[00:00] Introduction:

Jessica previews today’s topics: insights from LYNC INTERVIEW with Dr. Dennis Hoover, highlights from a multi-faith retreat in Uzbekistan, and a recap of a Miami event exploring faith and politics.

[02:15] The Grand Bargain with Dr. Dennis Hoover:

• Discussion on balancing religious freedom and responsibility, drawing on Mennonite and Amish communities as examples.
• Key takeaway: Religious freedom thrives when both governments and faith groups uphold mutual respect and social responsibility.

Watch the full LYNC INTERVIEW with Dr. Dennis Hoover: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQ9XNfV88uQ

[12:45] Multi-Faith Retreat in Uzbekistan:

• Updates on the results of LYNC and MFNN's Train-the-Trainers program and its success in Central Asia.
• Local leaders Imam Shovkat Khamdumov and Pastor Oleg Vorojtsov lead a historic retreat aimed at fostering pluralistic virtues and cooperation.
• Micah Fries of Multi-Faith Neighbors Network shares insights on the importance of contextual ownership by local leaders.

[22:30] Faith and Politics in Miami:

• Recap of “The Trinity and Our Political Environment,” a discussion led by Carter Brown on balancing faith, political engagement, and empathy.
• Key takeaway: Participants explored seeing the humanity behind divisive political stances and emphasized respect and dignity in dialogue---using a divisive bill on the Florida ballot as an example to discuss.

[35:00] Call to Action:

• Jessica encourages listeners to support LYNC’s work by liking, subscribing, and sharing the program.
• Visit lyncommunity.org to learn more and give to initiatives like the Bukhara Church rebuild.

Support the Bukhara Church Rebuild: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Bukharachurch

Episode Highlights:

• [00:00] Introduction to LYNC RADIO
• Host Jessica Eturralde introduces today’s topics: fostering multifaith dialogue in Kazakhstan, observing democratic practices in Uzbekistan, and a spotlight on Dr. Maksym Vasin’s innovative approach to religious freedom.
• [01:15] Empowering Multifaith Dialogue in Kazakhstan
• We begin in Almaty, Kazakhstan, where LYNC’s Training the Trainers program has enabled local leaders to lead multifaith dialogue in their communities. This recent gathering, led by Kazakhstani pastors and imams trained with LYNC, addressed complex social issues such as domestic violence, highlighting how faith communities can actively promote societal responsibility and support those in need.
• [05:45] Observing Democratic Practices in Uzbekistan
• Next, we travel to Uzbekistan, where LYNC Founder Wade Kusack recently observed the national elections. Wade shares valuable insights on Uzbekistan’s progress toward democratic practices and religious freedom, with an encouraging view of the increased opportunities and freedoms now available to the people of Uzbekistan.
• [09:30] A Spotlight on Dr. Maksym Vasin’s Blog
• We shift focus to LYNC’s Senior Researcher, Dr. Maksym Vasin, and his latest blog. Dr. Vasin discusses innovative strategies for advancing religious freedom beyond documentation, emphasizing the importance of education, collaboration, and cross-cultural religious literacy to create sustainable change.

Key Moments:

• [02:30] First Local-Leader-Led Retreat in Almaty, Kazakhstan: How local religious leaders, trained by LYNC, are promoting social cohesion through multifaith gatherings.
• [07:00] Election Observations in Bukhara: Wade Kusack’s reflections on observing the Uzbek elections and evolving freedoms in Uzbekistan.
• [10:30] Dr. Maksym Vasin’s Vision for Change: LYNC’s unique approach to building positive indexes and fostering covenantal pluralism as a pathway to enduring religious freedom.

Tune in to hear these inspiring stories, as LYNC continues to support multifaith dialogue and social cohesion across Central Asia!

Read Dr. Vasin's blog: https://lyncommunity.org/blog/shifting-to-the-building-of-religious-freedom-in-central-asia-lyncs-experience/

👉 For more information, visit lyncommunity.org

Episode Title: Voices of Resilience: Insights from the Berlin Civil Society Program - Part 2

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Episode Summary:

In this special episode, Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) revisits the Berlin Civil Society Program, co-convened with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust. This second part delves into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) panel, addressing religious freedom, resilience, and societal rebuilding. Key insights also emerge from the IRF Secretariat's new councils focused on corporate engagement and media. This version has an optional ending that includes extra footage from attendees and feedback for the event.

Key Segments & Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction and Recap
• Jessica reflects on the impact of Part 1, which covered the IRF Secretariat's new Academic Council, remarks from the Berlin program’s opening session, and the Eurasian panel.
• [03:30] Focus on the MENA Region Panel
• Moderated by Suzanne Grisham of MercuryOne, this panel reveals the scars left by ISIS in Iraq and Syria, highlighting local leaders' resilience. Mayor Issam Bhnam Matti of Qaraqosh, Iraq, shares the challenges of rebuilding and the crucial role of community resilience.
• [12:00] Insights from Dr. Mirza Dinnayi
• Dinnayi, founder of the House of Coexistence in Sinjar, Iraq, discusses rehabilitation efforts for Yazidi youth and the need for self-administered zones to enhance minority security. He stresses the urgency of international support for marginalized groups.
• [20:15] Education for Peace with Brikene Krasniqi
• Krasniqi of Hardwired Global emphasizes how educational initiatives in Iraq’s Nineveh Plains are transforming schools and promoting peace among youth. She discusses the success of these programs and calls for expanded global support.
• [29:30] Update from Nazira Goriya
• Although initially absent due to travel issues, Rima, who later accompanied Goriya--also from the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria-- gives a message for our listeners from her perspective on local governance and the benefits of autonomy for minority security.
• [35:10] Corporate and Media Councils: Expanding Influence
• Corporate Council: Eva Witesman of Marriott School of Business explains that companies have a lot to offer in fostering stability and resilience through religious freedom
• Media Council: Rachel Miner of Bellwether International highlights the importance of accurate media representation in addressing human rights and preventing genocide.
• [47:00] Interactive Panel: “What Needs to Be Done”
• Rev. Mae Cannon, Dr, Jocelyn Cesari, Dr. Elizabeth Podromou, and Dr. Dennis Hoover lead an open forum exploring actionable strategies. Highlights include cultural heritage preservation, interdisciplinary scholarship, and positive data-driven outcomes for religious freedom.

Call to Action:

Love Your Neighbor Community aims to support religious freedom and cross-faith dialogue through radio and video programming. Follow us on social media to stay updated on our work, and help expand the conversation by sharing this episode!

Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | lyncommunity.org

Hashtags:

#ReligiousFreedom #SocialCohesion #BerlinCivilSocietyProgram #LYNCRadio