Rumi Forum

07/06/2026

Rumi Forum's 2025–2026 Annual Report is here!

https://bit.ly/RumiForumAnnualReport

Over the past activity year, Rumi Forum continued its mission of building relationships, advancing religious literacy, and strengthening social trust through dialogue and community engagement.

Together with our incredible partners, supporters, volunteers, and participants, we:

• Hosted 43 events
• Engaged 2,344 participants
• Collaborated with 37 partner organizations

From interfaith Iftars and Scriptural Reasoning sessions to public conversations, young professional programs, film discussions, conferences, and collaborative initiatives like faith250, every gathering reflected our belief that meaningful dialogue has the power to bring people together across differences.

To every partner, donor, volunteer, speaker, and participant who walked alongside us this year—thank you! Your trust, generosity, and commitment made this work possible.

07/04/2026

As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States this Fourth of July, we honor the enduring ideals that have inspired generations: liberty, equality, justice, and the promise that people of every background can build a shared future together.

This Independence Day, may we renew our commitment to being bridge-builders in our communities, protecting the dignity of every person, and carrying forward the unfinished work of creating a more just, compassionate, and united nation.

Happy Independence Day, and Happy 250th Anniversary, America! 🇺🇸

07/02/2026

What a beautiful way to welcome the 250th anniversary of independence! 🇺🇸

Over the past five months, people from different faith traditions and backgrounds came together to discuss important American texts and to witness how faith can contribute to the common good.

This week, our faith250 cluster gathered for a potluck dinner to mark the conclusion of our conversation series. The evening reflected everything faith250 has been about: engaging conversations, delicious food, and a shared commitment to building a more united future.

A special thank you to St. Peter's in the Woods Episcopal Church for graciously hosting our final gathering and for their generous hospitality!

While this chapter of faith250 has come to a close, our work is far from over. In the months ahead, we'll be announcing new events together with our faith community partners.

Here's to continuing to build bridges!

06/29/2026

Today, we are delighted to welcome Hakan Atasever as the new Executive Director of Rumi Forum.

With more than two decades of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, community engagement, and intercultural dialogue, Hakan brings a deep commitment to service and a lifelong passion for building understanding across cultures and faiths.

As we begin this new season, we are excited for our community to get to know Hakan and to join us in supporting his leadership. We are confident that, under his guidance, Rumi Forum will continue to expand its impact and advance its mission of dialogue, education, and service.

Please join us in giving Hakan a warm welcome to the Rumi Forum family. We look forward to the journey ahead!

06/20/2026

06/19/2026

A recent The Chronicle of Philanthropy article highlights the work of faith250, a growing interfaith initiative that brings Americans together to engage the founding ideals of our democracy through respectful dialogue, reflection, and relationship-building.

As the 250th anniversary nears, a fast-growing network of clergy is treating the Declaration of Independence as a sacred text — and using it to coax their congregations back into civil conversation across political lines.

06/08/2026

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, we are encouraged to see the growing impact of faith250 project across Virginia and beyond.

A recent article by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia features faith250 gatherings in Northern Virginia that have brought together faith communities to engage in meaningful conversations about our shared civic values and hopes for the future.

https://episcopalvirginia.org/stories/as-july-4-nears-va-parishes-challenge-polarization-through-faith250/

Rumi Forum is honored to be among the partners helping cultivate these spaces for listening, reflection, and relationship-building. At a time when division often dominates public life, faith250 reminds us that faith communities can serve as bridges of understanding and catalysts for civic renewal.

As July 4 approaches, five Diocese of Virginia congregations are participating in Faith250, a multifaith initiative helping communities listen, reflect, and find connection at a time of deep national division.

05/28/2026

Eid al-Adha reminds us of the enduring values of faith, sacrifice, gratitude, generosity, and care for one another.

We extend our warmest wishes to all observing this sacred occasion!

05/26/2026

On this Memorial Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this day also invites us to reflect on the ideals, sacrifices, and shared responsibilities that continue to shape our common life as a nation.

May this milestone anniversary become an opportunity to renew our commitment to one another and to the values that strengthen our civic life: dignity, compassion, service, and the common good.