2009 Calendar of Religious Events

Note: Holidays that begin at sundown continue through sundown the next day, unless otherwise noted. Jan. 5-14 Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Conference of Bishops, Jerusalem. Contact John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news Jan. 6 Feast of the Epiphany (Christian celebration of the arrival of the Magi to visit the infant Jesus. […]

Note: Holidays that begin at sundown continue through sundown the next day, unless otherwise noted.


Jan. 5-14

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Conference of Bishops, Jerusalem. Contact John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news

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.)

Christmas (Armenian Orthodox)

Jan. 7

Nativity of Christ (Orthodox Christian)

Ashura (Optional fast day for Muslims, marking the creation of the world, Noah’s departure from the ark, and Moses’ flight from Egypt. Shi’a Muslims mark this as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of the prophet Muhammad’s grandson. Start date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)

Jan. 13-16

Christian Churches Together in the USA: annual meeting, Baltimore. Contact: Rev. Richard Hamm at 317-490-1968; e-mail: dhamm(at)ddi.org; Web site: http://www.christianchurchestogether.org/events/2009/

Jan. 13-17

Church of the Brethren, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting (Quaker), and Mennonite Church USA: Heeding God’s Call: A Gathering on Peace, Philadelphia. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org

Jan. 16

Religious Freedom Day

Jan. 17

Stellar Gospel Music Awards: annual show, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: Jalila Larsuel at 626-398-5028; e-mail: JLMediapr(at)aol.com; Web site: http://www.thestellarawards.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. 21-23

Trinity Institute: “Radical Abundance: A Theology of Sustainability,” interfaith conference, New York. Contact: Veronica Ortega at 212-602-0721; e-mail: vortega(at)trinitywallstreet.org; Web site: http://www.trinitychurchwallstreet.org/institute


Jan. 22

March for Life: annual anti-abortion rally, Washington. Contact: Nellie Gray at 202-543-3377; Web site: http://www.marchforlife.org. Archdiocese of Washington annual 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. 27-29

Russian Orthodox Church: Leaders meet in Moscow to choose a new patriarch. Contact: The Rev. Joseph Krykov at 212-996-6638; e-mail: fr.joseph.krykov(at)gmail.com; Web site: http://www.mospat.ru

Jan. 29-31

Episcopal Church: Executive Council, Stockton, Calif. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org

St. Vladimir’s Seminary: International Symposium on “The Past and Future of Liturgical Theology,” Yonkers, N.Y. Contact: The Rev. Andrew Jarmus at 914-961-8313; e-mail: ajarmus(at)oca.org; Web site: http://www.svots.edu

Jan. 31-Feb. 2

Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities: annual meeting, Washington. Contact: Tiffany Showman at 202-457-0650, ext. 223; e-mail: tshowman(at)accunet.org

Feb. 1

New Russian Orthodox patriarch enthroned, Moscow. Contact: The Rev. Joseph Krykov at 212-996-6638; e-mail: fr.joseph.krykov(at)gmail.com; Web site: http://www.mospat.ru

Feb. 1-5

Anglican Communion: primates’ annual meeting, Alexandria, Egypt. Contact: Anglican Communion Office at 011-44-20-7313-3900; e-mail: aco(at)anglicancommunion.org


Feb. 2

Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: “Different by Design 2009: A Crucial Call to Faithfulness on Gender Issues” conference, Minneapolis. Contact: Brent Nelson at 888-560-8210; e-mail: conferences(at)cbmw.org; Web site: http://www.cbmw.org

Feb. 5

National Prayer Breakfast, Washington. Contact: Joe Mitchell at 808-250-1405.

Feb. 7-10

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

Feb. 8

Tu B’Shvat (Jewish celebration of the environment; begins at sundown)

Feb. 11

Movieguide: Faith and Values Awards and Report to the Entertainment Industry, Beverly Hills, Calif. Contact: Kendra Matthews at 805-383-2000; e-mail: Kendra(at)movieguide.org: Web site: http://www.movieguideawards.com

Feb. 12

Darwin Day (marks 200th anniversary of birth of evolutionary theorist Charles Darwin)

Feb. 22-25

Catholic Social Ministry Gathering, Washington. Contact: Don Clemmer at 202-541-3200.

Feb. 23

Maha Sivaratri (Hindu holiday marking worship of Lord Siva. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)

Feb. 24-March 1

Central Conference of American Rabbis: convention of Reform rabbis, Jerusalem. Contact: Steven A. Fox at 212-972-3636; e-mail: info(at)ccarnet.org; Web site: http://www.ccarnet.org

Feb. 25

Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent (Christian; 40 days)

Feb. 26-27

Pontifical University of the Holy Cross: Conference on Faith and Reason, Rome. Contact: Daniel Arasa at 011-39-0668-1641; e-mail: convegnofr09(at)pusc.it; Web site: http://www.pusc.it/teo/conv/conv09


Feb. 27-March 1

Nation of Islam: Annual Savior’s Day Conference, Chicago. Contact: 773-602-1230; Web site: http://www.noi.org

March 2

Baha’i Fast begins (19-day fast from sunrise to sundown)

Clean Monday (Orthodox Christian beginning of Lent)

March 2-4

Baptist World Alliance: Executive Committee annual meeting, Falls Church, Va. Contact: Eron Henry at 703-790-8980; e-mail: ehenry(at)bwanet.org; http://www.bwanet.org

March 9

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.)

Purim (Jewish celebration of the story of Esther; begins at sundown)

March 11

Holi (Two-day Hindu festival of spring begins. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)

March 13-16

Ecumenical Advocacy Days: social justice gathering, Alexandria, Va. Contact: Molly Keane at 202-386-6397.

March 13-18

Episcopal Church: House of Bishops meeting, Hendersonville, N.C. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org

March 14-17

Church of the Brethren: Mission and Ministry Board meeting, New Windsor, Md. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org

March 18

Templeton Prize: News conference announcing the winner of the 2009 Templeton Prize, New York. Contact: Donald Lehr at 212-967-8200; e-mail: dlehr(at)templetonprize.org; Web site: http://www.templetonprize.org


March 18-23

World Union for Progressive Judaism: convention, Jerusalem. Contact: Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie at 212-650-4000; e-mail: PresURJ(at)urj.org; Web site: http://www.urj.org

March 19-22

Christian Book Expo, Dallas. Contact: Pamela McClure at 615-595-8321; e-mail: Pamela(at)mmpublicrelations.com; Web site: http://www.christianbookexpo.com

March 20

Naw-Ruz (Baha’i New Year’s Day; begins at sundown; Zoroastrian New Year.)

March 24-27

Joint College of African-American Pentecostal Bishops: annual congress, Cleveland. Contact: Minister Sheila Webb at 216-721-9083; e-mail: swebb1010(at)sbcglobal.net; Web site: http://www.collegeofbishops.org

March 26-28

Religion Communicators Council: annual convention, Boston. Contact: Marty Mann at 781-997-0814; e-mail: MMann(at)lssne.org; Web site: http://www.religioncommunicators.org

March 27

Ugadi (for some Hindus, Hindu New Year)

March 28

National Black Justice Coalition: Black Church Summit, sponsored by African-American gay organization, San Francisco. Contact: Sylvia Rhue at 202-319-1552, ext. 23; e-mail: srhue(at)nbjc.org; Web site: http://www.nbjc.org

April 3

Ram Navami (Hindu holiday honoring Lord Rama. Actual start date may vary depending on the moment of sunrise.)

April 4-5

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 5

Palm Sunday (Christian)

April 8

Birkat Hachama (Jewish blessing of the sun, celebrated every 28 years)

Passover (Jewish celebration of the exodus from slavery in Egypt; eight-day holiday; begins at sundown)

April 9-12

American Atheists: national convention, Atlanta. Contact: David P. Silverman at 732-648-9333; e-mail: dsilverman(at)atheists.org; Web site: http://www.atheists.org

April 10

Good Friday (Christian)

April 12

Easter (Christian)

Palm Sunday (Orthodox Christian)

April 14

Vaisakhi (Sikh New Year)

April 14-16

National Catholic Educational Association: annual convention, Anaheim, Calif. Contact: Daniel Baczkowski at dbaczkowski(at)ncea.org; Web site: http://www.ncea.org

April 17

Holy Friday (Orthodox Christian)

April 17-19

Alliance of Baptists: annual convocation, Charlotte, N.C. Contact: Christopher Copeland at 202-745-7609; e-mail: convocation(at)allianceofbaptists.org; Web site: http://www.allianceofbaptists.org/connect/events/convocation

April 18-22

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: Tricia(at)thespinhouse.com; Web site: http://www.gospelmusic.org

April 19

Easter (Orthodox Christian)

April 20

Yom Hashoah (Jewish remembrance of the Holocaust; begins at sundown)

April 20-22

Episcopal Church: Executive Council, Portland, Maine. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org

April 20-25

United Methodist Church: “A River Deep and Wide: Christian Spiritual Practice for the 21st Century” conference, Nashville, Tenn. Contact: Edna Vaughan at 615-340-7113; e-mail: evaughan(at)upperroom.org; Web site: http://www.upperroom.org/river/


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 23-26

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

Church of the Brethren: Cross Cultural Consultation and Celebration, Miami. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org

April 24-25

Wake Forest University School of Divinity: New Baptist Covenant, Southeast regional gathering, Winston-Salem, N.C. Contact: Audrey Fannin at 336-758-5237; e-mail: fannin(at)wfu.edu; Web site: divinity.wfu.edu

April 25-30

Church of the Brethren: Christian Citizenship Seminar, New York and Washington. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org

April 26-29

Sojourners: Mobilization to End Poverty, Washington. Contact: Jason Gedeik at 800-714-7474; e-mail: jgedeik(at)sojo.net; Web site: http://www.sojo.net/mobilization


May 1-12

Anglican Consultative Council meeting, Kingston, Jamaica. Contact: Anglican Communion Office at 011-44-20-7313-3900; e-mail: aco(at)anglicancommunion.org

May 6-8

Associated Church Press, Indianapolis. Contact: Joe Thoma at 407-341-6615; e-mail: contactacp(at)aol.com; Web site: http://www.theacp.org

Evangelical Press Association: Indianapolis. Contact: Doug Trouten at 763-535-4793; e-mail: director(at)epassoc.org; Web site: http://www.epassoc.org

May 7

National Day of Prayer

National Day of Reason, observance designed as an alternative to the National Day of Prayer, co-sponsored by the American Humanist Association. Contact: Roy Speckhardt at 202-238-9088; Web site: http://www.nationaldayofreason.org

May 11

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. Day also marks the death of Jewish mystic Rabbi Shimon ben Yochai.)

May 17

Orthodox Union: annual dinner of Orthodox Jews, New York. Contact: Stephen Steiner at 212-613-8318; e-mail: steiners(at)ou.org

May 17-19

National Council of Churches: Executive Committee and Governing Board meetings, Elgin, Ill. Contact: Philip E. Jenks at 212-870-2228; e-mail: pjenks(at)ncccusa.org

May 21

Ascension of Christ (Christian)

Standing Conference of Canonical Orthodox Bishops in the Americas (SCOBA): meeting, St. Augustine, Fla. Contact: The Rev. Mark Arey at 212-570-3593; e-mail: frarey(at)scoba.us; Web site: http://www.scoba.us

May 22

Birth of Siri Guru Nanak Sahib (Sikh celebration of the founder of the faith)

Declaration of the Bab (Baha’i commemoration of announcement by co-founder of the faith that he was the herald of a new messenger of God; begins at sundown)


May 26-30

Venice Summer School on Science and Religion: “Evolution and Human Uniqueness,” Venice, Italy. Contact: Jill Jones at 208-467-8016; e-mail: jdjones(at)nnu.edu; Web site: http://www.vssr.info

May 27-30

National Association for Lay Ministry (Catholic): annual conference, St. Paul, Minn. Contact: Christopher Anderson at 202-291-4100.

May 28

Ascension of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i commemoration of the death of the founder of the Baha’i Faith; begins at sundown)

Ascension of Christ (Orthodox Christian)

Shavuot (Jewish celebration of the giving of the Torah to Moses at Mount Sinai; begins at sundown)

May 31

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

June 4-7

Catholic Theological Society of America: annual convention, Halifax, Nova Scotia. Contact: Terrence W. Tilley at 718-817-3240; e-mail: ttilley(at)fordham.edu; Web site: http://www.ctsa-online.org


June 4-9

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 6

Tricycle magazine: Change Your Mind Day, observed by Buddhists worldwide. Contact: Philip Ryan at 212-645-1143; e-mail: cym(at)tricycle.com; Web site: http://www.tricycle.com

June 7

Pentecost (Orthodox Christian)

June 7-9

Catholic Health Association: annual convention, New Orleans. Contact: Fred Caesar at 202-721-6321; e-mail: fcaesar(at)chausa.org

June 11-13

Presbyterian Church (USA): first meeting of all 10 church agencies, Atlanta. Contact: Susan Lindsey at 502-569-5060.

June 14

All Saints’ Day (Orthodox Christian)

June 14-16

Bread for the World: biennial gathering, Washington. Contact: Shawnda Hines at 301-960-4913; e-mail: shines(at)bread.org; Web site: http://www.bread.org

June 16-19

Presbyterian Church in America: General Assembly, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Sherry Eschenberg at 678-825-1000; e-mail: events(at)pcanet.org; Web site: http://www.pcanet.org

June 17-19

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Spring Assembly, San Antonio. Contact: Sister Mary Ann Walsh at 202-541-3200.


Esperanza: National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast and Conference, Washington. Contact: Jose Lastra at 215-324-0746, ext. 254; e-mail: press(at)esperanza.us; Web site: http://www.esperanza.us

June 21-26

Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities: Rome seminar, Rome. Contact: Michael Galligan-Stierle at 202-457-0650, ext. 222; e-mail: mgs(at)accunet.org

June 23-24

Southern Baptist Convention: annual meeting, Louisville, Ky. Contact: Roger Oldham at 615-782-8610; e-mail: soldham(at)sbc.net; Web site: http://www.sbc.net

June 24-July 3

Church of the Nazarene: General Assembly and conventions, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Diane Miller at 913-577-0613; e-mail: dmiller(at)nazarene.org; Web site: http://www.nazarene.org

June 25-28

North American Interfaith Network: “Experiencing the Spirit in Education: The Challenge of Religious Pluralism” conference, Kansas City, Mo. Contact: Peter Laurence at PeterLL(at)concentric.net; Web site: http://www.nain.org

June 26-30

Church of the Brethren: annual conference, San Diego, Calif. Contact: Cheryl Brumbaugh-Cayford at 800-323-8039, ext. 260; e-mail: cobnews(at)brethren.org


June 29-30

African Methodist Episcopal Church: General Board and Council of Bishops meetings, New Orleans. Contact: Rev. Clement Fugh at 615-254-0911; e-mail: cio(at)ame-church.com; Web site: http://www.ame-church.com

July 2-3

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship: General Assembly, Houston. Contact: Lance Wallace at 770-220-1641; lwallace(at)thefellowship.info; Web site: http://www.thefellowship.info/assembly

July 3-6

Islamic Society of North America: annual convention, Washington. Contact: Basharat Saleem at 317-839-8157: e-mail: bsaleem(at)isna.net; Web site: http://www.isna.net

July 8

Martyrdom of the Bab (Baha’i observance of the anniversary of the martyrdom of the forerunner of the founder Baha’u’llah; begins at sundown)

July 8-17

Episcopal Church: General Convention, Anaheim, Calif. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org

July 12-15

International Christian Retail Show, Denver. Contact: 800-252-1950; Web site: http://www.cbaonline.org

July 19

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.)

July 19-26

Antiochian Orthodox Christian Archdiocese of North America: annual convention, Palm Desert, Calif. Contact: The Rev. George Kevorkian at 201-871-1355; e-mail: editor(at)antiochian.org; Web site: http://www.archdioceseconvention2009.org


July 20-22

Christians United for Israel: Washington/Israel Summit, Washington. Contact: Ari Morgenstern at 404-898-1278; e-mail: ari(at)30point.com; Web site: http://www.cufi.org

July 20-24

Children’s Defense Fund: Samuel DeWitt Proctor Institute for Child Advocacy Ministry, Clinton, Tenn. Contact: Matt Rosen at 202-662-3555; e-mail: mrosen(at)childrensdefense.org; Web site: http://www.childrensdefense.org/proctor

July 21-24

Pentecostal Churches of Christ: Holy Convocation, Cleveland. Contact: Bishop Benjamin Douglass at 216-721-5554.

July 24-26

Christians for Biblical Equality: annual conference, St. Louis. Contact: Rachel Finsaas at 612-872-6898; e-mail: rfinsaas(at)cbeinternational.org; Web site: http://www.cbeinternational.org

July 27-Aug. 1

Baptist World Alliance: annual gathering, celebrating the 400th anniversary of the Baptist movement, Ede, Netherlands. Contact: Eron Henry at 703-790-8980; e-mail: ehenry(at)bwanet.org; Web site: http://www.bwanet.org

July 29

Tisha B’Av (Jewish commemoration of the destruction of the two Jerusalem Temples; begins at sundown)

Aug. 4-7

Assemblies of God: General Council, Orlando, Fla. Contact: Juleen Turnage at 417-862-2781; Web site: http://ag.org/top/Events/General_Council_2009/index.cfm


Aug. 5

Raksha Bandan (Hindu holiday in which brothers and sisters pledge prayers for and protection of each other. Actual start date many vary depending on the moment of sunrise.)

Aug. 6-7

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: president(at)fairlds.org; Web site: http://www.fairlds.org

Aug. 11-14

Annual Assembly of Leadership Council of Women Religious and the Conference of Major Superiors of Men, New Orleans. Contact: Sister Annmarie Sanders at 301-588-4955; e-mail: asanders(at)lcwr.org; Web site: http://www.lcwr.org

Aug. 14

Krishna Janmashtami (Hindu holiday marking birth of Lord Krishna. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)

Aug. 16-17

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

Aug. 17-23

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: Churchwide Assembly, Minneapolis. Contact John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news


Aug. 21

Ramadan begins (Muslim month of fasting from sunrise to sundown. Actual start date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)

Aug. 23

Ganesha Chaturthi (Hindu holiday marking the birth of Ganesha)

Sept. 7-11

National Baptist Convention USA: annual session. Contact: Lavonia Washington at 215-474-1738; e-mail: president(at)nationalbaptist.com; Web site: http://www.nationalbaptist.com

Sept. 10-13

Religion Newswriters Association: annual conference, Minneapolis. Contact: Tiffany McCallen at 614-891-9001; e-mail: mccallen(at)rna.org; Web site: http://www.rna.org

Sept. 16

Lailat al Qadr (Anniversary of the night Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to the prophet Muhammad. Actual start date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.)

Sept. 18

Rosh Hashana (Jewish New Year; two days; begins at sundown)

Sept. 18-20

Family Research Council: Values Voter Summit, Washington. Contact: J.P. Duffy at 202-637-4679; e-mail: jpd(at)frc.org; Web site: http://www.valuesvotersummit.org

Sept. 20

Eid al-Fitr begins (Muslim five-day feast that commemorates the end of Ramadan. Actual date may vary depending on sighting of the moon.)


Sept. 20-22

National Council of Churches: Executive Committee and Governing Board meetings, New York. Contact: Philip E. Jenks at 212-870-2228; e-mail: pjenks(at)ncccusa.org

Sept. 23

See You at the Pole, worldwide 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. 27

Yom Kippur (Jewish Day of Atonement, holiest day of the year marked by fasting; begins at sundown)

Sept. 28

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.)

Oct. 1-6

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. 2

Sukkot (Seven-day Jewish feast of the tabernacles; begins at sundown)

Oct. 3-4

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. 5-8

Episcopal Church: Executive Council, Memphis, Tenn. Contact: Neva Rae Fox at 212-716-6080; e-mail: nrfox(at)episcopalchurch.org.

Oct. 8-10

Fund for Theological Education: “Calling Congregations,” future church leadership conference, Atlanta. Contact: Kerry Traubert at 404-727-1170; e-mail: ktraubert(at)thefund.org; Web site: http://www.thefund.org

Oct. 10

Simchat Torah (Jewish celebration marking the end of one Torah reading cycle and the beginning of a new one; begins at sundown.)

Oct. 13-15

Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary’s Ockenga Institute: “Renewing the Evangelical Mission,” international symposium on the role of the evangelical theological voice in the public square, South Hamilton, Mass. Contact: Sarah Baek at 978-646-4145; e-mail: sarahbaek(at)gcts.edu; Web site: http://www.gordonconwell.edu/ockenga/

Oct. 16-18

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

Oct. 17

Diwali (Hindu celebration of light and, for some Hindus, the Hindu New Year. Actual start date may vary depending on moment of sunrise.)

Oct. 19

Birth of the Bab (Baha’i celebration of the birth of the founder of the faith; begins at sundown)


Oct. 25

Reformation Day (Protestant)

Nov. 1

All Saints’ Day (Christian)

Nov. 2

All Souls’ Day (Christian)

Birth of Siri Guru Nanak Sahib (Sikh celebration of the founder of the faith)

Nov. 2-9

Church of God in Christ: Holy Convocation, Memphis, Tenn. Contact: Latrivia Nelson at 901-278-0881; e-mail: dmalone(at)cmgpr.org; Web site: http://www.cogic.com

Nov. 6-8

Call to Action: annual conference of Catholic justice movement, Milwaukee, Wis. Contact: Nicole Sotelo at 773-404-0004, ext. 285; e-mail: nicole(at)cta-usa.org; Web site: http://www.cta-usa.org

Freedom from Religion Foundation: annual conference, Seattle. Contact: Annie Laurie Gaylor at 608-256-8900; e-mail: info(at)ffrf.org; Web site: http://www.ffrf.org

Nov. 7-10

American Academy of Religion: annual meeting, Montreal. Contact: Susan Snider at 404-727-4725; e-mail: ssnider(at)aarweb.org; Web site: http://www.aarweb.org

Nov. 8

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. 9-10

National Council of Churches: Executive Committee and General Board meetings, Minneapolis. Contact: Philip E. Jenks at 212-870-2228; e-mail: pjenks(at)ncccusa.org


Nov. 10-12

National Council of Churches: General Assembly, Minneapolis. Contact: Philip E. Jenks at 212-870-2228; e-mail: pjenks(at)ncccusa.org

Nov. 11

Birth of Baha’u’llah (Baha’i celebration of the birth of the founder of the Baha’i Faith; begins at sundown)

Nov. 13-17

Evangelical Lutheran Church in American: Church Council, Chicago. Contact John Brooks at 773-380-2958; e-mail: jbrooks(at)elca.org; Web site: http://www.elca.org/news

Nov. 16-19

U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops: Fall Assembly, Baltimore. Contact: Sister Mary Ann Walsh at 202-541-3200.

Nov. 18-20

Evangelical Theological Society, New Orleans. Contact: James Borland at 434-237-5309; e-mail: jaborland(at)aol.com; Web site: http://www.etsjets.org

Nov. 20-24

Society of Biblical Literature: annual meeting for scholars in biblical, religious and related studies, New Orleans. Contact: Matthew S. Collins at 404-727-3095; e-mail: matthew.collins(at)sbl-site.org; Web site: http://www.sbl-site.org


Nov. 23

Bread for the World: Release of annual report on hunger, Washington. Contact: Shawnda Hines at 301-960-4913; e-mail: shines(at)bread.org; Web site: http://www.bread.org

Nov. 27

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.)

Nov. 29

First Sunday of Advent (Christian; four consecutive Sundays)

Dec. 3-9

Parliament of the World’s Religions, Melbourne, Australia. Contact: Dena Fokas at 312-629-2990, ext. 230; e-mail: dena(at)parliamentofreligions.org; Web site: http://www.parliamentofreligions.org

Dec. 6-10

United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: biennial convention, Cherry Hill, N.J. Contact: Rabbi Jerome M. Epstein at 212-533-7800; e-mail: info(at)uscj.org; Web site: http://www.uscj.org

Dec. 8

Bodhi Day (Buddhist celebration of the Buddha’s attainment of enlightenment)

Dec. 11

Hanukkah (eight-day Jewish festival of lights; begins at sundown and ends at nightfall on Dec. 18)

Dec. 18

Al-Hijra (Muslim New Year, celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Muharram. Actual start date may vary depending on the sighting of the moon.)


Dec. 24-27

Muslim American Society: regional convention, Chicago. Contact: Imam Mahdi Bray at 800-233-1234; e-mail: info(at)maschicago.org; Web site: http://www.maschicago.org

Dec. 25

Christmas (Christian)

KRE END RNS

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