20-23 April 2015Conference Center of the AmericasUnited States Southern Command

Doral, Florida

Traction, Action and InitiativeUS Military Chaplains (Active(18) and National Guard(7), Partner Nation Chaplains(14), Non-Governmental Organization Leaders(13), Local Clergy(5), Academics(5) and USSOUTHCOM Command and Staff elements(15), joined together for 3 days of presentation, professional exchange and collegial dialogue on how “Religion is good for Business”- “How Religion and Politics mix” and “How best to consider Religion as a factor for analysis, a source of healing, a place of hope and an encourager of reconciliation.” Keynote speakers, Dr. Brian Grim President of the Religious Freedom & Business Foundation, http://religiousfreedomandbusiness.org/, and Mr. Knox Thames, Director of Policy and Research at the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, http://www.uscirf.gov/, engaged the assembly; challenging assumptions and offering thoughtful perspectives for the future.

Participants enjoyed a ‘cultural day’ in Miami, receiving information from Rabbi Lipskar at the Shul, http://www.theshul.org/, and Fr. Sosa of St. Joseph’s Parish, http://www.stjosephmiamibeach.com/. The group also received briefings from unit Commanders at Homestead Air Force Reserve Base. http://www.homestead.afrc.af.mil/

Dr. Grim and Mr. Thames not only gave presentations but they fully participated in discussions during Focus Group Sessions. We were also happy to welcome The Reverend Thomas Wenski, Archbishop of Miami and Imam Asim Hafiz, Islamic religious advisor to the Chief of the Defence Staff, United Kingdom who offered remarks and participated in the symposium.

Inspiration and Action, Speakers Provide Insight and Stir Dialogue

“The Faces of Religion Matters”

“Communication, Cooperation and a Spirit of Goodwill.”

JFHQs Chaplains from Arkansas, Florida, Wisconsin, Massachusetts and one Assistant from Texas; well supported byColonel Tom Hanley, National Guard Liaison/ SPP Director for USSC, and Chaplain Peter Lawson of the National Guard Bureau, contributed greatly to the entire symposium and worked toward increased State Partnership Program involvement.

Citizen Soldiers and Airmen, in State Partnership with Central and South America and the Caribbean.

All attendees participated in four focus group sessions in which they engaged SMEs on areas of interest.

“The Faces of Religion Matters”

“Let us focus on opportunities not obstacles.”

Religious Affairs Office, United States Southern Command ANNOUNCES

“Religion Matters-South” 13-16 July 2015, Bogota, Colombia

Mission: Participants (Partner Nation Military Chaplains and Clergy who work with Military) develop a better understanding of how Religion Matters by building networks of religious people, caring for the needs of military members and their families; bringing together different countries for mutual dialogue and action in order to discover commonalities towards a consensus document on religious rights and religious relationships.

Objectives: To gain increased awareness, lessons learned and specific examples of:a. The role of religion in the Soldier’s Lifeb. The role of the Chaplain in the Military Contextc. The ability of religion to influence individuals and institutions towards peaceful coexistence

Special Thanks to these and others who provided logistics,

expertise, consultation, development and who spent

a lot of hours ensuring the success of Religion Matters II.

COL Tom Hanley, Division Chief / Sr Guard Advisor, SCJ7

MSgt Tabitha Harris,Religious Affairs Office

Project Officer

Chaplain Chuck Towery

SSgt Julene Amerson

Chaplain Gregg Caggianelli

Mr. Peter Sarracino

Mr. Ray Sarracino, PAO

Protestant Women of the Chapel VolunteersBeth Towery, Nancy Lembke and Joyce Kennedy 1LT Rojas, SCJ8

Ms. Leana Bresnahan,Human Rights

Chaplain Vic Sheldon, Joint Staff

The Reverend Eric Wester, Chaplain (Colonel), Retired

Chaplain Peter Lawson, National Guard Bureau

Mr. Luis Subirats, SCJ9

Religion Matters III, 19-21 April 2016,

USSOUTHCOM , Doral Florida

RELIGION MATTERS III19-21 April 2016

Religious Affairs Office, United States Southern Command

Announces2016