Title: Healing in the Midst of Ukraine's War, Rebuilding Faith in Uzbekistan, and Advanced Religious Literacy Training in Kazakhstan

Host: Jessica Eturralde

Duration: 22 minutes

[00:00] Opening Segment

• Introduction to today’s topics: trauma therapy in Ukraine, rebuilding efforts in Uzbekistan, and groundbreaking training in Kazakhstan.
• Quick promo for the LYNC Interview video program.
• Related Link: LYNC INTERVIEW on YouTube

[02:18] Healing in the Midst of War: Trauma Therapy in Ukraine

• Overview of the Caring for Ukraine's Children through Trauma Healing, Hope, and Critical Care initiative.
• Key Metrics:
• 449 children and 81 adults reached across Ukraine and Germany.
• 39 group sessions conducted by 21 therapy teams in 16 cities.
• Stories of resilience:
• Matviy in Lviv overcame isolation to discover hope.
• Maksym in Zhmerinka found peace using “Safe Place” techniques.
• Sofia in Borodianka processed her trauma through art therapy.
• Recognition of Ukrainian partners, Krasy Maibutne, and their critical role.
• Read Full Report: https://lyncommunity.org/report/caring-for-ukraines-children-through-trauma-healing-hope-and-critical-care/

[09:22] Rebuilding Faith in Uzbekistan

• Spotlight on the Baptist community in Bukhara and their ongoing struggle to rebuild their church.
• Challenges faced:
• Legal and administrative barriers.
• Current alternative worship space requires significant renovations.
• Call to action:
• Goal: Raise $50,000 for renovations.
• Donate Now

[14:00] Advanced Religious Literacy Training in Kazakhstan

• Recap of the Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy Training held in Almaty, Kazakhstan.
• Highlights:
• Participation of 15 provincial heads of religious affairs.
• Hosted in collaboration with Caspian University and Straus Center for Dispute Resolution.
• Interactive sessions led by Dr. Chris Seiple, Dr. Attila Miklovits, and Dr. Sukhsimranjit Singh.
• Key moments:
• Roundtable discussions with Kazakhstani religious leaders representing Islam, Buddhism, and Christianity.
• Government officials’ heartfelt toasts reflecting on their learnings.
• Closing remarks from LYNC CEO Wade Kusack on the transformative nature of the program.
• Related Link: More on Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy

[21:00] Final Reflections and Closing Remarks

• Gratitude to the global LYNC community for their support throughout 2024.
• Teaser for the upcoming report on Kazakhstan's multi-faith engagement efforts.
• End with a moving excerpt of a Ukrainian Christmas carol

• Full Ukraine Trauma Therapy Report: Read Here
• Support Bukhara Church Rebuilding:

Episode Title: Multi-Faith Developments in Prague, Kazakhstan’s Progress, and Businesses as Agents of Peace

Host: Jessica Eturralde

[00:00] - Introduction

• Host Jessica Eturralde previews the episode, highlighting key topics:
• Multi-faith developments in Prague.
• Kazakhstan’s growing interreligious engagement.
• A feature interview with Dr. Eva Witesman on how businesses contribute to communities beyond financial support.

[02:10] - Prague Multi-Faith Conference Recap

• Coverage of the multi-faith conference held in Prague in partnership with Czech Ambassador Robert Rehak, LYNC, IRF Secretariat, and Templeton Religion Trust.

Notable details include:

• Program themes: peacebuilding, countering Islamophobia, and radical ideologies.
• Event highlights and key messages, such as fostering tolerance and promoting action.

[05:32] - Notable Speakers at the Prague Conference

• Highlights from key speakers:
• Mohamed Mosaad Abdelaziz Mohamed: Importance of dialogue, trust-building post-conflict, and engagement with radical perspectives.
• Hana Bendkowsky: Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam (repairing the world) as a call for justice and compassion.
• Sheikh Al Mahfoudh Bin Bayyah: The role of the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi as an educational multi-faith space.

[13:08] - Greg Mitchell and Ambassador Rehak’s Reflections

• IRF CEO Greg Mitchell: Call for multi-faith collaboration, practical takeaways, and future plans to launch regional centers.
• Ambassador Robert Rehak: Appeal to attendees to foster dialogue and combat hatred beyond the event.

[17:57] - Kazakhstan’s Delegation and Multi-Faith Efforts

• Coverage of Kazakhstan’s delegation to Prague and its growing role in promoting interreligious dialogue.
• Details from discussions with Vice Minister Kanat Iskakov and other officials:
• Emphasis on religious freedom, addressing hate speech, and exploring AI solutions.
• Upcoming initiatives such as the cross-cultural religious literacy program at Caspian University.
• Quotes from Kazakhstan’s Vice Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov on the country’s progress and LYNC CEO Wade Kusack on the broader impact of LYNC’s work in Central Asia.

[21:52] - Extended Interview: Dr. Eva Witesman

• Highlights from the conversation with Dr. Eva Witesman, professor at BYU’s Marriott School of Business:
• Corporations as public social spaces influencing religious freedom and social cohesion.
• The role of businesses in peacebuilding and addressing community challenges beyond philanthropy.
• Call for collaboration between civil society, governments, and businesses to foster sustainable development.
• Quote: “It’s not just about profit; businesses are key players in shaping public values and building peace.”
• WATCH THE EPISODE : https://youtu.be/ego-uOulSgg

[28:45] - Episode Wrap-Up

• Host Jessica Eturralde recaps the episode and encourages listeners to:
• Subscribe, like, and share the program.
• Tune in for the next episode, which will feature a detailed segment on Kazakhstan’s first ever Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy Program.

• Watch the

[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.

[02:27] 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

[08:16] 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.

[13:02] 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.

[18:12] 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.

[01:29] 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.

[08:45] Observing Progress 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 and religious freedom, with an encouraging view of the increased opportunities now available to the people of Uzbekistan.

[13:26] 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.
• [09:00] Election Observations in Bukhara: Wade Kusack’s reflections on observing the Uzbek elections and evolving freedoms in Uzbekistan.
• [13:30] 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

Just want to hear one section? Click on the player to select Chapters.

Show Notes: Special Edition of LYNC RADIO: The Berlin Civil Society Program (Part 1)

Welcome to a special edition of LYNC Radio, where we explore the Berlin Civil Society Program, co-convened by Love Your Neighbor Community in partnership with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust. This episode covers insights from the opening sessions, including the launch of the new Academic Council and highlights from the Eurasian panel.

1. Berlin Civil Society Program:

• Held at the iconic Adlon Kempinski Hotel, the program brought together global leaders to discuss pressing issues related to religious freedom, social cohesion, and resilience.
• The event was convened by the IRF Secretariat, Templeton Religion Trust, and Love Your Neighbor Community.

2. Launch of the IRF Secretariat's Global Academic Council:

• Co-chaired by Rev. Mae Cannon and Jocelyne Cesari, the council seeks to critically examine terms like violence, security, and extremism in the context of religious freedom.
• Jocelyne Cesari stressed that violence can be structural, embedded in political and social institutions, often leading to violations of religious freedom.
• Contributions from Dr. Pavol Bargár and Dr. Dennis Hoover emphasized the complexity of structural violence and the need for a more nuanced understanding of extremism and religious privilege.

3. Eurasian Panel Highlights:

• Moderated by Wade Kusack, this panel featured key voices from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Moldova, focusing on multi-faith dialogue and collaboration.
• Speakers from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia and Moldova discussed national efforts to promote tolerance, human rights, and religious freedom in their countries.

4. Key Contributions:

• Dr. Karima Almazroui shared her experience developing a curriculum in the UAE, which promotes tolerance and civic responsibility among over 600,000 students annually.
• Elizabeth Prodromou from Boston College highlighted the link between religious freedom and cultural heritage preservation, using Northern Cyprus as an example.
• Ambassador Robert Řehák discussed the impact of religion on political agendas, particularly in the context of Russia's aggression against Ukraine.
• Ghanaian MP Godfred Seidu Jasaw emphasized the role of parliamentarians in safeguarding religious freedom and civil liberties.

5. The Role of Religious Leaders:

• Religious leaders from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Moldova shared stories of multi-faith cooperation and friendship, reinforcing the importance of relationships in addressing global challenges and promoting social cohesion.

• Learn more about Love Your Neighbor Community: LYN Community
• WATCH LYNC INTERVIEW + LYNC TALK on YouTube!
• Follow LYNC on social media:
• Facebook:

• For more information, including access to blogs, radio programs, and video shows, visit lyncommunity.org.
• IRF Secretariat Civil Society Program, Berlin, October 8-10. Visit IRFsecretariat.org for registration details.

[00:00] – Introduction

Host Jessica Eturralde introduces the episode’s key topics, including LYNC’s new media initiative, USCIRF's reauthorization, and upcoming events in Berlin.

[00:25] – New Media Initiative by LYNC

Love Your Neighbor Community launches a media initiative to promote dialogue between individuals of different beliefs. Listeners are encouraged to like, subscribe, and share to help expand these conversations. More details at lyncommunity.org.

[01:15] – USURF Act of 2024 Reauthorization

On September 23rd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) Act of 2024, extending the Commission’s work until 2026. The bipartisan bill addresses rising religious persecution globally, including in countries like China, Iran, and North Korea. Key advocates included Senators Marco Rubio and Ben Cardin, with support from USCIRF leadership. The bill now awaits President Biden’s signature.

[04:00] – Wade Kusack Attends Nantucket Project

LYNC CEO Wade Kusack attended the Nantucket Project, an annual gathering that explores trauma healing, societal divisions, and pluralism. Notable participants included former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak, survivors of the Hamas attack, and Facebook whistleblower Frances Haugen.

[06:15] – Berlin Ministerial and Conference on Extremism and Religious Freedom

LYNC partners with the IRF Secretariat and Templeton Religion Trust to host a two-day civil society conference in Berlin. The event will bring majority world voices into conversations on religious freedom and extremism, aiming to build social cohesion and resilience. View IRF Secretariat's event page here: https://irfsecretariat.org/berlin-program/#

[08:00] – Closing Remarks

For more information, including access to blogs, radio programs, and video shows, visit lyncommunity.org.

[00:00] – Introduction

Host Jessica Eturralde welcomes listeners to LYNC RADIO and announces upcoming topics, including new colleagues at Love Your Neighbor Community (LYNC) and celebrations of Uzbekistan's Independence Day.

[00:30] – New Media Initiative

LYNC launches a new media initiative to foster conversations between people of different beliefs. The initiative aims to encourage open dialogue and understanding through shared perspectives. Listeners are encouraged to subscribe and share the program to expand conversations around social cohesion. Visit lyncommunity.org for more information.

[01:20] – Introducing New Senior Fellows

LYNC welcomes two new senior fellows:

• Dr. Chris Seiple, head of the Sagestone Group, brings over 30 years of experience in building social cohesion. He has worked with organizations like Templeton Religion Trust and the World Economic Forum, and has contributed extensively to U.S. government religious policy.
• Dr. Dennis Hoover, editor-in-chief of the Review of Faith & International Affairs, is an expert in faith and global affairs. His recent works focus on religious diversity and covenantal pluralism in Asia.

[03:00] – Contributions of New Fellows

Both Dr. Seiple and Dr. Hoover will contribute to LYNC’s blogs and interviews. Dr. Seiple’s latest blog, In the Beginning, addresses human rights, religious violence, and conflict resolution through the lens of Genesis.

LYNC Senior Fellow Dennis R. Hoover recently published an essay at Portico titled, “Knowledge About Religions is Good—But Cross-Cultural Religious Literacy is Better.” The essay elaborates on cross-cultural religious literacy, abridged from his address at a conference in Georgia.

[04:00] – New Team Members

LYNC also welcomes:

• Halina Kusack as Administration Director
• Carter Brown as Project Manager for the Covenantal Pluralism Initiative in South Florida.

[04:30] – Uzbekistan’s Independence Day Celebration

Halina Kusack attended Uzbekistan’s Independence Day celebration in Washington, D.C., marking the country’s freedom from the Soviet Union in 1991. The event featured traditional music, dance, and cuisine, offering an opportunity for diplomats and officials to celebrate Uzbekistan’s cultural heritage and achievements.

[06:10] – Conclusion

Listeners are encouraged to visit lyncommunity.org and explore more programs under the Media tab.

Visit: lyncommunity.org for more information and updates from Love Your Neighbor Community.