Episode Title: Voices of Resilience: Insights from the Berlin Civil Society Program - Part 2

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Episode Summary:

In this special episode, Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) revisits the Berlin Civil Society Program, co-convened with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust. This second part delves into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) panel, addressing religious freedom, resilience, and societal rebuilding. Key insights also emerge from the IRF Secretariat's new councils focused on corporate engagement and media. This version has an optional ending that includes extra footage from attendees and feedback for the event.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction and Recap
• Jessica reflects on the impact of Part 1, which covered the IRF Secretariat's new Academic Council, remarks from the Berlin program’s opening session, and the Eurasian panel.
• [03:30] Focus on the MENA Region Panel
• Moderated by Suzanne Grisham of MercuryOne, this panel reveals the scars left by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, highlighting local leaders' resilience. Mayor Issam Bhnam Matti of Qaraqosh, Iraq, shares the challenges of rebuilding and the crucial role of community resilience.
• [12:00] Insights from Dr. Mirza Dinnayi
• Dinnayi, founder of the House of Coexistence in Sinjar, Iraq, discusses rehabilitation efforts for Yazidi youth and the need for self-administered zones to enhance minority security. He stresses the urgency of international support for marginalized groups.
• [20:15] Education for Peace with Brikene Krasniqi
• Krasniqi of Hardwired Global emphasizes how educational initiatives in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains are transforming schools and promoting peace among youth. She discusses the success of these programs and calls for expanded global support.
• [29:30] Update from Nazira Goriya
• Although initially absent due to travel issues, Rima, who later accompanied Goriya--also from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria-- gives a message for our listeners from her perspective on local governance and the benefits of autonomy for minority security.
• [35:10] Corporate and Media Councils: Expanding Influence
• Corporate Council: Eva Witesman of Marriott School of Business explains that companies have a lot to offer in fostering stability and resilience through religious freedom
• Media Council: Rachel Miner of Bellwether International highlights the importance of accurate media representation in addressing human rights and preventing genocide.
• [47:00] Interactive Panel: “What Needs to Be Done”
• Rev. Mae Cannon, Dr, Jocelyn Cesari, Dr. Elizabeth Podromou, and Dr. Dennis Hoover lead an open forum exploring actionable strategies. Highlights include cultural heritage preservation, interdisciplinary scholarship, and positive data-driven outcomes for religious freedom.

Call to Action:

Love Your Neighbor Community aims to support religious freedom and cross-faith dialogue through radio and video programming. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our work, and help expand the conversation by sharing this episode!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | lyncommunity.org

Hashtags:

#ReligiousFreedom #SocialCohesion #BerlinCivilSocietyProgram #LYNCRadio

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Show Notes: Special Edition of LYNC RADIO: The Berlin Civil Society Program (Part 1)

Welcome to a special edition of LYNC Radio, where we explore the Berlin Civil Society Program, co-convened by Love Your Neighbor Community in partnership with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust. This episode covers insights from the opening sessions, including the launch of the new Academic Council and highlights from the Eurasian panel.

1. Berlin Civil Society Program:

• Held at the iconic Adlon Kempinski Hotel, the program brought together global leaders to discuss pressing issues related to religious freedom, social cohesion, and resilience.
• The event was convened by the IRF Secretariat, Templeton Religion Trust, and Love Your Neighbor Community.

2. Launch of the IRF Secretariat's Global Academic Council:

• Co-chaired by Rev. Mae Cannon and Jocelyne Cesari, the council seeks to critically examine terms like violence, security, and extremism in the context of religious freedom.
• Jocelyne Cesari stressed that violence can be structural, embedded in political and social institutions, often leading to violations of religious freedom.
• Contributions from Dr. Pavol Bargár and Dr. Dennis Hoover emphasized the complexity of structural violence and the need for a more nuanced understanding of extremism and religious privilege.

3. Eurasian Panel Highlights:

• Moderated by Wade Kusack, this panel featured key voices from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Moldova, focusing on multi-faith dialogue and collaboration.
• Speakers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova discussed national efforts to promote tolerance, human rights, and religious freedom in their countries.

4. Key Contributions:

• Dr. Karima Almazroui shared her experience developing a curriculum in the UAE, which promotes tolerance and civic responsibility among over 600,000 students annually.
• Elizabeth Prodromou from Boston College highlighted the link between religious freedom and cultural heritage preservation, using Northern Cyprus as an example.
• Ambassador Robert Řehák discussed the impact of religion on political agendas, particularly in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
• Ghanaian MP Godfred Seidu Jasaw emphasized the role of parliamentarians in safeguarding religious freedom and civil liberties.

5. The Role of Religious Leaders:

• Religious leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Moldova shared stories of multi-faith cooperation and friendship, reinforcing the importance of relationships in addressing global challenges and promoting social cohesion.

• Learn more about Love Your Neighbor Community: LYN Community
• WATCH LYNC INTERVIEW + LYNC TALK on YouTube!
• Follow LYNC on social media:
• Facebook:

• For more information, including access to blogs, radio programs, and video shows, visit lyncommunity.org.
• IRF Secretariat Civil Society Program, Berlin, October 8-10. Visit IRFsecretariat.org for registration details.

[00:00] – Introduction

Host Jessica Eturralde introduces the episode’s key topics, including LYNC’s new media initiative, USCIRF's reauthorization, and upcoming events in Berlin.

[00:25] – New Media Initiative by LYNC

Love Your Neighbor Community launches a media initiative to promote dialogue between individuals of different beliefs. Listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, and share to help expand these conversations. More details at lyncommunity.org.

[01:15] – USURF Act of 2024 Reauthorization

On September 23rd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Act of 2024, extending the Commission’s work until 2026. The bipartisan bill addresses rising religious persecution globally, including in countries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Key advocates included Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin, with support from USCIRF leadership. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature.

[04:00] – Wade Kusack Attends Nantucket Project

LYNC CEO Wade Kusack attended the Nantucket Project, an annual gathering that explores trauma healing, societal divisions, and pluralism. Notable participants included former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, survivors of the Hamas attack, and Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

[06:15] – Berlin Ministerial and Conference on Extremism and Religious Freedom

LYNC partners with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust to host a two-day civil society conference in Berlin. The event will bring majority world voices into conversations on religious freedom and extremism, aiming to build social cohesion and resilience. View IRF Secretariat's event page here: https://irfsecretariat.org/berlin-program/#

[08:00] – Closing Remarks

For more information, including access to blogs, radio programs, and video shows, visit lyncommunity.org.

[00:00] – Introduction

Host Jessica Eturralde welcomes listeners to LYNC RADIO and announces upcoming topics, including new colleagues at Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) and celebrations of Uzbekistan's Independence Day.

[00:30] – New Media Initiative

LYNC launches a new media initiative to foster conversations between people of different beliefs. The initiative aims to encourage open dialogue and understanding through shared perspectives. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the program to expand conversations around social cohesion. Visit lyncommunity.org for more information.

[01:20] – Introducing New Senior Fellows

LYNC welcomes two new senior fellows:

• Dr. Chris Seiple, head of the Sagestone Group, brings over 30 years of experience in building social cohesion. He has worked with organizations like Templeton Religion Trust and the World Economic Forum, and has contributed extensively to U.S. government religious policy.
• Dr. Dennis Hoover, editor-in-chief of the Review of Faith & International Affairs, is an expert in faith and global affairs. His recent works focus on religious diversity and covenantal pluralism in Asia.

[03:00] – Contributions of New Fellows

Both Dr. Seiple and Dr. Hoover will contribute to LYNC’s blogs and interviews. Dr. Seiple’s latest blog, In the Beginning, addresses human rights, religious violence, and conflict resolution through the lens of Genesis.

LYNC Senior Fellow Dennis R. Hoover recently published an essay at Portico titled, “Knowledge About Religions is Good—But Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy is Better.” The essay elaborates on cross-cultural religious literacy, abridged from his address at a conference in Georgia.

[04:00] – New Team Members

LYNC also welcomes:

• Halina Kusack as Administration Director
• Carter Brown as Project Manager for the Covenantal Pluralism Initiative in South Florida.

[04:30] – Uzbekistan’s Independence Day Celebration

Halina Kusack attended Uzbekistan’s Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C., marking the country’s freedom from the Soviet Union in 1991. The event featured traditional music, dance, and cuisine, offering an opportunity for diplomats and officials to celebrate Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage and achievements.

[06:10] – Conclusion

Listeners are encouraged to visit lyncommunity.org and explore more programs under the Media tab.

Visit: lyncommunity.org for more information and updates from Love Your Neighbor Community.

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Program: Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) Radio

Topic: Recap of the "Train the Trainers" program, focusing on religious freedom efforts in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

In this episode, Jessica Eturralde from LYNC RADIO discusses the recent "Train the Trainers" program facilitated by Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) in partnership with the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat and the Multi-Faith Neighbors Network. The program is a significant step in fostering religious freedom in Central Asia, specifically in Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

• [00:15] Introduction to the Program
• Jessica introduces the episode, sharing excitement about the recently released "Train the Trainers" report. The program was held in Washington, D.C., and Phoenix, Arizona, bringing together 30 delegates from Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.
• [00:45] Overview of the "Train the Trainers" Program
• The training focused on cross-cultural religious dialogue, where participants visited places of worship, observed roundtables in the U.S., and collaborated on creating similar initiatives in their home countries.
• [01:20] Delegates' Backgrounds
• Attendees included representatives from government institutions, religious leaders, and civil society from both countries, emphasizing the importance of mutual understanding and dialogue.
• [02:05] Relationship Building and MOUs
• The program is the result of nearly a decade of relationship-building efforts, including Memorandums of Understanding with Kazakhstan's and Uzbekistan's Committees on Religious Affairs.
• [02:45] Roundtables in Kazakhstan
• Following the program, LYNC President Wade Kusack and IRF Secretariat CEO Greg Mitchell co-hosted roundtables in Kazakh cities like Almaty, Shu, and Shymkent, fostering the development of local "multi-faith clubs."
• [03:20] Positive Outcomes and Future Plans
• Graduates of the program have begun establishing the Kazakhstani IRF Secretariat and organizing additional roundtables across Kazakhstan, with plans for a multi-faith retreat in October 2024.
• [04:00] Sustainability and Future Initiatives
• LYNC aims to sustain these efforts through the Covenantal Pluralism Initiative, with future developments anticipated in 2025 and beyond, including a new Memorandum of Understanding with Uzbekistan.
• [04:45] Conclusion
• Jessica wraps up the episode, encouraging listeners to visit LYNC’s website for more details and to stay updated on upcoming initiatives.

• Train the Trainers Program Report: Available on LYNC’s website under the "Our Work" tab or here: https://lyncommunity.org/report/journey-from-central-asia-to-the-grand-canyon-bridges-cultures/
• Upcoming Events: Information on the multi-faith retreat and future roundtables can be found on LYNC’s events page.

Call to Action:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with your network. Stay informed about the latest developments in religious freedom and how you can be part of the change.

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Produced by: Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) RADIO

Host: Jessica Eturralde, Communications Director at Love Your Neighbor Community

Guest: Wade Kusack, Founder & President of Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC)

In this episode of LYNC Radio, Jessica Eturralde takes listeners on a journey with Wade Kusack as he explores the evolving landscape of religious freedom in Central Asia. From interfaith dialogues in Uzbekistan to multi-faith clubs in Kazakhstan, this episode highlights the global push for building bridges across religious divides.

Key Segments:

[00:35] – New Media Initiative: Encouraging Conversations Across Beliefs

Jessica opens with a call to action, introducing LYNC's new media initiative designed to foster conversations between people of different faiths. By broadening discussions on religious freedom, LYNC hopes to encourage mutual understanding. Listeners are invited to engage by liking, subscribing, and sharing these conversations with others.

[02:10] – Dialogue of Declarations II in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Wade Kusack recaps his visit to Tashkent for the second Dialogue of Declarations, building upon the work started in Bukhara in 2022. This important gathering saw the continued implementation of human rights provisions from the Bukhara Declaration, named after the historic city where the first dialogue took place.

[04:20] – Multi-Faith Clubs in Kazakhstan

After Tashkent, Wade headed to Kazakhstan, partnering with Greg Mitchell, CEO of the International Religious Freedom (IRF) Secretariat. Together, they hosted Religious Freedom Roundtables in cities like Almaty, Shu, and Shymkent. These roundtables aim to foster peace by establishing Multi-Faith Clubs, localized adaptations of the U.S. roundtable model.

[06:10] – Strengthening U.S.-Kazakhstan Religious Freedom Partnerships

At a pivotal meeting hosted by the Nazarbayev Center, Wade, Greg Mitchell, and LYNC’s Kazakhstan representative Arman Arimbaev reinforced Kazakhstan’s commitment to working with U.S. NGOs. They agreed to co-host future events focused on promoting religious freedom and dialogue.

[08:05] – LYNC Hits the Streets: U.S. Public Opinion on Religious Dialogue

In July, LYNC correspondents took to the streets across the U.S. to ask people a simple but revealing question: “When was the last time you spoke to someone with different religious beliefs?” This segment sheds light on how everyday conversations can lead to a broader societal understanding of religious diversity.

[10:15] – Get Involved with LYNC

Jessica wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to visit LYNCcommunity.org for more information on the events and initiatives discussed. She highlights the upcoming programs and updates designed to expand conversations on religious freedom and cooperation across belief systems.

Conclusion:

This episode of LYNC Radio showcases Love Your Neighbor Community's ongoing efforts to promote religious freedom, both globally and locally. From interfaith declarations in Uzbekistan to fostering grassroots conversations in American streets, LYNC continues to work toward a more inclusive world.

Call to Action:

Visit LYNCcommunity.org for more details on these stories and how to support or get involved. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share!

Read the full report: https://lyncommunity.org/report/assessment-of-religious-freedom-in-uzbekistan/

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Date: [04/01/2024]

Program: LYNC RADIO - A Love Your Neighbor Community Program

Summary:

In this episode, Jessica Eturralde discusses a delegation to Uzbekistan of religious freedom experts conducted earlier this year by the request of Uzbekistan’s leaders. The delegation explored Uzbekistan’s religious freedom landscape, meeting with government officials, religious leaders, and civil society actors across the country. The episode highlights key insights from the trip, including the willingness of Uzbek officials to engage in open dialogue on religious freedom issues.

Key Moments:

• [00:05] Introduction:
• Jessica Eturralde introduces the episode, emphasizing the importance of discussing religious freedom issues openly.
• [00:30] The Uzbekistan Delegation:
• Jessica describes the delegation's purpose and key participants, including Dr. Chris Seiple, Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi, Mr. Wade Kusack, and Ms. Nadine Mayenza.
• [01:15] The Importance of Context:
• Discussion on the necessity of considering Uzbekistan’s historical, geopolitical, economic, and security contexts when assessing religious freedom.
• [02:00] The Delegation’s Journey:
• The delegation's travel route through Tashkent, Fergana City, Bukhara, Termez, and Nucos, and the various meetings held with diverse stakeholders.
• [02:45] On-the-Ground Observations:
• Dr. Mohamed Elsanousi shares his experience visiting different religious communities, including a touching story about a Pentecostal community and a Baptist church in Bukhara.
• [04:00] A Unique Proposal:
• Dr. Elsanousi recounts a conversation with Pastor Shukrat about potentially accommodating Baptist Christians in a mosque, reviving an ancient tradition of interfaith cooperation.
• [05:00] Report Findings:
• Summary of the delegation's report, which highlights Uzbekistan’s progress in religious freedom, including improvements in worship freedom, religious organization registration, and higher education reforms.
• [06:00] Willingness for Dialogue:
• Dr. Elsanousi reflects on the openness of Uzbek officials to discuss and address religious freedom challenges, emphasizing the positive atmosphere for ongoing dialogue.
• [07:00] Final Thoughts and Report Access:
• Jessica Eturralde concludes the episode by encouraging listeners to read the full report on the Love Your Neighbor Community website for more in-depth insights and recommendations.

Closing Remarks:

If you enjoyed this episode, please like and subscribe for more updates on religious freedom initiatives and ongoing projects. Visit Love Your Neighbor Community for additional resources and upcoming programs.

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• Website: lyncommunity.org
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Hashtags: #ReligiousFreedom #LoveYourNeighbor #Uzbekistan