Americans Together

Peace grows through dialogue, not division. When we speak with open hearts, we build stronger bridges of trust.

Respecting differences is how true harmony begins.

🕊️ Let’s talk peace—join the dialogue for unity! 💬

📞 (202) 717-2892
📩 [email protected]
🌐 https://centerforpluralism.com/

WHAT IS LOVE?

It has been my spouse's childhood dream to visit Spain, and it brings me tremendous joy to help her make it a reality. Love is about supporting each other's growth, finding happiness in life, and seeking solace in each other. It involves helping fulfill the dreams of those we love, such as taking my spouse to see what she has always wanted for her, visiting museums in Madrid, especially the works of her favorite artist, Diego Velazquez, and trying authentic Paella, which we enjoyed next to the Picasso Museum.

During our trip, we visited the magnificent La Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona, the tallest Church in the world. My favorite was the Cordoba Church and Mosque, where we took a picture capturing the Church in the center with the Mosque's architecture on either side. I appreciated Spain's practice of coexistence, known as La Convivencia, as described by Dr. Akbar Ahmed in his travels. Similarly, Jerusalem's construction of the Holy Sepulcher Church and Umar's Mosque within the same walls is a great example.

I am pleased that Spain has preserved its heritage by repurposing the abandoned materials of the Church and the Mosque. Despite Ferdinand's historical actions, I am gratified that the current generation of Spanish people is doing the right thing.

I express my wish that the United States had not removed the statues of the Confederate Generals; they are part of our history, and history should not be erased. All our history's good, bad, and ugly aspects should be preserved and acknowledged. What has happened in the past should remain in the past. I also hope that modern India takes measures to protect all its heritage Mosques and Temples. About 15 years ago, while traveling from New Delhi to the City of Agra, on my way to the Taj Mahal, I encountered a monument at the midpoint between the two cities that had been vandalized, with bricks being hauled away. I intervened and stopped the individuals involved, but they likely resumed their activities once I was gone.

When I have the time, I plan to write more about pluralism, love for each other, and love for humanity.

Dr. Ghouse is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant. A Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and a social scientist. President/ Center for Pluralism, Director/ World Muslim Congress, and partner at InterfaithMarriages.org - Google search for more

SPEAKING ABOUT OBAMA CARE - US SUPREME COURT

A huge crowd gathered in the footsteps of the Supreme Court, I was standing next to Nancy Pelosi, Chuck Schumer, Bernie Sanders, and all the key Democrats. It is when Trump wanted to revoke the Obama care but failed in the House. I asked Nancy If I could speak, and she allowed me to speak with a huge media presence. Of course, I always talk about Pluralism.

Mike Ghouse
www.CenterforPluralism.com

Buddhist-Muslim Wedding

I have officiated interfaith marriages of people from nine different faiths, but only one needs to be added: Zoroastrian. Once, I officiated a Zoroastrian interreligious marriage, so I have officiated weddings for people of all major faiths.

It's a testament to the diversity of our world that almost everyone who marries comes from a progressive household. This weekend, I'm honored to officiate two weddings in Edmonton and Houston, both of which reflect the beautiful tapestry of our society. The couple on Saturday, for instance, is a beautiful blend of cultures and faiths—the groom was raised by a Jewish father and a Christian mother, while the bride had a Muslim father and a Hindu mother.

Our weddings are inclusive, and people walk away respecting each other's faith as I focus on the essence of each religion rather than rituals, and every religion serves its purpose in restoring harmony to each individual.

God has blessed them all - they respect and accept all of God's creation without reserve.

Drs. Mylord Fatima Reyes Tosta and Mike Ghouse
Wedding Officiants of America
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
www.InterfaithMarriages.org
www.ceremoniasenespanol.com
https://muslimweddingofficiant.org/

CAUSER

About 75% of the world believes that you and I were born through a system that someone has created. There is always a cause for us to come into being; indeed, there must be a causer for causing the creation. That causer is known by many names.

What are the different names?
www.CenterforPluralism.com

INCLUSIVE LANGUAGE of WEDDINGS

Every day, our language evolves to become more inclusive and universal. The traditional view of marriage as solely between a man and a woman is expanding to include the union of two individuals or two souls, as per the language of the Quran (30:21). This shift towards inclusivity is a positive step for our society.

وَمِنۡ ءَایَـٰتِهِۦۤ أَنۡ خَلَقَ لَكُم مِّنۡ أَنفُسِكُمۡ أَزۡوَ ٰجࣰا لِّتَسۡكُنُوۤا۟ إِلَیۡهَا وَجَعَلَ بَیۡنَكُم مَّوَدَّةࣰ وَرَحۡمَةًۚ إِنَّ فِی ذَ ٰلِكَ لَءَایَـٰتࣲ لِّقَوۡمࣲ یَتَفَكَّرُونَ ۝٢١

Different translations and my understanding:

Asad, "And among His wonders is this: He creates for you mates out of your own kind. so that you might incline towards them, and He engenders love and tenderness between you: in this, behold, there are messages indeed for people who think,"

Safi, "And among His signs is that He created spouses for you from among yourselves, so that you may find peace with them, and He has placed affection and mercy between you. In this there are signs for people who think."

Bakhtiar, "And among His signs are that He created for you spouses from among yourselves, that you rest in them. And He made affection and mercy among you. Truly, in that are certainly signs for a folk who reflect."

My understanding

Sometimes, it is easy to understand creation from a computing point of view. In today's count, there are approximately 8.3 billion humans, and each person can connect with 8.3 billion minus one. What brings two individuals together? The Quran says God places love and compassion for two people together to live in peace and tranquility. It is as if God plants a chip in two hearts to come together. As long as they respect the otherness of the other and accept God-given uniqueness, they live in tranquility for a lifetime or until the chip remains intact. The Quran offers much to those who can question and reflect on life and all its bounties.

Drs. Fatima & Mike Mohamed Ghouse
Wedding Officiants of America
email: [email protected]
email: [email protected]
www.InterfaithMarriages.org
www.ceremoniasenespanol.com
https://muslimweddingofficiant.org/

The Magic Kingdom Wedding

We have officiated several Nikah, Christian, and Interfaith marriages in destinations like Cancun, Mexico City, Tulum, Cozumel, Buffalo, and the Magic Kingdom in Disney. We are heading to Spain and, later this year, to Edinburgh, Scotland, and Cape Town. We have perfected the Virtual Nikah and have conducted it in Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, France, the UK, New Zealand, India, and other nations.

Drs. Fatima and Mike Ghouse
Wedding Officiants of America
www.InterfaithMarriages.org

FEAR OF GOVERNMENT

The 4th of July has come and gone, marking the 248th year since the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. Ironically, we fear our elected government officials, as they are supposed to “derive their power from the consent of the governed” but often violate this principle.

The government aims to foster societies in which every human feels safe and secure regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, or other identification.

The looming presidential election is a source of significant concern for all Americans. The choice between Biden and Trump is far from ideal, as both seem to disregard the principles of the Declaration of Independence. They appear to prioritize their interests over those of the people who elected them, akin to dogs loyal to whoever provides them with the bones. Biden needs to step down; we have had enough of him; we certainly do not want Trump, as he will be creating chaos and not peace within. We need a peaceful America that focuses on prosperity and lets people have the freedom our Constitution assures.

The US Supreme Court's decision is dangerous, as it gives a model of immunity to violators worldwide. Courts around the world look up to the US Supreme Court for a sense of justice, and now the same courts will grant immunity to tyrants like Netanyahu, Modi, and others. Should the violator go scot-free?

Our leaders must heed the example set by George Washington, who declined to seek a third term. He was not power hungry; he came, served, stabilized the nation, and left. Unlike him, both these candidates seem determined to cling to power. What kind of legacy will they leave behind? Will America become a place where some feel safe and secure while others are threatened?

America’s greatness has come because of our freedoms; neither candidate cares for human rights and freedom. It is a shame if we reelect them.

Additionally, looking at our allies like the UK, Israel, India, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and several others, they were all governed by power-thirsty individuals who did not care about their people but cared about their whims. Fortunately, two corrections are happening to restore common sense centrist governments now. The public in India and the UK have kicked out the extremist leaders, and we hope the people of Israel, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia will follow suit.

DIVERSITY OF MIKE GHOUSE - YOURS?

If you can shed the bias towards others, you'll love the connections with every human that God or his systems have created. This creates a sense of freedom and brings meaning and joy to life. Embracing and respecting how people dress, eat, and practice their beliefs becomes an enriching experience.

Here is my diversity, and I hope you can write about yours and share or at least think about it. The other day, while driving home, my mind ran a reel of all the people I have worked with for over 50 years. Each person's name came with a clear face. I was happy like a baby when he walked three steps without falling. I distinctly remember my grandchildren's happy faces.

I grew up in a diverse environment, thanks to my parents. My father, who was the mayor of our town, and I, along with my sister, celebrated festivals across different religions, including Hindu, Christian, Jain, and others. I carried on this tradition with my children, taking them to various places of worship in Dallas, including the LGBTQ church and Pagan gatherings. My mother conversed weekly with a Zoroastrian lady, while my father and maternal grandfather regularly discussed Shia-Sunni theology. I absorbed much of this diverse knowledge in pluralistic terms (respecting the otherness of the others).
In addition to this, my father's flour mill attracted people from various backgrounds, including Adivasis (tribals), Gypsies (Banjara/ Khandari), Dalits, Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus, all of whom came to get their grains (wheat, millet, and rice) ground. As a teenager working with my dad, I learned to respect the diversity of our community by listening to and asking questions of these diverse individuals who stayed in our mill for over an hour. I was probably 14, and every year, a Kandharni came to the mill with a baby hanging on her side; she was so beautiful, she spoke Pushto, and I couldn't communicate with her, but I was infatuated and interested in her, she looked similar to that famous Afghan girl on Time magazine several centuries ago.

During my teenage years, I engaged in interfaith dialogues with Christians, Hindus, and Muslims, including my college professor, Dr. A. Ramachandra, and Fakhru Bhai, a weaver in these conversations. Both of them had expertise in Hinduism and Islam.

Friday was spent at the Mosque, and Saturday nights were spent singing Bhajans (Hindu devotional songs) at the Hindu temple on my street in Yelahanka, my hometown. Every Wednesday, I went to the Mahabodhi Center for Buddhist teachings, and once a month, I went to the Church.

I worked as an admin in a catering college called Food Craft Institute in Bangalore. There, we interacted with students from many countries and enjoyed different foods daily, over 200 cuisines in one year for three years. There is a lot of diversity in cuisines and cultures.

I worked in Saudi Arabia as deputy controller of the largest ($5.3 billion) project in the mid-70s for Fluor Arabia in Shedgum and Dhahran. It was a gas gathering project converting into Liquified Natural Gas - I managed 5 sites. I interacted with 44 nationalities from South and South East Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americans who worked there. I loved their different accents in English, and now I can hear anyone speak English and understand it fairly easily.

Between Food Craft Institute and Fluor, my ability to hear and pronounce different names and listen to different accents has increased tremendously in communicating with anyone.

I have gained enriching experiences in various facets of real estate, including home building, leasing, mortgage brokerage, and property management (50 years). Throughout that time, I have had the opportunity to build six new homes and reside in diverse neighborhoods before finally settling in an all-Black community in Southeast Washington, DC.

Within the Center for Pluralism, I have taken the initiative to organize and lead four annual events featuring workshops exploring 12 distinct religions and engaging radio shows. Do seminars on 12 different faiths and produce and anchor 780 hours of radio shows on religions. Dallas Morning News has published about 250 articles on interfaith and over 100 articles in the Huffington Post. Over 300 newspapers have published my work across the world. I aspire to encapsulate these remarkable experiences in a book.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my life has been officiating over 400 weddings between individuals from different faiths (9), races (4), and ethnicities (over 50). Additionally, I have liaised with more than 500 families to ensure seamless and joyous wedding celebrations. These experiences have also allowed me to travel to over 50 cities across America and Canada and even partake in destination weddings in Mexico, with plans for Spain and other locales shortly. Additionally, I have conducted Nikah (Muslim wedding) ceremonies over Zoom in Sweden, Norway, the UK, Germany, New Zealand, and India (India: three Muslim-Hindu and one Sikh-Muslim).

I believe embracing diversity enriches life and brings a profound sense of joy and meaning. It fosters an environment where we can appreciate and celebrate the distinctive ways people express themselves through their attire, culinary traditions, or spiritual beliefs. By learning to respect and acknowledge the uniqueness of others, we pave the way for harmonious coexistence, thus diminishing conflicts and giving rise to viable solutions. This, to me, is the epitome of pluralism at the Center for Pluralism.

The above is a summary. God willing, I plan to write a book in the hope that it will provide insights into the joy of living in peace "with a bias towards none (Lincoln)." I know that we are tested when genocides are happening around when tyrants harass their people. I feel that I can answer my grandkids that I have made every effort, spoken, written, and continue to write to do my share of Tikkun Olam, Islah al Alam, or repairing the world to restore Dharma. You will not believe this: I am a bold, assertive man who dealt with Sean Hannity on Fox News and many extremists who spoke in rallies, yet I did not have the guts to tell two women that I was interested in them; I am glad it all happened for my good.

I am 72 and on dialysis, and I am thankful to God every morning that I am alive and active, put in more than 8 hours a day, even on my Dialysis Day. My greatest happiness is my wife; she did not hesitate to be friends, knowing that I was on dialysis. She believed that I would get a kidney transplant, and she got someone she knew who was the best fit, but she chose to go with another guy for money two weeks before the transplant. The doctor has assured me that I should get the transplant this year, as I have crossed five years now. My wife, Fatima, is a God's blessing; we love our life together and appreciate our families, friends, and well-wishers. A motivational message for you. In football, the quarterback launches the ball precisely to the running back. The running back's singular purpose is to navigate through the field, overcoming obstacles and opposition and aiming to reach the coveted end zone. Despite the physical challenge of being tackled by formidable opponents, including dragging or piling up on him, the running back remains unwavering in his determination to reach the end zone.

You can imagine how tough it is—like on the football field, life throws us unexpected challenges. Fatima and I have decided our end zone is harmony and happiness. We have an unwavering determination to keep reaching this end zone (Harmony) every time we are tackled.
Set your end zone to be happiness and harmony.

Mike Ghouse
Thank you.

Mike Ghouse

Cell/Text: (214) 325-1916

Dr. Ghouse is an Interfaith Wedding Officiant. A Muslim, Pluralist, activist, speaker, author, and a social scientist. President/ Center for Pluralism, Director/ World Muslim Congress, and partner at InterfaithMarriages.org - Google search for more

DIVERSITY - A GUARANTEED SOURCE OF LIVING PEACEFULLY

If you can shed the bias towards others, you'll love the connections with every human that God or his systems have created. This creates a sense of freedom and brings meaning and joy to life. Embracing and respecting how people dress, eat, and practice their beliefs becomes an enriching experience.

Here is my diversity, and I hope you can write about it and share it with me.

I grew up in a diverse environment, thanks to my parents. My father, who was the mayor of our town, and I, along with my sister, celebrated festivals across different religions, including Hindu, Christian, Jain, and others. I carried on this tradition with my children, taking them to various places of worship in Dallas, including the LGBTQ church and Pagan gatherings. My mother conversed weekly with a Zoroastrian lady, while my father and maternal grandfather regularly discussed Shia-Sunni theology. I absorbed much of this diverse knowledge in pluralistic terms

In addition to this, my father's flour mill attracted people from various backgrounds, including Adivasis (tribals), Gypsies (Banjara/ Khandari), Dalits, Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus, all of whom came to get their grains (wheat, millet, and rice) ground. As a teenager working with my dad, I learned to respect the diversity of our community by listening to and asking questions of these diverse individuals who stayed in our mill for over an hour.

During my teenage years, I engaged in interfaith dialogues with Christians, Hindus, and Muslims, including my college professor, Dr. A. Ramachandra, and Fakhru Bhai, a weaver in these conversations. Both of them had expertise in Hinduism and Islam.

Friday was time at the Mosque, and Saturday nights were singing Bhajans (Hindu devotional songs) at the Hindu temple on my street in Yelahanka, my hometown; every Wednesday, I went to the Mahabodhi Center – Buddhist teachings, and once a month went to the Church.

I worked as an admin in a catering college called Food Craft Institute in Bangalore. There, we interacted with students from many countries and enjoyed different foods daily, over 200 cuisines in one year for three years. There is a lot of diversity in cuisines and cultures.

I worked in Saudi Arabia as deputy controller of the largest ($5.3 billion) project in the mid-70s for Fluor Arabia in Shedgum and Dhahran. It was a gas gathering project converting into Liquified Natural Gas - I managed 5 sites and interacted with 44 nationalities from South and South East Asia, Africa, and Europe and Americans who worked there; I loved their different accents in English, and now I can hear anyone speak English and understand it with fairly ease.

Between Food Craft Institute and Fluor, my ability to hear and pronounce different names and listen to different accents has increased tremendously in communicating with anyone.

I have gained enriching experiences in various facets of real estate, including home building, leasing, and property management. Throughout that time, I have had the opportunity to build six new homes and reside in diverse neighborhoods before finally settling in an all-Black community in Southeast Washington, DC.

Within the Center for Pluralism, I have taken the initiative to organize and lead four annual events featuring workshops exploring 12 distinct religions and engaging radio shows. Do seminars on 12 different faiths and produce and anchor 780 hours of radio shows on religions. Dallas Morning News has published about 250 articles on interfaith and over 100 articles in the Huffington Post. Over 300 newspapers have published my work across the world. My aspiration is to encapsulate these remarkable experiences in a book.

One of the most fulfilling aspects of my life has been officiating over 400 weddings between individuals from different faiths (9), races (4), and ethnicities (over 50). Additionally, I have liaised with more than 500 families to ensure seamless and joyous wedding celebrations. These experiences have also allowed me to travel to over 50 cities across America and Canada and even partake in destination weddings in Mexico, with plans for Spain and other locales shortly. Additionally, I have conducted Nikah (Muslim wedding) ceremonies over Zoom in Sweden, Norway, the UK, Germany, New Zealand, and India (India: three Muslim-Hindu and one Sikh-Muslim).

I believe embracing diversity enriches life and brings a profound sense of joy and meaning. It fosters an environment where we can appreciate and celebrate the distinctive modes through which people express themselves through their attire, culinary traditions, or spiritual beliefs. By learning to respect and acknowledge the uniqueness of others, we pave the way for harmonious coexistence, thus diminishing conflicts and giving rise to viable solutions. This, to me, is the epitome of pluralism at the Center for Pluralism.

The above is a summary. God willing, I plan to write a book in the hope that it will provide insights into the joy of living in peace "with a bias towards none (Lincoln)." I know that we are tested when genocides are happening around when tyrants harass their people. I feel that I can answer my grandkids that I have made every effort, spoken, written, and continue to write to do my share of Tikkun Olam, Islah al Alam, or repairing the world to restore Dharma.

I am 72 and on dialysis, and I am thankful to God every morning that I am alive. My greatest happiness is my wife, and we are enjoying our lives. She is God's blessing to me, and together we love our life.

Mike Ghouse

39 RELIGION WORKSHOPS
39 RELIGION WORKSHOPS

We are committed to providing essential knowledge about different faiths through religious workshops. These workshops significantly impact dispelling biases and myths and help alleviate tension and apprehension. So far, we have conducted 39 workshops, and the announcement for the next series of workshops will be available on Eventbrite and our website.

Mike Ghouse
www.CenterforPluralism.com
www.InterfaithMarriages.org