WELCOME! Visit Your Neighbor Tour, Sunday, September 10

Join a walking tour of five houses of worship, six congregations on Summit Avenue in St Paul on Sunday, September 10, starting at 12:45 pm.


12:15 Rabbi Spilker has invited us to attend “Shofar on the Roof,” a light and brief 15-minute introduction to the spirit of the High Holy Days. Meet outside. Tour will start in the sanctuary directly thereafter.

12:45 Mount Zion Temple, 1300 Summit Avenue

Rabbi Adam Stock Spilker, Rabbi Esther Adler, Cantor Strauss-Klein, and Cantor Rachel Stock Spilker

Welcome to Mount Zion, the oldest synagogue in the Upper Midwest. You will be visiting our fourth building since our founding in 1856. Placing this building, designed by the internationally renowned modernist, Bauhaus architect Erich Mendelsohn, on Summit Avenue in 1953 was a way of marking the full inclusion of Jews in the fabric of St. Paul cultural and civic life. The congregation was founded before the State of Minnesota by eight German Jewish families and today is about 680 households. In 1897, the Ladies Hebrew Benevolent Society founded Neighborhood House in the West Side Flats to welcome Eastern European Jews, and Mount Zion members continue to support this important work. The congregation conducts an active religious school twice a week, three weekly study groups, a full adult learning and social calendar, and daily services along with Shabbat (Sabbath) and Festival services. After a two year “Mount Zion 2040” strategic visioning process, the Board adopted a new vision: Our Jewish congregation envisions a community and a world where all people experience Shalom (wholeness and peace), Tzedek (justice), Shayachut (belonging), and Simcha (joy). No drinks in the sanctuary. Restrooms available. www.mzion.org


1:30 The House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Avenue

Rev. Dr. Scott Kenefake, Transitional Pastor; Rev. Dr. Julia Carlson, Associate Pastor

In 1914 two Presbyterian congregations who worshiped in downtown St. Paul since 1849 and 1855 merged and moved to the grand new Gothic Revival building on Summit Avenue designed by architect Ralph Adams Cram. Formally dedicated in 1917, it subsequently emerged as The House of Hope Presbyterian Church, a "high church” among Presbyterian churches with magnificent music, a focus on liturgy and preaching, and ongoing learning. The House of Hope organ is the magnum opus of Charles Fisk, one of the first to use “tracker actions.” At the core of House of Hope is a deeply embedded commitment to the greater community exemplified by its major participation in what became Prior Crossing housing for homeless youth, the Jeremiah Program, the Ain Dah Yung Center, Habitat for Humanity and the community garden. The church is home to a choir school, maintains an art gallery, continues to host programs in all of the arts and sponsors a Speaking Series and Theological Seminar featuring the outstanding thought leaders of our time. Drinks allowed in sanctuary. Restrooms available. www.hohchurch.org


2:15 St. Paul’s United Church of Christ, 900 Summit Avenue

Rev. Sarah Brouwer, Lead Minister and Rev. Eli'jah Carroll, Associate Minister; Moderator Rick Panning; Geoff Olson, organist, host

Building completed in 1952, Mid Century. Original Organ, Wicks Organ Company, brought up from the old church; additional pipes added in 1952 by the Hunt Organ Company. SPUCC was started 143 years ago by German Immigrants. The current building was constructed because the previous building in downtown St. Paul was torn down to build an approach to the state capitol. The congregation was part of the German-American Evangelical and Reformed Tradition, which was a denomination formed in the wake of the Reformation as some German Protestants reformed beyond Lutheranism. Five streams of Christian denominations in the United States came together, officially, in 1957, and St. Paul's Church joined the United Church of Christ. Of interest, the congregation almost closed 12 years ago, having gotten down to about 30 members. But, they decided to revitalize, called their first female Senior Minister, Norma Rae Hunt, and now number at approximately 350, including children. The St. Paul Childhood Center, a renowned program for infant through Pre-K is located in our building. Our programs consist of Worship, Music and Spiritual Life; Belonging and Community; Social Justice and Outreach; and Faith Formation across the age span. SPUCC acknowledges its position on historic Dakota land in a Land Acknowledgement. Drinks allowed in sanctuary. Restrooms available. www.spucconsummit.org


Holy Presence Catholic Community

Rev. Colleen Woodley and Rev. Joan Flood

This Old Catholic community holds services in the chapel of St. Paul’s. We are a Community of The Old Catholic Church but our style and thoughts are far from Old! Our name, Holy Presence. was born in the midst of the pandemic. After prayer and contemplation, the thoughts of the things we were most in need of were the presence of the Divine and the much-missed presence of each other. The name Holy Presence was born in the summer of 2020. The Old Catholic Church has its roots in Northern Europe. The seat of leadership is in Utrecht, Netherlands. Old Catholics have many of the same beliefs as the Roman Catholic Church, however, we ordain women and therefore have inclusive rights for all to the sacraments. We are a small denomination but we enjoy a close, relational and Spirit filled, loving community. We have a vigorous schedule of prayer and worship. We celebrate two Masses each week, one virtual and one in person. We have two virtual evening prayer meetings each week and a virtual Rosary each Wednesday. We are members of Interfaith Action of Greater Saint Paul and actively support Walking With a Purpose, Neighbors Inc, Second Harvest, Hallie Q Brown and Casa Guadalupana. www.holypresence.org


3:00 St. Thomas More Catholic Community, 1079 Summit Avenue

Rev. R.J. Fichtinger, S.J., Pastor; Rev. Peter Etzel, S.J., Associate Pastor; Kellen O'Grady, Director of Liturgy and Music

Church building is considered Romanesque Revival. The parish was founded in 1888 with the construction of the building completed in 1925. The organ is Casavant, Op. 1153 (1926). The parish of St. Luke merged with the parish of Immaculate Heart of Mary and, in 2008, was renamed St. Thomas More Catholic Community. We have many thriving ministries including our parish school, social justice programs (immigrant support, racial equity, & care for creation), young adults group, Ignatian Spirituality programs, free store, and music ministry. We are a parish of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis run by the religious order the Society of Jesus (Jesuits). Drinks allowed in sanctuary, water only in front area. Restrooms available. www.morecommunity.org


3:30 St. George Greek Orthodox Church, 1111 Summit Avenue

Father Perikles Kallis (“Fr. Perry”); Mr. Stephen Arsenault, host

Byzantine building style. First service in current church edifice July 05, 1968. First church edifice was 1939. Missions and Benevolence Ministry (participation at Loaves and Fishes at St. Matthews CC, FOCUS MN on Rice St.), Philoptochos (women’s philanthropic ministry), MEOCCA Intro to Orthodox Christianity cooperative catechism program hosted at St. George in the fall and winter (12-weeks each semester), Icon writing (painting) classes hosted at St. George in the winter. No food or drink in sanctuary. No restrooms available because of concurrent program in building. www.stgeorgegoc.org

Powering Up! Youth Leaders on Careers in Climate Justice

By Bob Hulteen • July 24, 2026
Thursday, July 30, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.; Zoom Young people across the state are interested in pursuing careers in climate justice. Many of them have already become leaders in the field! Join Youth N'Power for a conversation and presentation about young leaders and their experiences in climate justice careers. You’ll hear firsthand about their experiences navigating school, careers, advocacy, and the transition into becoming professionals. Whether you’re interested in climate justice, community organizing, conservation, or exploring career opportunities, this conversation will offer honest insights, perspective, advice, and encouragement from young people. 

Free Film Screening and Discussion

By Bob Hulteen • July 14, 2026
Thursday, August 13, 6:30 p.m, doors open, and 7;00 p.m., screening begins; House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 797 Summit Avenue, St. Paul Join the Minnesota Council of Churches and Minnesota Multifaith Network for a free screening of the documentary “Jesus Was a Migrant,” followed by a guided conversation on Thursday, August 13! This thought-provoking film explores the intersection of faith, migration, and the lived experiences of immigrants and refugees — providing an apt mirror as we reflect on the circumstances we find ourselves in today. Following the screening, guests are invited to participate in a facilitated conversation to discuss the film's themes and consider how faith calls its practitioners to regard their neighbors with compassion, dignity, and understanding. This event is free to attend, but seating is limited. Please register by August 6 to reserve your seat. 

Practicing Retreat and Breaking Witness in Public Spaces Together

By Bob Hulteen • July 14, 2026
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MultiReligious Leaders' Press Conference to Protect Democracy

By Bob Hulteen • July 14, 2026
By Rev. Tom Duke On a steamy, sunlit morning at the Minnesota State Capitol, I stood—proud and admittedly sweaty—among about sixty-five clergy from many religious traditions. We gathered in our varied symbolic garb to affirm a shared commitment: advocating for voting processes that are free, fair, secure, and accessible to all eligible voters in the upcoming elections. Why is this the business of clergy? Because protecting the right to vote protects human dignity—a core value upheld across virtually all religious traditions. That dignity, and the voting rights that honor it, form the foundation of just, peaceful, and healthy communities. Most faith traditions aspire to such communities, and they recognize that democracy depends on safeguarding the voice of every citizen. This commitment is not about partisan politics or specific policy agendas. It is about human thriving and well‑being. Religious leaders understand how institutions can be distorted, even corrupted, by greed and the pursuit of power, and how accountability to voters is a necessary check on those tendencies. The opportunity to choose leaders—or reject them—is as close to sacred as a secular process can be. What made this press conference especially powerful was that clergy from multiple religious traditions spoke publicly with one voice. That unity is possible only because of years of intentional relationship‑building across differences—work that cultivates trust, mutual respect, and shared purpose. Through that process, leaders discover shared values, principles, and aspirations, even as they acknowledge real differences. Although differences often draw the most attention, far more is held in common across traditions than most people realize. When we do not know what we have in common, our differences will divide us; when we do know what we share, those differences can enrich us. Respectful and appreciative relationship‑building across differences is not optional; it is essential to our collective future. As theologian Hans Kung observed, “without peace among religions there will not be peace in the world.” Each of us can stretch toward greater curiosity, reaching out to neighbors of different cultures and traditions to learn what we share and where we differ. We can also support organizations that cultivate interreligious cooperation in service and justice work. I’m grateful to ISAIAH and Faith in US for convening this press conference and to the Minnesota Multifaith Network (MnMN) for its years of relationship‑building. You can read a news story about the press conference and explore the national clergy sign‑on letter, " Faith Leaders Defending Democracy ," which has already been signed by nearly 2,000 clergy across many states. 

Dr. Hudda Ibrahim to Lead Webinar on Somalis in Central Minnesota

By Bob Hulteen • July 3, 2026
Thursday, July 9, 11:00 a.m. - Noon; Virtua l Peace and Justice Studies Association (PJSA), as part of its Leading Social Change Scholar Series, will offer a free webinar lead by Dr. Hudda Ibrahim under the title "From Somalia to ICE: Working for Peace and Justice for Somalis in Central Minnesota." Dr. Ibrahim is a St. Cloud City Council member, who leads OneCommunity Alliance, a nonprofit that expands homeownership for new Americans in Central Minnesota. She previously taught liberal arts and humanities at St. Cloud Technical and Community College for more than ten years. She later transitioned into consulting, where she trained employers in workplace leadership, cultural competency, and employee retention. Dr. Hudda holds a doctorate in leadership from Saint Mary's University of Minnesota. She also earned a master's degree in conflict resolution from the University of Notre Dame, Indiana, and a bachelor's degree in conflict resolution from Saint Benedict and Saint John's University. 

Habitat Launches Pope Leo Village in St. Paul

By Bob Hulteen • July 3, 2026
Wednesday, July 8, 8:30 - 10:00 a.m.; The Heights, 1400 North Winthrop Street, St. Paul Celebrate the launch of an inspirational new program: Pope Leo Village! Inspired by Pope Leo XIV’s commitment to social justice, compassion, and service, this national interfaith movement unites people of all backgrounds to build homes, community, and hope. Locally, Pope Leo Village will help build five homes at The Heights on St. Paul’s Greater East Side. Volunteer opportunities extend to other build sites around the metro and Habitat For Humanity's ReStore locations. The event includes refreshments, speaking program featuring Archbishop Bernard Hebda, and a ceremonial wall-raising. Please RSVP by Friday, July 3. 

Dr. Jen Kilps on Rulings on Temporary Protected Status

By Bob Hulteen • July 2, 2026
Minnesota has long been a place of refuge. Generations of immigrants, refugees, and people fleeing war, persecution, and violence have found not only safety here but the opportunity to build new lives. They are our neighbors, coworkers, classmates, business owners, and faith leaders. They have helped shape the rich religious diversity that strengthens our state. Today, however, many of these communities are living with profound uncertainty. Changes to Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and new restrictions on access to asylum have left families wondering whether the homes, livelihoods, and communities they have built can endure. This week the Supreme Court issued two significant immigration rulings that narrow humanitarian protections. Mullin v. Al Otro Lado , the Court upheld the federal government's policy of turning away people seeking asylum at U.S. ports of entry. Mullin v. Doe , the Court ruled that the Trump administration may end Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for thousands of immigrants from Haiti and Syria many who face life-threatening consequences if forced to return to their country of origin. This moment is especially troubling because it challenges a commitment the world made in the aftermath of World War II: that people fleeing persecution should have the opportunity to seek protection. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms in Article 14 that "everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries asylum from persecution." Across our religious traditions, this principle resonates with a shared moral conviction that those escaping violence, oppression, or religious persecution deserve compassion rather than exclusion. As access to asylum narrows and humanitarian protections are reduced, many of the world's most vulnerable people—including those persecuted because of their faith—face even greater insecurity. For the Minnesota Multifaith Network, this is not simply a debate about immigration policy. It is a test of the kind of society we seek to build. Our diverse religious, spiritual, and philosophical traditions teach that every human life possesses inherent dignity and that we are called to care for the stranger and stand alongside those who live in fear. At a time when anxiety and division are reshaping our public life, we believe our deepest values invite us to resist fear with relationship, indifference with solidarity, and exclusion with hospitality. In doing so, we strengthen not only immigrant communities but the moral fabric of Minnesota itself. Minnesotans are not powerless in the face of these challenges. Each of us can help preserve our state's tradition of welcome by building relationships across cultures and faiths, supporting organizations that accompany refugees and asylum seekers, advocating for policies that uphold human dignity, and speaking out when fear and misinformation threaten our neighbors. Faith communities, civic organizations, and individuals all have a role to play in creating places where newcomers are seen, heard, and valued. By choosing compassion over indifference and courage over fear, we affirm that every person is worthy of dignity, safety, and belonging. In doing so, we not only stand with migrants and those seeking asylum—we strengthen the bonds of trust, justice, and pluralism that make Minnesota a place where all can flourish. The most important document that makes clear the rights of refugees and asylum seekers is found in the United Nations The 1951 Refugee Convention and 1967 Protocol. The Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign has shared the following list of resources and statements below for you and your networks, in case they may be helpful in light of these decisions.  FWD.us - statement and resources RNS Article: As Supreme Court clears way to deport Haitians and Syrians, faith leaders grieve, prepare for what’s next (indexed in Atlas of American Belonging) What is happening with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) in the United States" — FAQs from International Refugee Assistance Project Shoulder to Shoulder Campaign post Church World Service (CWS) - roundup of resources and ways to take action Bend the Arc: Jewish Action Muslim Civi Coalition Interfaith Immigration Coalition Muslim Advocates Muslims for Just Futures We Are All America Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism Jewish Council for Public Affairs National Council of Jewish Women National Network for Arab American Communities American Friends Service Committee Jesuit Refugee Service/USA Communities United for Status and Protection CAIR Center for Constitutional Rights Human Rights First CASA National Immigration Project The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights National Immigration Law Center National TPS Alliance Haitian Bridge Alliance

Celebrate With Song Somali Independence Day

By Bob Hulteen • June 26, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 5;00 - 7:00 p.m.; Brian Coyle Community Center, 420 15th Avenue3 South The new band Ardaa will perform on Saturday, June 27, at the Somali Independence Day Cultural Festival taking place in Cedar-Riverside from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Ardaa are the headliners and will go on at a little after 6:00 p.m. Ardaa's mission is to rescue songs that were popular in Somalia before the Civil War in the early 1990s. The music is still remembered by many Somalis here in the Twin Cities, who are thrilled that Ardaa is ready to transmit these songs to younger Somalis who miss not just the music, but also the creative ferment that was a big part of life in Somalia before the War. The band consists of Ahmed Yusuf (vocals), Muhumed Ali Magan (oud), Mick Labriola (percussion) and Dawn Doering (ney, not pictured). Pictured but not performing on Saturday is Misbil Hagi-Salaad (vocals). The Cultural Fluency Initiative is supporting this effort. 

Dine/Navajo Scholar, Author, Activist Mark Charles to Speak at Unity Unitarian Church

By Bob Hulteen • June 24, 2026
Saturday, June 27, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; Parish Hall, Unity Church, 733 Portland Avenue, St. Paul, and on Zoom The Unity Church Unitarian Indigenous Justice Team would like to extend an invitation to an interactive event featuring Mark Charles on Saturday, June 27, 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Mark Charles’s weekend visit to Minnesota is being co-hosted by the Minnesota Repair Communities for Makoce Ikikcupi and a working group of Community Outreach Teams at Unity Church. The Central Minnesota Repair Community, hosted by New Journey UCC and River of Hope ECLA, is offering a full day of events with Mark Charles in Hutchinson on Sunday, June 28. Mark R. Charles is a Native American activist, public speaker, author, and former independent U.S. presidential candidate known for confronting systemic racism and the legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery. A dual citizen of the U.S. and Navajo Nation, he has served as a journalist, pastor, and consultant, advocating for truth-telling, and reconciliation. Charles co-authored Unsettling Truths: The Ongoing Dehumanizing Legacy of the Doctrine of Discovery with Soong-Chan Rah. 

Minnesota Says' GAAWIIN! 'No' to Big Tech

By Bob Hulteen • June 24, 2026
Friday, June 26, 1:00 - 2:30 p.m .; Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Blvd, St Paul Join Mukwa and other Indigenous organizations and leaders on June 26 for a rally in front of the Minnesota Capitol, where they will be presenting the "Mother Earth vs. Big Tech Petition." This petition advocates for a two-year moratorium on the construction of hyperscale data centers. The group's goal is to deliver this important message directly to the office of the Governor of Minnesota. RSVP is encouraged. 
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