"Not like the brazen giant of Greek fame, With conquering limbs astride from land to land; Here at our sea-washed, sunset gates shall stand A mighty woman with a torch, whose flame Is the imprisoned lightning, and her name Mother of Exiles. From her beacon-hand Glows world-wide welcome; her mild eyes command The air-bridged harbor that twin cities frame. 'Keep, ancient lands, your storied pomp!' cries she With silent lips. 'Give me your tired, your poor, Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, The wretched refuse of your teeming shore, Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!’”
America Our Inheritance
A Shem Center Interfaith Event —
a respectful community gathering
Sunday, February 22, 2026
6:00 – 7:30 pm Central Time (please check the time in your area)
The Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality gathers to reflect on wise way-finding as we enter the second year of the Trump administration. With support for those who suffer inhumane treatment and grief over the denigration of revered relationships at home and across the globe, we gather to affirm loving, respectful and compassionate values for all living beings.
This zoom event follows up our Inauguration Day alternative gathering when two hundred guests joined us on zoom. Together we reflected on the significance of the day, heard some selected quotes from respected patriots and met a few new friends during break out times. We were also offered a partnering opportunity for ongoing mutual support as the country faces the future with a new administration.
Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality is a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is to promote world peace through experiences of inclusiveness that respect people of all religions and spiritual paths as well as those who claim none.
To obtain the Zoom link, please register here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/Tc06EA9pR4agKZhsuCur4w
Questions: peter.e.toomey@gmail.com
An Oath of Office For All Americans Taken at Our Gathering January 20, 2025
As one nation under God, embracing a commitment to liberty and justice for all given us by our founders, we join this sacred duty to work together as mutually supportive Americans. We seek the truth using respected sources so as to be informed to thoughtfully dialogue with each other toward "a more perfect union." We embrace this sacred task with gratitude to those who have traveled this journey before us. Unfinished and imperfect we may be, America is our inheritance as each of us brings deeper wisdom and insight to this endeavor, so help us God.
Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality
708 North Harvey Avenue
Oak Park, IL 60302
(708) 848-1095
shemcenter1993@gmail.com
Photo Credits: Emory Mead, Stephen B. Starr, Joseph Kilikevice
The Shem Center for Interfaith Spirituality website is awarded a 2022 American Digital Design Award for excellence in design and user experience.
