Obama Names Members of New Faith Advisory Council

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Advisebelow of 7:13AM December 10, 2009

It strikes me that this group may be important to the work of a sustainable solution in Israel/Palestine. Peace-building now requires a rebranding process, with new language, new partners, and new science. Even the word 'conflict resolution' is unsustainable, since conflict is an inherent part of nature, of change and of the human condition. Similarly, there is no separation of church and state in Israel/Palestine. The use of an interfaith/multi faith/non-faith approach is an essential component to changing the climate on the ground. This Presidential Advisory Council utilizes faith based communities as advisors in a process, not necessarily the crafters of a treaty, but advisors in the least. Projects such as the International Fund for Palestinian and Israeli Peace (IFPIP) based on the very successful model of the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) draws on the concept of the multi-lateral approach of preparing the way on the ground, among civil society, within neighborhoods, between and among ordinary people, businesses, and families, not just political leaders. Be in touch if you wish specific information, but its goal is to fund practical connections, between and among civil society in order to truly create a paradigm shift regardless of what may be happening at any given time in the political arena. We call it Track Two Diplomacy in our world, diplomacy by the people and for the people. The Fund is designed to foster practical projects and actionable items which can be measured. It is designed to professionalize the so-called peace process. This is not your mother's hippy peacemaking group sitting around 'preaching to the converted.' It is a global fund which provides the dollars necessary to make a shift in the attitudes on the ground such that if, when, or even regardless of whether there are any political treaties made, the people living in the region are able to know each other through joint projects such as scientific research, joint sports events, and yes even interfaith study and gatherings. Though most Americans are allergic to anything that comes close to including faith or religion, the climate and culture in Israel/Palestine is different. To disregard the faith or beliefs of the so called "other side" only adds to the struggle we have for decades witnessed. Whether a treaty is signed now or in 500 years, the climate on the ground must be ready and able to coexist in some sustainable manner. The International Fund is a project whose goal is to be politically neutral but to finance projects which prepare the way, which till the soil to make a fertile ground ready for a change, which always happens slowly over time, never in one momentous sweep of the pen. Obama's faith-based council is a bold action which acknowledges that people of varying faiths and life philosophies will only ultimately get along when they know each other as human beings. We do not have to agree, we just need to find creative ways to allow the other to exist.

Dr. Shems Prinzivalli-President of the Alliance for Middle East Peace of NY 10:59AM September 22, 2009

This concept never existed when our Founding Father's drafted the Constitution or any of our original official first documents. If a person simply does the research and looks at the documents and minutes of the Continental Congress they would never again say our Founding Fathers intended issues of prayer to God and the bible to be removed from our government. In fact, the bible was not a suggested book students were to read but it was mandated by our Founding Fathers and this tradition continued for over 150 years in the public school system of the United States of America.

Everyone has the right to their opinion in this nation, however an opinion doesn't change truth. Don't be led by the emotions and feelings of those who have not taken the time to read these documents and minutes to learn the truth. Or worse yet, that may have but have an agenda that is not consistent with the wishes of our Founding Fathers. Let your influence for what the Founding Fathers intentions were be from their own words.

Mickey of LA 3:26PM July 11, 2009

you cant just ignore religious groups. these liason grousp have always existed. Faith communities are a part of America. And they contribute much to our fabric. open your eyes and stop beign so hateful. The Inter faith office has existed long before Obama and why cant religious leaders advise state leaders as citizens of this nation?

Glenn of MI 4:52AM April 27, 2009