Interfaith Council of Metropolitan Washington

06/05/2026

From May 28–June 1, IFC Executive Director Dr. Sousan Abadian participated in a Track II diplomacy gathering at Hilltown Commons in Rensselaerville, New York. The convening brought together a diverse group of peacebuilders, scholars, religious leaders, civic activists, and policy practitioners—including Israeli, Palestinian, and Iranian voices—for candid conversations about regional conflicts, people-to-people diplomacy, and pathways forward amid deep political, religious, and cultural differences. The gathering reaffirmed an important truth: meaningful change often begins with the willingness to listen deeply, engage honestly, and remain in relationship even when disagreements are significant. At a time of heightened polarization and conflict, such conversations remind us that trust-building, human connection, and the courage to stay engaged remain essential foundations for lasting peace. The insights and relationships cultivated during the gathering will continue to inform IFC's work as we seek to foster understanding, strengthen communities, and create spaces where difficult but necessary conversations can take place with dignity, respect, and hope.

Keep up with IFC by subscribing to our weekly eblast: https://ifcmw.org/4446-2/

06/05/2026

Last month, IFC Executive Director Dr. Sousan Abadian participated, by invitation, in the Council on Foreign Relations’ 2026 Religion and Foreign Policy Workshop in New York City, joining religious leaders, scholars, diplomats, and policy experts from across the United States to discuss pressing global challenges. As part of the Peace and Global Conflict discussion group, Dr. Abadian explored how religious communities and interfaith engagement can advance peace, strengthen ethical governance, and address conflict in an increasingly polarized world. The experience reinforced the important role faith communities play in fostering understanding and contributing to solutions for global challenges, and IFC is honored to bring these insights back to our work in the Washington region as we continue building bridges across religious and cultural differences.

Keep up with IFC by subscribing to our weekly eblast: https://ifcmw.org/4446-2/

06/04/2026

Last Thursday, IFC Associate Director Symi Rom-Rymer was invited to be part of the inaugural meeting of the new DC Mayor's Interfaith Council (MIC). The MIC will serve as an advisor to the Mayor's office and as an important intermediary between DC-based faith communities and city government. The evening was a great opportunity to connect with long-time IFC partners including Debra Feinberg, Executive Director of Abrahamic House, and Rev. Canon Leonard L. Hamlin Sr., Minister of Equity & Inclusion at the Washington National Cathedral, IFC board members Rabbi Abbi Sharofsky and Naaz Khan, and former IFC Board member Rosemary Fennell.

It was also wonderful to meet new individuals deeply engaged in faith-based and interfaith work around the city. We look forward to working closely with colleagues on the Council and the DC government to support and lift up the diverse faith and spiritual voices that help make the District such a special place.

Keep up with IFC by subscribing to our weekly eblast: https://ifcmw.org/4446-2/

05/28/2026

Register for our Interfaith Environment Camp!! This camp is a great opportunity for elementary and middle school students to learn how different faith traditions care for the Earth through fun and educational interactive games and activities, along with mindful meditation!

05/26/2026

Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is celebrated today by Muslims and is one of the two most important days in Islam. Eid al-Adha joyously marks the end of the annual Hajj or Pilgrimage to Mecca. Eid Mubarak to all who celebrate!

05/26/2026

Today, Muslims celebrate the climax of the Hajj pilgrimage when millions of Muslims gather on and around Mount Arafat to pray, reflect, and seek forgiveness. Fasting on the Day of Arafah is highly recommended for Muslims who are not performing Hajj. We wish all who celebrate a blessed Day of Arafah!

05/21/2026

“Tonight, we are planting a flag, not of conquest, but of light. A shared pledge to uphold what is highest in our respective traditions and to bring those gifts into the world together.” - Dr. Sousan Abadian, IFC Executive Director

Read full coverage of Dr. Abadian's speech in Diplomatic Watch: https://diplomaticwatch.com/dr-sousan-abadian-opens-ifc-gala-with-call-for-pluralism-and-interfaith-solidarity/

Dr. Sousan Abadian opened the InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Washington’s 2026 Honoring Visionary Leaders Gala with a call for pluralism, interfaith solidarity, civic responsibility, and shared humanity during a period of global uncertainty.

05/19/2026

Creating spaces like this does not happen accidentally. They require the ongoing work of cultivating understanding across religious and cultural difference. This is the work IFC does year-round.

The InterFaith Council of Metropolitan Washington honored Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde, Jan Du Plain, Edie Fraser, Reverend Rusty Price, and former Ecuadorian Ambassador Ivonne A-Baki during its 2026 Honoring Visionary Leaders Gala in Arlington, Virginia, bringing together leaders in faith, diplomacy,...

05/08/2026

Dr. Sousan Abadian, IFC Executive Director, reflects on the 2026 IFC Gala: In a moment when so many people feel weary, divided, or uncertain about the future, the 2026 IFC Gala became something rare and precious: a reminder of who we can still be for one another. My hope is that we carry the spirit of that evening forward — not as a fleeting moment, but as a touchstone. That we continue to have one another’s backs. That we continue choosing courage over cynicism, relationship over suspicion, and hope over despair. The work of building beloved community belongs to all of us.

04/30/2026

Thank you to our silver level sponsors of the 2026 IFC Gala: Honoring Visionary Leaders

To learn more about the 2026 IFC Gala, click here: https://ifcmw.org/2026-ifc-gala-honoring-visionary-leaders/