c. 2007 Religion News Service
NOTE: Holidays that begin at sundown continue through sundown of the next day, unless otherwise noted.
(UNDATED) This calendar of events is a listing of major religious holidays, conferences and denominational meetings for 2008. It will be updated each month.
Jan. 3-5
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities: Symposium for Campus Ministers, North Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Contact: Michael Galligan-Stierle at 202-457-0650; e-mail: mgs(at)accunet.org; Web site: http://www.seekingthelight.slu.edu
Jan. 6
Feast of the Epiphany (Christian celebration of the arrival of the Magi to visit the infant Jesus. Eastern Orthodox churches call it Theophany to mark the baptism of Jesus and his first miracle at the wedding at Cana.)
Jan. 8-11
Christian Churches Together in the USA: annual meeting, Baltimore. Contact: The Rev. Richard Hamm at 317-490-1968; e-mail: dhamm(at)ddi.org
Jan. 10
Muharram (Muslim New Year. Celebrated on the first day of the Islamic lunar calendar month of Muharram. Actual start date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)
Jan. 12
Stellar Gospel Music Awards: annual show, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: A. Jalila Larsuel at 626-398-5028; e-mail: JLMediaPR(at)aol.com; Web site: http://www.thestellarawards.com
Jan. 16
Religious Freedom Day
Jan. 17-19
Just Between Us magazine: Conference for Ministry Wives, Waukesha, Wis. Contact: Shelly Esser at 262-754-3533; e-mail: jjesser(at)execpc.com; Web site: http://www.justbetweenus.org
Crystal Cathedral and Church Communications Network: “Rethink,” a conference featuring religious, political and other world leaders discussing new perspectives on cultural issues, Garden Grove, Calif. Contact: Penny Whipps at 541-549-1868, Ext. 8815; e-mail: Penny(at)Zeal.com; Web site: rethinkconference.com
Jan. 18-25
World Council of Churches and the Vatican: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, worldwide. Contact: Juan Michel at 011-41-79-507-6363; e-mail: media(at)wcc-coe.org; Web site: http://www.oikoumene.org/?id=3193
Jan. 19
Ashura (Optional fast day for Muslims. This marks the creation of the world, Noah’s departure from the ark, and Moses’ flight from Egypt. Actual start date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)
Jan. 21-23
Trinity Institute: “Religion and Violence: Untangling the Roots of Conflict,” interfaith conference, New York. Contact: Diane Reed at 212-602-0813; e-mail: dreed(at)trinitywallstreet.org; Web site: http://www.trinitywallstreet.org/institute
Jan. 22
Tu B’Shvat (Jewish celebration of the environment; begins at sundown.)
March for Life: annual anti-abortion rally, Washington. Contact: Nellie Gray at 202-543-3377; e-mail: info(at)marchforlife.org; Web site: http://www.marchforlife.org
Archdiocese of Washington: Youth Rally and Mass for Life, Washington. Contact: Susan Gibbs at 301-853-4516; e-mail: sgibbs(at)adw.org; Web site: http://www.adw.org
Jan. 27
International Holocaust Remembrance Day, designated by the United Nations
Jan. 29-30
National Baptist Joint Mid-Winter Meeting, involving four historic black denominations, Atlanta. Contact: Yvonne Drayton at 215-882-3765; e-mail: ydrayton22(at)aol.com
Jan. 29-31
Synergize Pastors Conference, an international and interdenominational conference designed to encourage pastors to start millions of new churches in the next decade, Atlanta. Contact: James Davis at 417-861-2200; Web site: http://www.synergize.tv
Jan. 30-Feb. 1
Celebration of a New Baptist Covenant, gathering of thousands of Baptists aimed at forging a new era of cooperation, Atlanta. Contact: Lance Wallace at 770-220-1641; e-mail: lwallace(at)thefellowship.info; Web site: http://www.newbaptistcelebration.org
CBA: The Association for Christian Retail: industry conference, Indianapolis. Contact: 800-252-1950; Web site: http://www.cbaonline.org
Feb. 1-2
Trinity International University: “God and Governing: A Conference on Ethics, Virtue and Statesmanship,” Costa Mesa, Calif. Contact: Chris Neiswonger at 714-796-7194; e-mail: cneiswon(at)tiu.edu; Web site: http://www.TLS.edu/conference
Feb. 2-4
Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities: annual meeting, Washington. Contact: Michael Galligan-Stierle at 202-457-0650; e-mail: mgs(at)accunet.org; Web site: http://www.accunet.org
Feb. 6
Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent (Christian; 40 days)
Feb. 7
National Prayer Breakfast, Washington. Contact: Joe Mitchell at 808-250-1405.
Feb. 11-14
Episcopal Church: Executive Council, Quito, Ecuador. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
Feb. 13-20
World Council of Churches: Central Committee meeting, Geneva. Contact: Juan Michel at 011-41-79-507-6363; e-mail: media(at)wcc-coe.org
Feb. 14-16
Presbyterian Church (USA): General Assembly Council, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Jerry Van Marter at 502-569-5493; e-mail: jerry.vanmarter(at)pcusa.org; Web site: http://www.pcusa.org
Feb. 26
Nation of Islam: Annual Savior’s Day Conference, Detroit. Contact: 773-602-1230; Web site: http://www.noi.org
Feb. 26-29
Anglican Women’s Empowerment and the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women: 2008 Beijing Circle Summit, New York. Contact: Kim Robey at 212-922-5354; e-mail: krobey(at)episcopalchurch.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
March 2
Baha’i Fast begins (19-day fast from sunrise to sundown.)
March 5
Maha Sivaratri (Hindu holiday marking worship of Lord Siva. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)
March 6-11
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Conference of Bishops, San Mateo, Calif. Contact: John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news
March 7-12
Epicopal Church: House of Bishops meeting, Camp Allen, Texas. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
March 8-10
Church of the Brethren: general board spring meeting, Elgin, Ill. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, Ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org; Web site: http://www.brethren.org
March 8-11
National Religious Broadcasters: annual convention, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: Craig L. Parshall at 703-330-7000; e-mail: cparshall(at)nrb.org; Web site: http://www.nrb.org
March 10
Lent begins (Orthodox Christian)
March 12
Templeton Prize: News conference announcing the winner of the 2008 Templeton Prize, New York. Contact: Donald Lehr at 212-967-8200; e-mail: dlehr(at)templetonprize.org; Web site: http://www.templetonprize.org
March 16
Palm Sunday (Christian)
March 20
Mawlid an-Nabi (Muslim commemoration of the birthday of the prophet Muhammad in approximately A.D. 570. Actual start date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)
Holi (Two-day Hindu festival of spring begins. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)
March 21
Good Friday (Christian)
Purim (Jewish celebration of the story of Esther; begins at sundown.)
Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year’s Day; begins at sundown; Zoroastrian New Year)
March 21-22
American Atheists: national convention, Minneapolis. Contact: Ellen Johnson at 908-276-7300; e-mail: ej(at)atheists.org; Web site: http://www.atheists.org/convention
March 23
Easter (Christian)
March 24-28
Joint College of African American Pentecostal Bishops: annual congress, Cleveland. Contact: Minister Sheila Webb at 216-721-5934, Ext. 11; e-mail: swebb1010(at)sbcglobal.net; Web site: http://www.collegeofbishops.org
March 25-28
National Catholic Educational Association: annual convention, Indianapolis. Contact: Barbara Keebler at 202-337-6232.
March 28-30
Alliance of Baptists: annual convocation, New Orleans. Contact: Christopher Copeland at 202-745-7609; e-mail: convocation(at)allianceofbaptists.org; Web site: http://www.allianceofbaptists.org/convocation2008
March 29
Knights of Columbus: official end of 125th anniversary celebration. Contact: Patrick Korten at 203-752-4474.
April 3-5
Religion Communicators Council: annual convention, “Faith & Freedom: The Intersection of Religion and Politics,” Washington. Contact: Shirley Struchen at 212-870-2402; e-mail: sstruchen(at)rcn.com; Web site: http://www.religioncommunicators.org
April 5-6
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: annual general conference, Salt Lake City. Contact: Kim Farah at 801-240-1977; e-mail: farahke(at)ldschurch.org; Web site: http://www.lds.org
April 6
Orthodox Union: Annual Dinner, New York. Contact: Stephen Steiner at 212-613-8318; e-mail: steiners(at)ou.org
April 7-9
Preaching Magazine: annual conference: “Preaching in the Public Square, Where do Pulpit and Culture Meet?”, Washington. Contact: Nancy Guthrie at 615-376-4430; e-mail: nancyguthrie(at)comcast.net; Web site: http://www.preaching.com/events/ncp
April 10
The Joshua Fund: Epicenter Conference, a gathering of Christians to celebrate Israel’s 60th anniversary, Jerusalem. Contact: Beverly Rykerd at 719-481-0537; e-mail: Beverly(at)rykerd.com; Web site: http://www.epicenter08.com
April 11-13
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Church Council, Chicago. Contact: John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news
April 13
Ram Navami (Hindu holiday honoring Lord Rama. Actual start date may vary depending on the moment of sunrise.)
April 13-15
Anti-Defamation League: national leadership conference, Washington. Contact: Myrna Shinbaum at 212-885-7747; e-mail: adlmedia(at)adl.org; Web site: http://www.adl.org
Women, Faith and Development Summit to End Global Poverty, Washington. Contact: Elizabeth Mullen at 202-537-6248; e-mail: emullen(at)cathedral.org
April 14
Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year)
April 15-20
Visit of Pope Benedict XVI to Washington, New York and United Nations. Contact: Sister Mary Ann Walsh at 202-541-3201.
April 16-18
Bethel University: “Journalism Through the Eyes of Faith: Advocacy, Ethics and Faith in an Election Year,” conference for journalists, educators and students, St. Paul, Minn. Contact: Amanda Wanke at 651-638-6266; e-mail: a-wanke(at)bethel.edu; Web site: http://www.bethel.edu/special-events/jtef/
April 18-23
United Methodist Church: Council of Bishops, Fort Worth, Texas. Contact: Diane Denton at 615-742-5406; e-mail: ddenton(at)umcom.org
April 19-23
Gospel Music Association: GMA Music Week, annual convention, Nashville, Tenn. GMA Dove Awards on April 23. Contact: Tricia Whitehead at 615-599-7746; e-mail: spinhouse(at)bellsouth.net; Web site: http://www.gospelmusic.org
April 20
Passover (Jewish celebration of the exodus from slavery in Egypt; eight-day holiday; begins at sundown.)
Palm Sunday (Eastern Orthodox)
April 20-23
Associated Church Press: annual convention, Dallas. Contact: Joe Thoma at 407-341-6615; e-mail: contactacp(at)aol.com; Web site: http://www.theacp.org
April 20-May 2
Ridvan (Baha’i commemoration of the public proclamation of the mission of the founder of the Baha’i Faith, Baha’u’llah; begins at sundown.)
April 23-25
Presbyterian Church (USA): general assembly council, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Jerry Van Marter at 502-569-5493; e-mail: jerry.vanmarter(at)pcusa.org; Web site: http://www.pcusa.org
April 23-May 2
United Methodist Church: quadrennial general conference, Fort Worth, Texas. Contact: Diane Denton at 615-742-5406; e-mail: ddenton(at)umcom.org
April 25
Holy Friday (Eastern Orthodox)
The Catholic University of America: annual American Cardinals Dinner, Boston. Contact: Katie Lee at 202-319-5600.
National Black Justice Coalition: Black Church Summit, sponsored by African-American gay organization, Philadelphia. Contact: Sylvia Rhue at 202-319-1552, Ext. 23; e-mail: srhue(at)nbjc.org; Web site: http://www.nbjc.org
April 27
Easter (Orthodox Christian)
April 28-May 1
Interfaith Alliance national conference: Pluralism, Politics and Action, Arlington, Va. Contact: Jay Keller at 202-238-3300; e-mail: field(at)interfaithalliance.org; Web site: http://www.interfaithalliance.org
May 1
The Ascension of Christ (Christian)
National Day of Prayer
National Day of Reason, observance designed as an alternative to the National Day of Prayer, co-sponsored by American Humanist Association. Contact: Roy Speckhardt at 202-238-9088; Web site: http://www.nationaldayofreason.org
May 2
Yom Hashoah (Jewish remembrance of the Holocaust; begins at sundown.)
May 7-9
Evangelical Press Association: annual convention, Portland, Ore. Contact: Doug Trouten at 763-535-4793; e-mail: director(at)epassoc.org; Web site: http://www.epassoc.org
May 11
Pentecost (Christian)
Global Day of Prayer, observed worldwide. Contact: Dave Butts at 812-238-5504; e-mail: info(at)gdopusa.com; Web site: http://www.gdopusa.com
May 14-15
Episcopal Church: Presiding Bishop’s Summit on Domestic Mission and Outreach, Tucson, Ariz. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
May 22
Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i commemoration of the announcement of prophet-herald of the Baha’i Faith that he was the herald of a new messenger of God; begins at sundown.)
May 22-25
Baha’i Faith: national convention, Wilmette, Ill. Contact: Ellen Price at 847-733-3559; e-mail: eprice(at)bahai.us; Web site: http://www.bahai.us
May 23
Lag B’Omer (Jewish day of celebration, marking the cessation of a second-century plague that killed 20,000 disciples of Talmud scholar Rabbi Akiva; begins at sundown. The day also marks the death of Jewish mystic Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai.)
May 28
Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i commemoration of the death of the prophet-founder of the Baha’i Faith; begins at sundown.)
June 3-10
Reformed Church in America: general synod, Holland, Mich. Contact: Paul Boice at 616-698-7071, Ext. 255; e-mail: pboice(at)rca.org; Web site: http://www.rca.org
June 5-8
Catholic Theological Society of America: annual convention, Miami. Contact: Dolores Christie at dlchristie(at)aol.com
June 9
Shavuot (Jewish celebration of the giving of the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai; begins at sundown.)
June 10-11
Southern Baptist Convention: annual meeting, Indianapolis. Contact: Roger Oldham at 615-782-8610; e-mail: soldham(at)sbc.net; Web site: http://www.sbc.net
June 10-13
Presbyterian Church in America: General Assembly, Dallas. Contact: Sherry Eschenberg at 678-825-1000; e-mail: seschenberg(at)pcanet.org; Web site: http://www.pcanet.org
June 12-14
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: spring general meeting, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Sister Mary Ann Walsh at 202-541-3200.
June 13-15
Episcopal Church: Executive Council, Albuquerque, N.M. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
June 14-20
Christian Reformed Church in North America: annual synod, Grand Rapids, Mich. Contact: The Rev. Jerry Dykstra at 616-241-1691; dkystraj(at)crcna.org; Web site: http://www.crcna.org
June 18-20
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship: General Assembly, Memphis, Tenn. Contact: Lance Wallace at 770-220-1641; e-mail: lwallace(at)thefellowship.info; Web site: http://www.thefellowship.info/Assembly
June 21-28
Presbyterian Church (USA): general assembly, San Jose, Calif. Contact: Jerry Van Marter at 502-569-5493; e-mail: jerry.vanmarter(at)pcusa.org; Web site: http://www.pcusa.org
June 22-24
Catholic Health Association: annual assembly, San Diego. Contact: Fred Caesar at 202-721-6321; e-mail: fcaesar(at)chausa.org
June 24-26
Esperanza: National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference, Washington. Breakfast is on June 26. Contact: Marisol Martinez at 215-324-0746; e-mail: press(at)esperanza.us; Web site: http://www.esperanza.us
July 4-6
Islamic Circle of North America: annual convention, location TBA. Contact: Azeem Khan at 718-658-1199; e-mail: azeem(at)icnait.com; Web site: http://www.asmasociety.org
July 4-11
African Methodist Episcopal Church: General Conference, St. Louis. Contact: The Rev. Clement Fugh at 615-254-0911; e-mail: cio(at)ame-church.com; Web site: http://www.ame-church.com
July 8
Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i anniversary of the martyrdom of the Bab, the forerunner of prophet-founder Baha’u’llah, in 1850; begins at sundown; observances held at noon.)
July 12-16
Church of the Brethren: 300th anniversary joint conference with the Brethren Church, Richmond, Va. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, Ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org; Web site: http://www.brethren.org
July 13-17
International Christian Retail Show, Orlando, Fla. Contact: 800-252-1950; Web site: http://www.cbaonline.org
July 14-18
Children’s Defense Fund: Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry: annual meeting, Clinton, Tenn. Contact: Matt Rosen at 202-662-3555; e-mail: mrosen(at)childrensdefense.org; web site: http://www.childrensdefense.org/proctor_institute
July 16-22
African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church: General Conference, Atlanta. Contact: The Rev. George McKain at 843-276-3411; e-mail: zionpagem2(at)aol.com
July 16-Aug. 3
Episcopal Church/Anglican Communion: Lambeth Conference, Lambeth, England. Contact: James Rosenthal at 011-44-20-7313-3900; e-mail: jim.rosenthal(at)anglicancommunion.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
July 18-20
Christians for Biblical Equality: annual conference, Toronto, Ontario. Contact: Chrissy Stockton at 612-872-6898; e-mail: conferences(at)cbeinternational.org; Web site: http://www.cbeinternational.org
July 21-24
Christians United for Israel: Washington/Israel Summit, Washington. Contact: Juda Engelmayer at 212-584-4287; juda(at)5wpr.com; Web site: http://www.cufi.org
July 29-Aug. 1
Pentecostal Churches of Christ Holy Convocation: annual conference, Cleveland. Contact: Minette Jackson at 216-721-5934, Ext. 26; e-mail: mjackson1530(at)sbcglobal.net
July 31
Lailat al Miraj (Muslim holiday commemorating prophet Muhammad’s journey from Mecca to Jerusalem and his ascension into heaven; begins at sundown. Actual start date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)
Aug. 1-4
Joint Assembly of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, Denver. Contact: Sister Annmarie Sanders at 301-588-4955; e-mail: asanders(at)lcwr.org; Web site: http://www.lcwr.org
Aug. 2-3
Church of the Brethren: 300th anniversary event, Schwarzenau, Germany. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, Ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org; Web site: http://www.brethren.org
Aug. 4-8
Progressive National Baptist Convention: annual session, Atlanta. Contact: The Rev. Tyrone Pitts at 202-396-0558; Web site: http://www.pnbc.org
Aug. 5-7
Knights of Columbus: Supreme Council Meeting, Quebec City. Contact: Patrick Korten at 203-752-4474.
Aug. 7-8
Foundation for Apologetic Information and Research: annual conference of organization that answers criticisms of Mormon doctrine, Sandy, Utah. Contact: Scott Gordon at 530-356-2070; e-mail: FAIRpresident(at)fairlds.org; Web site: http://www.fairlds.org
Aug. 10
Tisha B’Av (Jewish commemoration of the destruction of the two Jerusalem Temples; begins at sundown.)
Aug. 16
Raksha Bandan (Hindu holiday in which brothers and sisters pledge prayers for and protection of each other. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)
Aug. 23
Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu holiday marking birth of Lord Krishna. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)
Aug. 29-Sept. 1
Islamic Society of North America: annual convention, Columbus, Ohio. Contact: Basharat Saleem at 317-839-8157; e-mail: bsaleem(at)isna.net; Web site: http://www.isna.net
Warith D. Mohammed Ministry: annual Muslim convention, Chicago. Contact: 708-798-6750; Web site: http://www.themosquecares.com
Sept. 2
Ramadan begins (Muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sundown. Actual start date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)
Sept. 3
Ganesha Chaturthi (Hindu holiday marking the birth of Ganesha. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)
Sept. 8-12
National Baptist Convention USA: annual session, Cincinnati. Contact: Yvonne Drayton at 800-906-0673, Ext. 2; e-mail: YDrayton22(at)aol.com; Web site: http://www.nationalbaptist.com
Sept. 8-14
The Church Up Close: A Professional Seminar for Journalists, Rome. Contact: Pablo Perez-Rubio at 011-39-06-681-641; e-mail: p.perezrubio(at)pusc.it; Web site: http://www.church-communication.net/information.html
Sept. 12-14
Washington Briefing 2008: Values Voter Summit, Washington. Contact: J.P. Duffy at 202-637-4679; e-mail: jpd(at)frc.org; Web site: http://www.frcaction.org
Sept. 15-18
Church of God in Christ: Bishop’s Conference, Chicago. Contact: Alayna Adams at 901-278-0881; e-mail: aadams(at)thecartermalonegroup.com; Web site: http://www.cogic.org
Sept. 18-21
Religion Newswriters Association: annual conference, Washington. Contact: Debra Mason at 614-891-9001, Ext. 1; e-mail: Debra(at)rna.org; Web site: http://www.rna.org
Sept. 24
See You at the Pole, annual event of student prayer around school flagpoles coordinated by the National Network of Youth Ministries. Contact: Doug Clark at 858-451-1111; e-mail: dclark(at)nnym.org; Web site: http://www.syatp.com
Sept. 28-Oct. 1
Christian Methodist Episcopal Church: annual convocation, Knoxville, Tenn. Contact: Juanita Bryant at 216-382-3559; e-mail: juanbr4law(at)aol.com
Sept. 29
Dusshera (Hindu festival symbolizing the triumph of good over evil and the day when Lord Ram defeated an evil king. Actual start date may vary depending on the moment of sunrise.)
Sept. 30
Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year, two days; begins at sundown.)
Oct. 1-3
Presbyterian Church (USA): general assembly council, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Jerry Van Marter at 502-569-5493; e-mail: jerry.vanmarter(at)pcusa.org; Web site: http://www.pcusa.org
Oct. 2
Eid al-Fitr begins (Muslim holiday, a five-day feast that commemorates the end of Ramadan. Actual date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)
Oct. 2-4
Esperanza Capacity Institute, capacity training seminar for faith and community-based organizations, Philadelphia. Contact: Paula Umana at 215-324-0746; e-mail: eci(at)esperanza.us; Web site: http://www.esperanza.us
Oct. 2-7
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Conference of Bishops, Chicago. Contact: John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news
Oct. 4-5
Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, semiannual general conference, Salt Lake City. Contact: Kim Farah at 801-240-1977; e-mail: farahke(at)ldschurch.org; Web site: http://www.lds.org
Oct. 6-10
World Association for Christian Communication: Congress 2008: “Communication is Peace: Building Viable Communities,” meeting of communicators, peace advocates and rights activists, Cape Town, South Africa. Contact: Kristine Greenaway at 416-691-1999, Ext. 228; e-mail: KG(at)waccglobal.org; Web site: http://www.waccglobal.org/congress
Oct. 9
Yom Kippur (Jewish Day of Atonement, holiest day of the year marked by fasting; begins at sundown.)
Oct. 10-12
Freedom from Religion Foundation: annual conference, Chicago. Contact: Annie Laurie Gaylor at 608-256-8900; e-mail: info(at)ffrf.org; Web site: http://www.ffrf.org
Oct. 14
Sukkot (seven-day Jewish feast of the tabernacles, begins at sundown.)
Episcopal Church: Day of Repentance for the sin of slavery, Washington. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
Oct. 17-19
Children’s Defense Fund: National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths. Contact: Matt Rosen at 202-662-3555; e-mail: mrosen(at)childrensdefense.org; Web site: http://www.childrensdefense.org/childrens_sabbaths
Society for the Scientific Study of Religion and Religious Research Association: annual meetings, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Scott Thumma at 860-509-9571; e-mail: sthumma(at)hartsem.edu; Web site: http://www.sssrweb.org
Oct. 18-20
Church of the Brethren: general board fall meeting, Elgin, Ill. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, Ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org; Web site: http://www.brethren.org
Oct. 19
Birth of the Bab (Baha’i celebration of the prophet of the faith; begins at sundown.)
Oct. 21-23
Episcopal Church: Executive Council, location TBA. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org; Web site: http://www.episcopalchurch.org
Oct. 22
Simchat Torah (Jewish celebration marking the end of one Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one; begins at sundown.)
Oct. 25-30
World Evangelical Alliance: general assembly, Pattaya, Thailand. Contact: Sylvia Soon at 604-214-8620, Ext. 2622; e-mail: sylvia(at)worldevangelicals.org; Web site: http://www.ga08.org
Oct. 26
Diwali (Hindu celebration of light and the Hindu New Year. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)
Oct. 27
Reformation Day (Protestant)
Nov. 1
All Saints’ Day (Christian)
Nov. 1-3
American Academy of Religion: annual meeting, Chicago. Contact: Susan Snider at 404-727-4725; e-mail: ssnider(at)aarweb.org; Web site: http://www.aarweb.org
Nov. 2
All Souls’ Day (Christian)
Nov. 2-7
United Methodist Church: Council of Bishops, Epworth by the Sea, Ga. Contact: Diane Denton at 615-742-5406; ddenton(at)umcom.org
Nov. 3-10
Church of God in Christ: Annual Holy Convocation, Memphis, Tenn. Contact: Alayna Adams at 901-278-0881; e-mail: aadams(at)thecartermalonegroup.com; Web site: http://www.cogic.org
Nov. 7-9
Call to Action Conference: annual gathering of progressive Catholics, Milwaukee. Contact: Nicole Sotelo at 773-404-0044, Ext. 285.
Nov. 9
Open Doors USA, International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. Contact: Jerry Dykstra at 616-915-4117; e-mail: jerry(at)odusa.org; Web site: http://www.OpenDoorsUSA.org
Nov. 10-13
U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: general meeting, Baltimore. Contact: Sister Mary Ann Walsh at 202-541-3200; e-mail: mwalsh(at)usccb.org
Nov. 11
Baha’u’llah’s Birthday (Baha’i celebration of the prophet-founder of the faith; begins at sundown.)
Nov. 11-13
National Council of Churches: General Assembly, Denver. Contact: Philip E. Jenks at 212-870-2228; e-mail: pjenks(at)councilofchurches.org; Web site: http://www.councilofchurches.org
Nov. 13
Birth of Siri Guru Nanak Sahib (Sikh celebration of the founder of the faith.)
Nov. 13-15
Anti-Defamation League: annual meeting, Los Angeles. Contact: Myrna Shinbaum at 212-885-7747; e-mail: adlmedia(at)adl.org; Web site: http://www.adl.org
Nov. 14-17
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Church Council, Chicago. Contact: John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news
Nov. 21-25
Society of Biblical Literature: annual meeting for scholars in biblical, religious and related studies, Boston. Contact: Matthew S. Collins at 404-727-3095; e-mail: matthew.collins(at)sbl-site.org; Web site: http://www.sbl-site.org
Nov. 30
First Sunday of Advent (Christian; four consecutive Sundays.)
Dec. 8
Bodhi Day (Buddhist celebration of the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment.)
Dec. 9
Eid al-Adha (Muslim holiday celebrating the culmination of the hajj, or pilgrimage, to Mecca. Actual start date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.)
Dec. 21-25
Muslim American Society: annual convention, Chicago. Contact: Imam Mahdi Bray at 703-998-6525; e-mail: mas4freedom(at)aol.com; Web site: http://www.masnet.org
Dec. 22
Hanukkah (eight-day Jewish festival of lights; begins at sundown and ends at nightfall on Dec. 29.)
Dec. 25
Christmas (Christian, including Eastern Orthodox)
KRE DS END RNS
