The meeting was called to order and invocation given by B. Fleishman. Minutes of June 12 were approved.
Treasurer's Report. Carol Tyrell reported that there are 2 new paid members. Copies of the detailed report were distributed. The July 20 bank balance was $4362.08.
The Agenda. Agenda was approved with several additions.
Committee Reports
Electoral/Campaign Reform: no report given.
Violence/Peace Activities/Anger Management: The Anger Management Sessions will start Oct. 16 this fall and run 4 weeks. The fee is $39.95 as before.
The Conference at the Kateri Tekakwitha Shrine will be August 18-19. Featured speakers are Jim Merkel and Jim Jennings. The subject is "The Convergence of Hope and History, Sustainable Solutions For a Peaceful World". There will be a variety of workshops, and a trip to a home powered by solar and wind energy.
Economic and Criminal Justice - Joyce Hartwell reported on the Thruway Alliance Conference of ARISE which was held mid July. People were there from Buffalo, Syracuse and Long Island. They addressed concerns of upstate economy, economic revival, how benefits are distributed statewide, and helping the needy. It was a large conference with Joe Bruno, Silver and a number of other well known persons present. The next Albany area ARISE public meeting will be August 19th.
Carole Ferraro spoke to us about her desire to see some sort of area interfaith expression for peace that counters the assumption that religious groups support the war. Discussions followed about projects that have been carried out such as "Stop the Hate", and possible ideas for improvement, focusing and strengthening efforts, and crystallizing into actions. Harriet mentioned the need to combat the tendency to demonize groups. An example is use of words such as islamofacist. John said some people actually think was is peace. It is important for us to understand the history of the mid eastern situation and how we and the English have interfered and caused problems in the past. Joyce pointed out that we should keep in mind the suffering people. What can we do to help them? Lou said there was an article in the New Yorker about the debate in Washington between the White House and the military about whether to use the nuclear option. There is no indication that US is involved with dialog with countries such as Syria. We need to talk if we are to understand.
The Friends have published material on how conflict can be avoided.
Executive committee Report
Ed said an important conference is to be held September 10, 2:30, at Albany Medical College on getting Universal Medical Care. It is organized by Dr. Richard Propp. McNulty, Breslin and other legislators are expected to be present.
Grant Proposal and Conference Plan. A copy of the grant proposal that was sent to National Interfaith Alliance was distributed. Plans for the Conference in early March were discussed. We will seek support and input from related groups. For lunch we would seek some venders instead of planning a meal. $15 is proposed as the charge for attending. A number of speakers are being considered such as Bishop Gumbleton, Bishop White, Barbara Wheeler, Frederick Clarkson, Dr. Andrew Weaver, and Rev. Dr. John Dorhauer. We want to reach out to young people. Perhaps arrangements could be made to allow college students to get credit for attending. Harriet is chairing the committee.
Joyce told us about the problem they have had with her program for youth at Trinity. She has been maintaining an alcohol and drug free location where kids can express their feelings and thoughts through music performances. Parents are very much in support. Great care has been taken to sound proof and supervise so as not to disturb neighbors. The Mayor and city are trying to close her down and are threatening Trinity Church with violations of the building code. Joyce points out that many churches could be closed if the building codes were enforced instead of “grandfathering” in church buildings that were built before the codes were established. This issue is tied up with other programs for children, food pantry, and meals for homeless, which have also received complaints. Too many people think social problems are created rather than eased by people who try to address the needs. Closing the programs will not cause problems to disappear.
Motion was made to send a letter of support to the TU, Joyce, and Trinity. Seconded and passed.
Meeting adjourned 10:38.
Respectfully submitted,
Florence Skiff
Next Executive Committee Meeting: 9:00 a.m. August 28th at Friendlys on Rte 7.
Next Membership Meeting: 9:00 a.m. September 11th, 2006 at Latham Community Baptist Church.
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