Lieutenant Governor of Maryland Aruna K. Miller will attend an interfaith conference on uniting faith communities to address violence prevention on Nov. 14, 2024 in Columbia, Maryland, underlining a serious attempt to encourage secular living.
The forum will focus on violence prevention, particularly targeting youth violence, domestic violence, and hate crimes. It will provide a platform for leaders to share solutions and support citizens affected by these issues.
She will deliver the closing remarks at the Interrupting Violence Together Interfaith Solutions Forum that brings together political and faith leaders from across the state.
As one of the most religiously diverse states in the country, Maryland has seen significant interfaith collaboration in addressing societal challenges. Lt. Gov. Miller, who also chairs the Governor’s Interfaith Council, emphasized the importance of collective action: “As Chair of the Governor’s Interfaith Council, I’ve witnessed how fellowship and unity can illuminate the path to a stronger, more connected Maryland. In times when division feels overwhelming, our shared values have the power to heal, inspire, and guide us toward a Maryland rooted in peace, compassion, and empathy,” she said.
The forum will feature key partners such as Healing City Baltimore, a group dedicated to eliminating hate and supporting vulnerable communities. The Governor’s Office of Faith Outreach will also play a significant role in the event. Dr. Lora Hargrove, director of the office, stressed the importance of faith partnerships in addressing violence: “Faith partners play a vital role in helping people live better lives. They are also critical partners for interrupting violence in our communities. By working on this very important issue, led by some of our best faith and community leaders, our hope is that attendees will come away from this forum informed and inspired to get involved and take a stand against violence in all its forms.”
Paul Monteiro, secretary of the Maryland Department of Service and Civic Innovation, echoed these sentiments. “There’s remarkable power in communities gathering to learn from each other,” he noted. “At a moment where disturbing trends of hate and bias incidents continue to demand our collective attention, I’m excited to join those willing to step up and ensure Maryland remains a place where all are welcome and safe.”
The event will take place at 9705 Patuxent Woods Drive, Columbia, MD, and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Featured speakers include a diverse lineup of community leaders, clergy, and violence prevention advocates, such as Rev. Anne Weatherholt, Bishop LaTrelle Easterling, and Captain Andrew Mohammad.
For those interested in attending, registration details are available online, and press inquiries can be directed to Brandon Stoneburg at the Governor’s Office.
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