Vanity
Take a look at any website, brochure, or board member handbook, and you’ll likely find a mission, vision, and a list of core values. Sometimes these statements come from deep reflection and a real commitment to doing good in the world. Other times, they seem more like marketing language—something meant to look good on paper.…
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Relationships Are Foundational
In a time of growing division and isolation, it’s easy to forget that human societies have always depended on relationships—especially between groups. From ancient trade routes to cross cultural discussions, history shows us that thriving communities aren’t just built on individual connections but on how whole groups interact, collaborate, and find common ground. The Rippel…
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Certain Inalienable Rights
I have the cane that Rabbi Levine carved for Father Treacy. It sits beside me now. On it, he carved these words: The road to God is paved with love Unity in diversity These two men dedicated their lives to bringing people together. By unity, they didn’t mean sameness. They meant that we can bring…
Read MoreMy Journey to Let’s Go Together
My journey to our recent Let’s Go Together event began over ten years ago. In my work to counter anti-Muslim bigotry, I witnessed the deepening social distance between us. This distance left us vulnerable to dehumanizing narratives, slander, and growing fear. Through this work, I found companionship with people of many traditions and cultures who, like me,…
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Organic Growth
We are preparing for the next Let’s Go Together gathering this week. The food is ordered, supplies are ready, and we are working on table assignments. Table facilitators are getting ready. So far, we have 80 people registered! These registrants come from many wisdom traditions, cultures, economic circumstances, life experiences, ages, and identities. …
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Cultivate Deep Joy
These are heavy times for many people. In nearly every meeting I attend, I hear stories of fear, pain, and the erosion of love for our neighbors. People see communities retreating inward, turning away from the shared responsibility to care for one another. I have heard: This list came easily. We all could add to…
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