The theme for this year's Muslims for Progressive Values retreat is "Theology of Mercy." It's taking place July 13-15 in New York City.
This weekend people will gather in New York City for Muslims for Progressive Values 6th Annual Retreat. The theme this year is “A Theology of Mercy.”
The group began in 2007 and is working toward “inclusive and tolerant understandings” of Islam. They are also working toward the creation of more mosque spaces that are free of segregation.
This year’s retreat is taking place at Manhattan College and runs July 13-15.
Muslims Voices Managing Editor Rosemary Pennington asked Muslims for Progressive Values (MVP) President Ani Zonneveld about the retreat and the group.
Rosemary Pennington: Who are Muslims for Progressive Values?
Ani Zonneveld: MPV is a 501 (c) (3) founded in 2007. We believe Islam is inherently progressive, inclusive and egalitarian, an understanding that informs the ten principles of MPV.
In the short years since our inception, we have expanded to include chapters in Los Angeles, Washington DC, Atlanta, as well as Ottawa and Toronto, Canada. www.mpvusa.org
RP: What do you mean by “progressive values?”
AZ: We celebrate diversity in our community that reflects all races, genders, sexual orientations and sectarian affiliations. We want to pray in spaces where families can worship together (like we do in Mecca), where women can lead coed congregations, and where mixed faith couples and their children are welcome.
RP: What exactly is taking place in New York this weekend?
AZ: A series of lectures and workshops on Islam and the issues facing our community from a progressive Muslim perspective. We will also be visiting the 9-11 Memorial for reflection and a silent prayer. You can download the program from our website: http://www.mpvusa.org/events.html
RP: What will attendees experience?
AZ: To recognize, embrace and learn from the diversity present within our community. To further develop our identity as progressive Muslims, both collectively and individually.
To create new friendships and networks of support and kinship. To engage in meaningful dialogue around concerns facing our community. To empower each other with vision, clarity and a sense of purpose.
To deepen our spirituality and commitment to social justice, while recognizing the various forms in which that may manifest for each of us.
RP: Is there a way for people not in New York to take part?
AZ: We plan on having the event streamed on Ustream.Tv starting at 9 am Eastern Standard Time.
Our url: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/muslims-for-progressive-values
RP: What is the big message you hope attendees walk away with?
AZ: The theme is – theology of mercy: putting into action the Islamic principles of compassion, justice, love and service.
We hope individuals will leave the retreat understanding that this is the heart of our values and in particular MPV’s principles from which our community’s foundation is built on.
We hope that attendees will feel energized and empowered to start an inclusive community in the cities and in the countries they are coming from.
Ani Zonneveld is Co-Chief Editor of “Progressive Muslim Identities: Personal Stories from the U.S. and Canada.” Zonneveld is a songwriter, producer, and activist. She also has her own column “Ummah Wake Up” for Aslanmedia.com. In 2006, she was named a Muslim Leader of Tomorrow by the American Society for Muslim Advancement. As co-founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, a national grass-roots organization, she has organized interfaith arts and music festivals, performs wedding services for mixed faith and gay couples.
