Free Public Forum

Tuesday, October 28, 7:00 p.m.

Braden Park Baptist Church

4739 E. 5th St., (East 5th & South Yale) Tulsa

Speakers:

Mr. Charles Biggs, Editor, Tulsa Beacon

Ms. Leah Farish, Civil Rights Attorney, author on First Amendment Issues

Dr. Paul Finkelman, Chapman Distinguished Prof. of Law at TU Law School

Dr. Rick Lowery, Johnnie Eargle Cadieux Prof. of Old Testament at Phillips Seminary

Dr. Sandra Rana, Islamic Society of Tulsa and Native American

Discussing:

• What are the "Ten Commandments?"
• What was the role of the "Ten Commandments" in Biblical times?
• What is the role of the "Ten Commandments" (and religious symbols) in public life?

Sponsored by Tulsa Interfaith Alliance

Co-sponsors:

Islamic Society of Tulsa

Jewish Federation of Tulsa

The National Conference for Community and Justice

Tulsa Metropolitan Ministry

Signed by Nancy Day (NCCJ), Steve Cranford (TMM) and Russ Bennett for the Interfaith Alliance, a letter went out to local school districts encouraging interfaith understanding.

The letter read in part:

Religion is such an engaging subject, and one with such positive potential outcomes, that it’s a shame when its practice or discussion is perceived as harassment or even bullying. The recent Franklin event and "meet you at the pole" gatherings have heightened interest in religion. We feel this might be a teachable moment, an opportunity to affirm the legitimate sharing of one’s faith while respecting beliefs and religious practices that are different from one’s own.

Enclosed were resources from the Freedom Forum’s First Amendment Center and TMM’s recent faith-sharing statement.

Sheryl Siddiqui has taken similar resources to the Muskogee School District, seeking to help the district work through the first amendment issues in refusing to allow a Muslim student to wear her hijab.