Beth Bentley

 

 

Faith Forward Dallas was birthed out of the crisis stemming from 5 Dallas Police Department Officers being shot and killed on July 7, 2016 and on the heels of the death of Philando Casteel, killed by a police officer, on July 6, 2016 in Minnesota.

Faith Forward Dallas at Thanks-Giving Square is a diverse coalition of Dallas’ faith leaders, dedicated to service, hope and a shared vision of peace and justice for our North Texas community. Faith Forward Dallas leads this virtue initiative and serves as a moral compass for the community.

The mission is to foster and sustain the multi-faith fabric of our community by celebrating diversity and building strong relationships. They offer support, solidarity and a voice for those without a voice through civic engagement and educational partnerships.

When our community needs them the most, they provide crisis management to maintain structured communication and assist in the grieving and healing process. They are currently developing Character Building 101, a curriculum to help foster virtue. They also engage international visitors and welcome them into an atmosphere of hospitality, belonging and compassion.

3 key leaders who started FFD:

• Rabbi Nancy Kasten – Rabbi (wife of main Rabbi at Temple Emanuel) – STILL ENGAGED – NOW LEADS “FAITH COMMONS”
• Omar Suleiman – NOT ACTIVE
• Pastor Dr. Michael (and Elise) Waters – NOT AS ACTIVE

The Clergy Organization is made up of individual members in these categories:

• Faith Leaders:authorized by ordination, commissioned by faith community, or involved in congregational leadership.
• Friends:welcome to attend large group meetings and participate on committees.

 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP

Faith Leaders: Dues of $90 annually (90 is a multiple of 18, the Jewish meaning for life).

Friends: Donations are welcome, but not mandatory.

STRUCTURE

Executive Committee: Convener, Convener-Elect/Treasurer, Executive Director, CEO of The Thanks-Giving Foundation.

Leadership Council: Made up of 14 to 15 members who are appointed by the Executive committee, responsible for decision-making as needed.

Committees: Each chair will nominate a Chair-Elect.

• Civic Engagement Committee
  Task Forces: Each coordinator will nominate a co-coordinator
  • Housing Solutions (Homelessness)
  • Equal Justice (Law Enforcement)
  • Migrant Status (Refugees and Immigrants)
  • Gun Sense (Gun Control and Gun Violence)
• Crisis Management Committee
• Communication Committee
• New Members & Relationship Committee

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

• Rabbi Andrew Paley – Former Chair
• Rev Neil Thomas – Current Chair
• Almas Muscatwalla – Executive Director
• Kyle Ogden – President & CEO, The Thanks-Giving Foundation

Pastor George Mason – recently retired

While FFD is organized around the interfaith community and diverse partnerships, there has been somewhat of a struggle of trying to figure out who they are now apart from their original pastors:

• what are we being asked to do;
• we show up when needed;
• moral compass or voice for religious leaders;
• sign on to statements;
• legislative voice

 

Next monthly meetings – November 14^th – 10-11:30am at Thanksgiving Square 
(1627 Pacific Avenue; Dallas, Texas 75201)

Opportunities:

• Form their own 501c3
• Dallas – passed Racial Equity Plan
• Interested in conversations in Collin County
• Not aware of involvement with NAACP, which would be helpful
• # of churches – FFD is hesitant to share the list of those involved; online – 35-50 on the Zoom calls – various denominations and cultures – not many Black leaders involved

With the meeting on November 14, 2022 and the change in leadership for 2023, this should offer an opportunity for participation and direction for the 8^th Episcopal District moving forward.

Submitted by Beth Bentley

St. James CME Church

McKinney, TX 75069