Some communities of faith actively seek the conversion of others while other communities discourage or even refuse the conversion of seekers

These forums have already taken place.

If you missed the first forum, we recorded it, and you can view the recording on Facebook at https://fb.watch/vhjG0VA5Fm. You can also view the recording on YouTube at https://youtu.be/k2Zkc2EiudY or on the clip below:

And if you missed the second forum, you can view it on Facebook at https://fb.watch/v_gjujc6RR/ or on YouTube at https://youtu.be/nEFmEoPplvw. Or, you can view it by clicking on the clip below:

Join the Ventura County Interfaith Community for the second of its VCIC Visits events. On Friday, August 23rd, we will visit with our friends at the Islamic Center of Ventura County at their mosque (271 Riverpark Blvd., Oxnard).

Join us at 7:00PM for an introduction to and tour of the mosque. At 7:30PM, we will observe community prayer followed by a sermon by Imam Patel and refreshments.

All are welcome, so don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to experience the worship practices of our Muslim neighbors. Whether you’re curious about Islamic traditions, seeking peaceful reflection, or simply want to meet your neighbors, the Islamic Center promises a warm welcome.

This event has already taken place. However, you can view a recording of the presentation on Facebook at this link: https://fb.watch/to5cOojUhb/ or on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/HxPQPhYgmwk. Or simply click on the clip below!

Originating in the 15th century, the Sikh religion numbers some 25 million adherents most of whom reside in the Punjab region of India. Founded by Guru Nanak, Gurmat or “the way of the Guru”, as Sikhism is known to its followers, was led by nine subsequent gurus, each inhabited by the spirit of Guru Nanak. Upon the death of the 10th, that spirit transferred itself to the Sikh’s scriptures which became known as Guru Granth Sahib or “the Granth as the Guru.” (McLeod, W. Hewat. “Sikhism.” Encyclopedia Britannica, May 27, 2024. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Sikhism.)

At 7:00 PM on July 16th, the Ventura County Interfaith Community will explore this fascinating faith with the help of a practicing Sikh, Gurpreet Singh, a member of the Orange County Interfaith Network, and a frequent lecturer on Sikhism. We hope that you will join us at the Bishop’s Hall at the Church of the Epiphany (5450 Churchwood Drive, Oak Park, CA 91377).

This event is offered free of charge and all are welcome, so let your friends and neighbors who may be interested know about the event.

This event has already occurred. Not to worry, though. You can view a recording of the event on Facebook at https://fb.watch/sQroJLGwD6/, or on YouTube at https://youtu.be/tUm3XR1zvDI.

You can also view it by clicking on the clip below:

On June 18th at 7:00 PM the Ventura County Interfaith Community will continue its exploration of the interaction between faith and finances in a variety of religious traditions. In particular, we will seek to answer the question, “How do different faiths approach the gathering and allocation of financial resources?” An interfaith panel consisting of representatives of the Bahá’í community, the United Methodist Church, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness will discuss the ways that their communities solicit and receive funds and how they use their funds both in the support of their own programs, in response to needs of their congregants and the needs of those in the broader community. Our host for the evening will be the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (1201 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo).

Admission to the forum is free and all are welcome, so please feel free to pass this information along to friends and family who may be interested in the topic.

Join the Ventura County Interfaith Community for the first of its VCIC Visits events. On Friday, May 10th, we will join Congregation Or Ami (26115 Mureau Rd., Suite B, Calabasas) for a celebration of interfaith connections. The program for the evening will include:

• 6:00-6:30 Arrival and hors d’oeuvres
• 6:30-7:15 Tour – What’s inside a synagogue?
• 7:30-8:45 Musical Shabbat service
• 8:45-9:30 Blessings and refreshments (get to know each other and ask informal questions)

To let us know you’ll be joining us, RSVP to teri@terihelton.com. When doing so, please indicate if you’d like to participate in a carpool either as a driver or a passenger.

This event has already occurred, but we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook at this link: https://fb.watch/rw6_wXKGpL or by clicking on the clip below.

Or, you can view it on YouTube at this link: https://youtu.be/ZQ809-bzXSU or on the following clip:

On April 16th at 7:00 PM the Ventura County Interfaith Community will explore the interaction between faith and finances in a variety of religious traditions. In particular, we will seek to answer the question, “How do different faiths approach the gathering and allocation of financial resources?” An interfaith panel will discuss the ways that their communities solicit and receive funds and how they use their funds both in the support of their own programs, in response to needs of their congregants and the needs of those in the broader community. Our host for the evening will be the Church of Scientology of Ventura (2151 Alessandro Drive, Ventura, CA 93001).

Admission to the forum is free and all are welcome, so please feel free to pass this information along to friends and family who may be interested in the topic.

This event has taken place, but if you missed it, we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook at https://fb.watch/r5ICOZEQHE or by clicking on the embedded video below:

Or you can view it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/KJEjWHBQLvs or on this embedded video:

“Among the world’s present-day religions, Zoroastrianism, founded more than 3,000 years ago, is one of the most ancient and historically influential.” – PBS

Join the Ventura County Interfaith Community for a fascinating look at Zoroastrianism. On Tuesday, March 26th at 7:00 PM, Tim Helton Ph.D. will interview Maneck Bhujwala, a native of Mumbai and Zoroastrian priest. Bhujwala is also a past president of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council. Bhujwala and Helton will speak together via Zoom, and you can join the conversation at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84573617962?pwd=dHEydFFzSm8zRjg2dysrZkZHM1pzdz09. The event is free of charge and open to all, so don’t hesitate to tell friends and family about the event

From the eye of the storm comes a message of peace from the Holy Land!

This event has already taken place, but if you missed it, we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook using this link: https://www.facebook.com/VenturaCountyInterfaith/posts/pfbid06vEVVbUPtrQ3o8JFysL6fCefRZkCne15X3Gnn55DcBGPh7pBM6D8YQ7bxthFjJK2l, or by clicking on the video below:

Or, you can view it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vxqF-xH9yBY or by clicking below.

We hope you enjoy the video!

Join the Ventura County Interfaith Community at 7:00 PM on February 26th as we host a trio of speakers from the Holy Land.

• Ghadir Haney, a renowned and highly influential Muslim social activist, hails from the city of Acre.
• Fr. Saba Haj is the leader of a 5,000-member Christian-Arab-Orthodox Church in the town of Iblin.
• Rabbi Or Zohar serves as the Reform Rabbi of the Misgav region and also directs the Spirit of the Galilee Association (SOG).

The three individuals serve as representatives of the greater SOG’s inter-religious leadership group. Comprised of approximately 25 religious and community leaders from the Galilee region, these group members share a common vision of peace and equality between Arabs and Jews. Together, they actively initiate projects that bridge their respective communities. Through their partnership and collaborative efforts, they exemplify that “Peace in the Middle East” is not merely an unattainable dream, but a living reality embraced by numerous Arabs and Jews who reject the grip of hatred and violence, even amidst the tragic circumstances of today.

In a world marred by divisive discourse, polarization, and escalating international tensions, the message delivered by this delegation resonates far beyond the slopes of the Galilee region’s mountains.

Our host for the evening will be Saint Columba’s Episcopal Church in Camarillo (1251 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo, 93010). The event is open to all, so feel free to invite friends and family that may be interested. The event is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

This event has already occurred, but don’t worry, we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook by clicking on this link: https://fb.watch/pFmwNVpNGA/ or on the following snippet.

Or you can view it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/q_T7wF0Iwb4.

Did you know that there are more than a billion people who identify as Hindus. One of the oldest religions in the world, Hinduism is sometimes described as monotheistic while at other times, claims are made that there are millions of Hindu Deities. At 7:00 PM on January 16th, Mayesvara and Brajarani Roberts will help us sort through this. Among the topics that they will discuss are the concepts of karma, dharma, satsanga, the four human flaws, yoga, reincarnation, meditation, the process of knowing, and the difference between idol worship and deity worship.

Our hosts for the evening will be the Ventura Hindu Temple at 6085 King Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. Vegetarian refreshments will be served, and the event is free and all are welcome, so spread the word to all who may be interested.

Join us for a delightful evening of cultural exploration and celebration at the Feast of Faiths! This in-person gathering promises to be a vibrant showcase of diverse traditions and beliefs, fostering unity and understanding among religious communities.

Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023

Time: 4:00 PM (Don’t forget to set your clock back the night before)

Location: 1201 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA 93010

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures as you indulge in halal cuisine prepared by a Persian chef or choose a vegetarian alternative.

Engage in enlightening conversations with fellow attendees, as you learn about different religious practices, customs, and traditions. Discover the beauty of diversity and foster interfaith dialogue in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you are a cultural explorer or simply curious about different faiths, the Feast of Faiths is an event not to be missed. Come with an open mind and a hungry heart, ready to savor the flavors of unity and harmony.

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration of diversity at the Feast of Faiths!

Early Bird tickets bought before October 29th are a mere $30 and student tickets are a bargain at $15. General admission tickets are $35 and student tickets after October 29th are $20. Get your tickets on Eventbrite now! Just click on this link: eventbrite.com/e/728589038427?aff=oddtdtcreator.