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An Introduction to Zoroastrianism

This event has taken place, but if you missed it, we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook at https://fb.watch/r5ICOZEQHE or by clicking on the embedded video below:

Or you can view it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/KJEjWHBQLvs or on this embedded video:


“Among the world’s present-day religions, Zoroastrianism, founded more than 3,000 years ago, is one of the most ancient and historically influential.” – PBS

Zoroastrian Fire Temple
Photo by Adam Jones, Ph.D./Global Photo Archive/Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=6244119

Join the Ventura County Interfaith Community for a fascinating look at Zoroastrianism. On Tuesday, March 26th at 7:00 PM, Tim Helton Ph.D. will interview Maneck Bhujwala, a native of Mumbai and Zoroastrian priest. Bhujwala is also a past president of the Greater Huntington Beach Interfaith Council. Bhujwala and Helton will speak together via Zoom, and you can join the conversation at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84573617962?pwd=dHEydFFzSm8zRjg2dysrZkZHM1pzdz09. The event is free of charge and open to all, so don’t hesitate to tell friends and family about the event

A Message of Peace

From the eye of the storm comes a message of peace from the Holy Land!

This event has already taken place, but if you missed it, we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook using this link: https://www.facebook.com/VenturaCountyInterfaith/posts/pfbid06vEVVbUPtrQ3o8JFysL6fCefRZkCne15X3Gnn55DcBGPh7pBM6D8YQ7bxthFjJK2l, or by clicking on the video below:

Or, you can view it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/vxqF-xH9yBY or by clicking below.

We hope you enjoy the video!

Join the Ventura County Interfaith Community at 7:00 PM on February 26th as we host a trio of speakers from the Holy Land.

  • Ghadir Haney, a renowned and highly influential Muslim social activist, hails from the city of Acre.
  • Fr. Saba Haj is the leader of a 5,000-member Christian-Arab-Orthodox Church in the town of Iblin.
  • Rabbi Or Zohar serves as the Reform Rabbi of the Misgav region and also directs the Spirit of the Galilee Association (SOG).

The three individuals serve as representatives of the greater SOG’s inter-religious leadership group. Comprised of approximately 25 religious and community leaders from the Galilee region, these group members share a common vision of peace and equality between Arabs and Jews. Together, they actively initiate projects that bridge their respective communities. Through their partnership and collaborative efforts, they exemplify that “Peace in the Middle East” is not merely an unattainable dream, but a living reality embraced by numerous Arabs and Jews who reject the grip of hatred and violence, even amidst the tragic circumstances of today.

In a world marred by divisive discourse, polarization, and escalating international tensions, the message delivered by this delegation resonates far beyond the slopes of the Galilee region’s mountains.

Our host for the evening will be Saint Columba’s Episcopal Church in Camarillo (1251 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo, 93010). The event is open to all, so feel free to invite friends and family that may be interested. The event is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Introduction to Hinduism

This event has already occurred, but don’t worry, we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook by clicking on this link: https://fb.watch/pFmwNVpNGA/ or on the following snippet.

Or you can view it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/q_T7wF0Iwb4.


Did you know that there are more than a billion people who identify as Hindus. One of the oldest religions in the world, Hinduism is sometimes described as monotheistic while at other times, claims are made that there are millions of Hindu Deities. At 7:00 PM on January 16th, Mayesvara and Brajarani Roberts will help us sort through this. Among the topics that they will discuss are the concepts of karma, dharma, satsanga, the four human flaws, yoga, reincarnation, meditation, the process of knowing, and the difference between idol worship and deity worship.

Our hosts for the evening will be the Ventura Hindu Temple at 6085 King Drive, Ventura, CA 93003. Vegetarian refreshments will be served, and the event is free and all are welcome, so spread the word to all who may be interested.

Open Mosque Day ***POSTPONED***

This event has been postponed. Please see the note from the Islamic Center below:

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

We hope this message finds you in good health and faith. We come to you today with heavy hearts, deeply affected by the ongoing tragedy in the Middle East. This crisis has brought suffering, loss of life, and devastation in the region.

In light of these somber events and out of utmost respect for our community members who are directly affected by this crisis, we have made the difficult decision to postpone our Open Mosque Day, which was scheduled for this Sunday, October 22.

Our intention is to provide space and time for our community to come together, heal, and support one another during these trying times. Our pain and heartbreak are shared collectively, and our focus remains on the safety and well-being of all who are suffering in the war-torn regions.

We will keep you updated on the rescheduled date for our Open Mosque Day. In the meantime, let us come together as a strong and supportive community to offer our prayers, assistance, and solace to those in need.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to having you at our mosque soon, as we stand together in solidarity and support for those in need.

Sincerely,

Islamic Center of Conejo Valley

Is Religion Dying?

Long a question for European nations, at the end of the first quarter of the 21st century, it becomes an issue of growing significance for the United States. Join us with our friends at Camarillo United Methodist Church, Mount Cross Lutheran Church and St. Columba’s Episcopal Church as these three congregations present an interdenominational symposium featuring Dr. Colleen Windham-Hughes, AVP of Mission & Identity at Cal-Lutheran University speaking on the state of Christianity and the future of the Church. The evening includes dinner. Registration is $20, and RSVP is required. For more information or to register, go to https://subspla.sh/vtvgn9y. Click the image below for a printable flier.

Feast of Faiths

Join us for a delightful evening of cultural exploration and celebration at the Feast of Faiths! This in-person gathering promises to be a vibrant showcase of diverse traditions and beliefs, fostering unity and understanding among religious communities.

Date: Sunday, November 5, 2023

Time: 4:00 PM (Don’t forget to set your clock back the night before)

Location: 1201 Paseo Camarillo, Camarillo, CA 93010

Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultures as you indulge in halal cuisine prepared by a Persian chef or choose a vegetarian alternative.

Engage in enlightening conversations with fellow attendees, as you learn about different religious practices, customs, and traditions. Discover the beauty of diversity and foster interfaith dialogue in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.

Whether you are a cultural explorer or simply curious about different faiths, the Feast of Faiths is an event not to be missed. Come with an open mind and a hungry heart, ready to savor the flavors of unity and harmony.

Mark your calendars and join us for an unforgettable celebration of diversity at the Feast of Faiths!

Early Bird tickets bought before October 29th are a mere $30 and student tickets are a bargain at $15. General admission tickets are $35 and student tickets after October 29th are $20. Get your tickets on Eventbrite now! Just click on this link: eventbrite.com/e/728589038427?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Little Amal Visits the Santa Monica Pier

In 2021 a ten year old refugee called Little Amal embarked on a remarkable journey that took her from the Syrian border across turkey, across Europe and in 2022 to Ukraine, Poland, and New York City. Next, she will journey across the United States.
Amal is a 12-foot tall puppet. She represents all children who have been forced to leave their homes and are often separated from their friends and families.
She journeys in search of her mother. To get back to school. To start a new life. On the way she has been welcomed by more than a million people on the streets and tens of millions online.
In 2023, she will journey across the United States carrying her urgent message on behalf of all displaced people, especially children: “Don’t forget about us.”
We ask the world not to forget about children who have had to flee their homes because of war or other reasons beyond their control.
At 5:00 PM on November 2nd, you can walk with Little Amal for a short part of her journey at the Santa Monica Pier. We hope you’ll join us as we walk with Little Amal! For more information, visit Little Amal on the Pier.

Weddings amongst Buddhists, Christians, and Muslims

Wedding rings on rose petals
Wedding rings” by apdk is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

This event has already occurred, but don’t worry, we recorded it. You can view it on Facebook by clicking on this link: https://fb.watch/nlMrvnI03y or on the following snippet.

Or you can view it on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/jk_buQCmk1k or via the following snippet.


At 7:00 PM on September 26th, the Ventura County Interfaith Community will present the second of two forums on weddings in different religious traditions. On that night, a panel consisting of a Buddhist, an Imam, and an Episcopalian priest will discuss wedding traditions among their respective congregations. The Islamic Center of Conejo Valley (2700 Borchard Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320) will host the forum.

The forum is free and all are invited, so please share this information with anyone you think might be interested.

The Role of the Temple in the Lives of Latter-day Saints

“Salt Lake City LDS (Mormon) Temple” by ClarkProductions2008 is licensed under CC BY 2.0.

Join the Ventura County Interfaith Community at 7:00 PM on August 29th as Former Stake President Greg Jones and his wife Lori Jones of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints guide us in a discussion of the role of temples in the lives of congregants. The Ventura Stake Center (3501 Loma Vista Road, VENTURA, CALIFORNIA 93003-3101) will host the event. Admission is free, and all are welcome, so spread the word to anyone you think might be interested!

Note: At the request of the presenters this event will not be recorded nor will it be uploaded to either Facebook or YouTube.

Biblical Judaism – An Extinct Religion

This event has already taken place. But don’t worry, if you missed the live presentation, you can still catch the recording. Just click on this link https://fb.watch/m40kaz92O0/ to view it on Facebook or click on the clip below.

The recording is also available on YouTube on this link https://youtu.be/TeBOpIJX39o or by clicking on the clip below.


“‘The Ark of the Covenant’ – Detail of the bronze panel of door with ‘The Ark of the Covenant and the King David’ (1600) by Antonio Calcagni, Sebastiano Sebastiani and Tarquinio Iacometti – Sanctuary of Holy House at Loreto / Ancona / Marche / Italy” by Carlo Raso.

On July 25th at 7:00 PM, Rabbi Michael Lotker will examine Biblical Judaism as an extinct religion that survives only in those elements incorporated into modern Judaism and Christianity. Saint Columba’s Episcopal Church (1251 Las Posas Rd., Camarillo, 93010) will host this fascinating discussion to which all are welcome. The forum will be presented free of charge, so don’t hesitate to pass this information along to any you think might be interested.