Washington, D.C. – Congressman Keith Ellison will hold an Inter-Faith dialogue with leaders of the various faith communities on Monday, February 1^st, 2010.  The purpose of the event is to bring together the myriad of faith leaders to discuss legislative issues of interest, and approaches to achieving them.

“We are so fortunate to live in the 5^th District that has a rich mosaic of faith communities committed to legislative solutions to ending poverty and homelessness; promoting peace and tolerance, and improving the quality of life both throughout the 5^th Congressional District as well as the world,” Congressman Ellison stated.

The Congressman has invited religious and non-religious leaders to the dialogue.  Invitees  include Protestant Ministers and Catholic Priests; Jewish Rabbis; Muslim Imams; faith leaders from the Native American communities; those of the Bahai, Hindu and Buddhist devotion; Atheists for Humanity, and more.  Local elected officials have been invited as well.

“The beauty of our State of Minnesota is that religious leaders are always in conversation with each other to learn about our differences and celebrate our similarities.  And so it is an honor to have Congressman Ellison as our partner in convening these conversations in troubled times to help us work to make this world a better place,” said Rabbi Marcia Zimmerman, Temple Israel, Minneapolis.

The event will be held Monday, February 1^st, 2010 at the new University of Minnesota Urban Research & Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC) – across from the Urban League – 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis.  The dialogue begins at 8 a.m. and runs through 9:30 a.m.  Please RSVP to Hon. Betty Folliard, Community Representative for Congressman Ellison, at 612-522-1212 or by emailing betty.folliard@mail.house.gov .

“It’s a wonderful opportunity to learn about the blessings and issues our diverse communities of faith.  We should do more of this,” stated Pastor Richard Buller, Valley Community Church, Golden Valley.