Compassionate Responses Rooted in Faith

United Against Hate – Compassionate Responses Rooted in Faith
Concord faith and civic leaders working together to counter hate and promote faith-rooted compassion, respect, and belonging for all. 

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

6:00 – 8:00 PM
Baha’i Center
4100 Clayton Rd, Concord

6:00-6:30 PM – Mingling, Tabling and Light Refreshments

6:30-6:40 PM – Welcome, Opening Remarks and Reflection

• Dr. Keemia Shariati – Baha’i Center of Concord and Governing Board Member, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County 

• Concord Mayor Carlyn Obringer and  Vice Mayor Laura Nakamura
  
  
• Kalli Mejia – The Crumpled Heart reflection

• Dr. Ejaz Naqvi – President of the Governing Board, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County 

6:40-7:15 PM – Panel Discussion: 

Every Human is Sacred – How Our Faith Calls Us to Be Compassionate and Respectful

Moderator:

• Dr. Karen Hernandez – Executive Director, Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County 

Panelists:

• Father Thomas P. Bonnacci C.P. – Executive Director, Interfaith Peace Project
• Rabbi Dean Kertesz – Rabbi Emeritus, Temple Beth Hillel
• Imam Qari Saheb Reyas – Noor Islamic and Cultural Community Center
• Ramya Tathacharya – Leader, Tri-Valley Hindu Community
• Rev. Marie Wilson – Concord United Methodist Church

7:15 7:45 PM – Small Group Discussion(s)

7:45-7:50 PM – Reporting Back on Small Group Discussion(s)

7:50-7:55 PM – Pledge to Unite Against Hate – Dr. Keemia Shariati and Dr. Ejaz Naqvi 

7:55-8:00 PM – Closing Reflection – Greg Colley OFS and Dr. Karen Hernandez