WHO IS IMAM, MEKYE ABDUS SALAAM?
Creator and C.E.O. of Interfaith Library
A competent and dedicated educator & theologian, with over 25 years of theological teaching experience as an Imam and spiritual advisor; moreover, he possesses over 24 years of scholastic secular educational experience as a Mathematician and English language teacher.
He has studied classical and contemporary Arabic Lexicology & Grammar for numerous years. He is also proficient in classic Biblical Hebrew.
For the past 10 years, this Imam has been a motivational speaker, mentor, spiritual advisor and collaborative interfaith leader. His desire for interfaith unity comes from his teachings and understanding of Allah’s (i.e. God’s) universal and inclusive message of love written in the holy books (i.e. The Torah, Bible & Qur’an).
During his early academic years, Imam M. Abdus Salaam was introduced to a Catholic school education. He split his high school years between Catholic school and a school of performing arts.
The Imam then attended Massey Business College for two years and obtained his A.B.A. Following Massey, he attended and graduated from Aligarh Muslim University, where he obtained his B.A. in Islamic Studies. Shortly afterwards, (as a dual supplementary major), Imam M. Abdus Salaam obtained his B.A., from the University of Dar Es-Salaam, in Psychology & Adult Education.
In 2021, the City of Philadelphia (under the Kenney administration), and the federal government’s Operation Allies Refuge program commissioned Imam Mekye Abdus Salaam to provide a point-of-entry location at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) for people evacuating from Afghanistan.
Imam’s Mekye’s main focus was to create an Interfaith Prayer space, to provide spiritual council, while creating a welcoming reflection space for all evacuees and returning American citizens coming through Philadelphia.
Imam M. Abdus Salaam’s entire life has been in the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, with regards to our existence and divine purpose. What he has discovered and has openly shared is that the pursuit of knowledge is an essential component of Allah’s (i.e. God’s) Divine Will and/or Plan, and that Allah values the search for knowledge more than the results of that search.
The distinguishing complexities of his findings has illustrated that the more important the field of knowledge, the greater the demand for exertion, and that the elusiveness and inaccessibility of that knowledge serves as part of the Divine purpose and/or plan. This does not necessarily mean that “TRUTH” is relative (according to him and one of his teachers), but it substantiates that “TRUTH” is partial.
With that said, he has researched many “Interfaith” organizations and their websites and found them to be, at best, merely tolerant of other religious faiths. Common etymology and scriptural revelations have been omitted from their message and/or mission statement. What’s unique about this site is its design to illustrate how all three Abrahamic religions are etymologically the same. (Purchase Request to interfaith_library@yahoo.com… [$14 S&H included])
WHO IS FELIPE RIBEIRO?
International Interfaith Advisor
Rev. ‘Public Friend’ Felipe Ribeiro is a Unitarian Universalist Quaker minister, ambassador of peace, interfaith diplomacy social developer of internationally awarded humanitarian and cultural projects, with countless of the most imprescindible institutions, and a respected scholar in the fields of peace studies, cultural diplomacy, interfaith studies, religious heritage safeguard, faith-based ecomuseology, rule of law theopoetics, contemporary religious art curatorship, multi-religious UNESCO-compliant open education, science and religion, technology and religion, cybernetic philosophy, religious studies, atheology, theology, Quaker studies, and Unitarian Universalist studies.
He has worked as a specialist consultant, board member, and projects developer for, among other, many United Nations (UN) High Commissariats as the Faith for Earth, Danish Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Database of Religious History (DRH), United Religions Initiative (URI), Joint Learning Initiative for Faith & Local Communities (JLIF&LC), Logic and Religion Association (LARA), Society for the Arts Culture & Religion (ARC), International Religious Psychology Association, Latin-America Religious Teaching Forum (CLAECIR), Inter-Religious Teaching Association (ASSINTEC), Institute of Defense of Afro-Brazilian Religions (IDAFRO), Religious Law Institute, Interfaith Rainforest Initiative (IRI), Sacred Natural Sites, Future for Religious Heritage (FRH), Religion and Public Good, Interfaith America (IA) Education Platform, Expo-Religions, Parliament of World’s Religions, Templeton Trust for Science and Religion, Faraday Institute for Science and Religion, OMNIA Interfaith Peacemakers, International Symposium on Religious Literature and Heritage, International Conference of Science and Religion, Sharing Sacred Spaces, House of One, House of Religions of Bern, American Academy of Religions (AAR), Jerusalem Interfaith Friends of Roots…
Due to his defense of interfaith dialogue he was threatened in Brazil by extremists, had to close his church, and flee the country, being now working as a consultant in Geneva United Nations along Quaker United Nations Office (QUNO) and Unitarian Universalists United Nations Office (UU@UN), and intending to use the Rev. Dr. Hope Johnson Ministry Award he received to visit his religious tradition’s cultural heritage and communities in England and Pennsylvania meanwhile lecturing about his researches on the “History of the Interfaith Movement” and “Solidarity and Culture Institutions Compared History”.
His most profound intuition of God’s will for his life is for him to find a proper place to establish a church and philanthropic interfaith education institution to present the diverse databases developed collaboratively throughout this blessed missionary journey.
WHO IS DAVID WHITE?
IFL Creative Advisory Director
David White’s esoteric belief in interfaith theology has the potential to create a profound understanding and respect for all of the diverse spiritual texts. By exploring the commonalities among different faiths and delving into their esoteric teachings, White’s approach may offer a unique perspective on the interconnectedness of religious and spiritual practices. This could lead to a greater awareness and cooperation among people of all faiths, promoting empathy, tolerance, and a deeper sense of universal spirituality.
White’s ideas may be progressive but they may also inspire individuals to transcend traditional boundaries and engage in meaningful dialogue, ultimately contributing to a more inclusive and understanding global spiritual reality.
WHO IS NIMROD AVRAHAM MAY?
IFL Content & Program Advisor
Nimrod Avraham May, with over two decades of experience in media, startups, and venture capital, has been a trailblazer in marketing and strategy for renowned ventures such as Disney/Jetix, Gett, RDSeed, KMON, and others. As a father, his personal experiences and aspirations play a pivotal role in shaping “God’s Gang”.
Dedicated to cultivating a world where values like kindness, compassion, and coexistence are not merely taught but deeply ingrained, his journey propels his commitment to creating content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires positive change, spreading love and compassion.
WHO IS WADE FRANSSON?
Religious & Social Media Advisor
Wade Fransson is the Founder of Something or other Publishing (SOOP), a groundbreaking company that combines the potential of Social Media and Publishing with services provided by a distributed network of professionals, offering enormous power and flexibility to all involved; in a model SOOP calls Author Driven Publishing.
Wade’s diverse background is an asset in growing this venture. He has an undergraduate degree in Theology, and was active as an ordained minister and as interim director of family ministries for the Worldwide Church of God (WCG) a global fundamentalist Christian denomination. Along the way he lived in seven different countries, learning five languages. After his resignation from WCG he obtained an MBA and worked for Deloitte Consulting and other major corporations, before co-founding and launching the Internet Startup GoHuman.com.
In 2007 Wade Married his wife Angela and became a Baha’i, and in 2008 moved to Madison. There he served as the manager of CUNA Mutual Group’s IT Vendor Management and Project Management Office, before moving to Kohl’s Department Stores Inc. to manage large IT Negotiations.
He has served on the Board of the Madison Community Montessori School where his two children attended, and also as the Chairperson of the Virtues Project International Association Board of Directors.
Wade is the Author of The People of the Sign and The Hardness of the Heart, which became #1 rated hot new releases on Amazon.com. The conclusion to this trilogy – The Rod of Iron was a #1 bestseller.. Wade is also the recipient of a lifetime achievement award granted by the Association of Soft Skills Trainers in Chennai, India.
WHO IS DR. SAUNDRA STERLING EPSTEIN?
Jewish Religious Advisor
Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein is an appointee to the board of trustees of Interfaith Library. Her academic credentials, her diligent works in the interfaith space, as well as her many accomplishments made her more than qualified for the Vice-Chair position.
She received her Ed.D from the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education. Her M.S. was acquired from the same graduate school. Dr. Epstein received her B.A. undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania as well and graduated Magna Cum Laude along with receiving other Departmental Honors.
Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein is also presently the director of BeYachad, a program that brings Jewish learning and living together.
Along with that title, Dr. Epstein is also the director of Welcoming Shuls/Schools/Communities Project for ESHEL, an Orthodox community for LGBTQ Jews and Inclusion.
Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein is also a member of the leadership team of the Montgomery County Multi-Faith Coalition, after serving as the president of the Cheltenham Area Multi-Faith Council until 2020.
Dr. Epstein’s works go beyond executive titles and responsibilities. She also taught courses in Interfaith Understanding, Texts and issues in various academic venues, including work with the Hickey Center of Nazareth College.
Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein’s work is truly extensive. She has founded schools, consulted with communities throughout the United States and Canada, published many materials on a variety of topics, and taught in person and through her materials throughout North America, South America, Israel, and Europe.
We here, at Interfaith Library, feel like we are slighting Dr. Epstein for not listing all of her impressive accomplishments. However, she’d be the first to say that she didn’t joined us in order to pad her already impressive resume. She joined us because she sees our vision and realizes that her contributions could propel this library to the forefront of interfaith works and make it a worldwide necessity for religious academic sharing and interfaith inclusion, while helping to develop it into a societal resource that benefits all; librarians and patrons.
For Dr. Saundra Sterling Epstein’s blog, go to https://callingalljew-jus.blogspot.com.
WHO IS BISHOP, DR. CHARLES M. HUDSON JR.?
Chief Christian Religious Advisor
Dr. Charles Matthew Hudson Jr., was senior pastor for Matthews Memorial Baptist Church in Washington D.C.
Reared in Sharon Hill, PA, Dr. Hudson spent 10 years of honorable service enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps followed by additional years as a commissioned officer in U.S. Navy’s Chaplain Corps.
Under the leadership of Bishop Dr. Charles M. Hudson Jr., Matthews Memorial Baptist Church’s evangelism thrust was enhanced with weekly broadcast on Radio One – 104.1. Several ministers-in-training were licensed and four were ordained; instituted the Saturday Bible Class for men, the Mountain Moving Mighty Men of Matthews and Global Missions (outreach to Haiti and Africa); was instrumental in bringing to fruition a vision delayed for 24 years, to build senior housing, with the opening of Matthews Memorial Terrace in 2010.
Additionally, improvements were made to the infrastructure of church properties, facilities and in safety and security both internally and externally; church finances were restructured from debt to asset, thereby allowing the church to be able to use newly freed moneys for more community contributions and services.
Matthews Memorial is now recognized, by the Ecclesiastical Council, as a Missionary Baptist Church. My Sister’s House, an outreach ministry to provide services and resources to families of Matthews and the community, was dedicated and later was incorporated and received its 501c3 nonprofit status; the Child Development Center (MMBC Nursery School) was accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
Matthews Memorial was also designated as a study site for the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) Extension Education Program, located in Atlanta, GA, which offered the Certificate in Theology. Nine members received their certificate; led a delegation of 44 to Senegal and Gambia, Africa.
As previous and humbly stated, Interfaith Library is privileged to have Bishop Dr. Charles Matthew Hudson Jr. as a member and theological advisor.
WHO IS HECTOR R. HINOJOSA?
Librarian & Catholic Religion Advisor
Hector Hinojosa stands as a testament to the power of faith and the enduring spirit of community. His story is woven into the fabric of Hillsboro, a place he has helped shape into a vibrant mosaic of cultural and communal harmony. His legacy at the Interfaith Library is not just a chronicle of achievements; it is a living narrative of a man whose heart beats in unison with the town he loves.
Born to a pioneering family that settled in Hillsboro in the late 1960s, Hector emerged as a beacon for the burgeoning Spanish-speaking populace. His tenacity and vision gave rise to indispensable cultural and language-informed support services that have blossomed into cornerstones of the community. The Centro Cultural and Virginia Garcia, among Hillsboro’s most cherished organizations, bear the indelible mark of Hector’s leadership and his enduring dedication to service.
Hector’s philosophy, steeped in the warmth of his guiding principle “home is where the heart is,” has truly manifested in the lifeblood of Hillsboro. His actions demonstrate the profound belief that community is an extension of the family, a sanctuary for all to find comfort, support, and a shared sense of purpose.
His faith, deeply rooted in the rich soil of Catholic doctrine, serves as the foundation upon which his life’s work is built. The Great Commission, as recounted in Matthew 28:16-20, resonates through Hector’s mission, calling him to spread the teachings of love, unity, and discipleship to all corners of the earth. In the sacred act of baptism, Hector sees the divine mandate for inclusivity and equality, where all nations are embraced in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
The Apostles’ Creed, a cornerstone of Hector’s spiritual journey, encapsulates the essence of his belief. It is a creed that celebrates the resurrection, the communion of saints, and the promise of eternal life—tenets that inspire Hector’s commitment to his community and the greater good.
Romans 10:9-10 echoes the conviction that salvation lies in the proclamation of faith, a truth Hector’s father imparted to him as the key to heaven. This revelation is not just a personal treasure; it is the driving force behind Hector’s endeavor to unlock the gates of understanding and acceptance for all.
As we at the Interfaith Library honor Hector Hinojosa, we are not just celebrating a man; we are paying homage to the enduring impact of his faith, his actions, and his unwavering belief in the collective heart of Hillsboro. His testimony is a beacon of hope and a blueprint for future generations to build upon—a legacy of love, unity, and faith that transcends the walls of our library and resonates throughout the world.
Join us in celebrating the spirit and contributions of Hector Hinojosa—pillar of Hillsboro, devoted servant of faith, and architect of a community where every heart finds its home.
WHO IS LARRY SIBLEY?
Librarian & Christian Religion Advisor
Larry Sibley grew up in the Baptist tradition; both his father and grandfather were Baptist pastors.
When he was in seminary, he became a Presbyterian and later was a pastor at Orthodox Presbyterian Churches in upstate New York and here in Glenside.
Prof. Sibley taught at Westminster Seminary, Glenside, for 25 years—where he was also the chaplain for nine years— and now teaches at Reformed Episcopal Seminary in Blue Bell.
He is a lecturer in practical theology at
Reformed Episcopal Seminary in
Blue Bell, PA and has been a visiting professor at Baltic Reformed Seminary in Latvia, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry, Lutheran Seminary at Philadelphia, and North Park Seminary.
Larry has degrees in philosophy/BA, and theology/MDiv, and liturgy/STM. He has published several Bible Studyguides and numerous articles and book reviews.
Prof. Sibley has been active in interfaith dialogue for the last 25 years, first with the Holocaust Dialogue among Christian and Jewish seminarians and then mostly with the Cheltenham Area Multifaith Council, which is merging with Montgomery County Multi-Faith Coalition.
We here at Interfaith Library are blessed to has such an esteemed academic and librarian aboard.
Follow Prof. Sibley. He blogs about books at http://ireviewreligiousbks.blogspot.com
“The spirit makes all the difference.” -Jeremy Begbie
WHO IS SIDDEEQAH TARI ADAMS?
Creative Assistant & Site Advisor
Born in Montgomery Co., PA and raised the Delaware Valley, Siddeeqah Adams joins our interfaith family with a sincere heart and intent to increase the quality of life for people of all faiths, cultures and traditions.
Siddeeqah attended Lincoln University, in Pennsylvania, where she studied Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She earned her degree at Delaware State University in Elementary Education.
Ms. Adams has been a dedicated educator for 15 years. She currently serves as a family consumer science teacher and FCCLA advisor in an Atlanta area public school system.
Ms. Siddeeqah Adams is also the creator and founder of “Her Heart Magazine”.
Ms. Adams also authored and published a children’s book entitled “Lifestars”. According to numerous reviews, Lifestars is an inspirational book for children and adults alike.
Siddeeqah joins Interfaith Library with a heart to serve and facilitate. From her own words, she says she’s eager to share and learn from people who potentially may see life differently than her.