Focused on topics of religion, peace and ethics, the annual Gershenson Lecture is named in honor of Elliot Gershenson, President Emeritus of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston.
HOUSTON (August 26, 2022) – On the evening of Tuesday, September 20, 2022, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (Interfaith Ministries) will present Bob Smietana as keynote speaker at its fourth annual Gershenson Lecture. This event will feature a fascinating conversation with Smietana and local faith leaders whose real-life stories and observations will shed light on how faith communities are coping with the promise and challenges of a changing religious landscape.
Smietana is a nationally recognized religion reporter with Religion News Service, the author of the recently released book “Reorganized Religions”, and a curious journalist with over twenty years of experience reporting on the intersection of faith, values and everyday life. He will join the participating Houston faith leaders in a live discussion about how faith has survived and thrived in Houston during tumultuous times. He will share his knowledge of polling data and observations of how faith communities old and new are coping with change.
Local panelists represent Houston’s rich religious diversity and include: Shariq Ghani, Executive Director of the Minaret Foundation; Rabbi Scott Hausman-Weiss of Congregation Shma Koleinu; Rev. Laura Mayo of Covenant Baptist Church; Pastor Joseph Rios of the Generaciones Worship Community at Chapelwood United Methodist Church; and Rev. Dr. Mia Knight Wright of Fountain of Praise Church.
The event, held at Chapelwood United Methodist Church at 11140 Greenbay St. in Houston, will begin with a reception at 7:00 p.m., followed by the formal program beginning at 7:30 p.m. and a subsequent book signing. The event is complimentary and open to the public, through reservations are required due to limited seating. Online reservations may be made at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/399055083497.
There is also a live stream option through Interfaith Ministries’ Facebook page for those who prefer to attend virtually.
Focused on topics of religion, peace and ethics, the annual Gershenson Lecture is named in honor of Elliot Gershenson, President Emeritus of Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston.
ABOUT INTERFAITH MINISTRIES FOR GREATER HOUSTON
A United Way agency, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (Interfaith Ministries) brings people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration and service, as a demonstration of our shared beliefs. Interfaith Ministries provides five main services: Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston and Galveston County delivers more than two million meals each year to more than 5,000 homebound seniors and people with disabilities across five counties; Refugee Services, in conjunction with the U.S. State Department and Episcopal Migration Ministries, resettles hundreds of refugees in Houston annually; Interfaith Relations and Community Partnerships provides community services and education fostering understanding, respect and engagement among Houstonians of all faiths and no particular faith; Volunteer Houston connects volunteers in transformative projects with area nonprofits; and SERVE HOUSTON forms the leaders of tomorrow, while meeting the community needs of today. For more information, visit https://www.imgh.org/.