Reflections on the TriFaith and USDA Summit: Addressing Islamophobia and Building Inclusive Communities


This year, Center for Rural Strategies fellow Quintissa Peake has represented the Rural Assembly at events throughout the country. She reflects here on her experience at the Tri-Faith Initiative’s Summit to Counter Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Related Forms of Hatred and Bias in Rural America, held earlier this year in Omaha, Nebraska. 

Tri-Faith Commons’ interfaith garden in Omaha, Nebraska (Photo courtesy the Tri-Faith Initiative)

By Quintissa S. Peake

The Tri-Faith Initiative, in partnership with the USDA, hosted the "Summit to Counter Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Related Forms of Hatred and Bias in Rural America" on May 15-16, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska. Held at the one-of-a-kind Tri-Faith Commons, the summit focused on addressing religious discrimination in rural communities. This event gathered participants from across the U.S., including interfaith leaders, community organizers, and various nonprofits. I had the pleasure of attending this unique event. 

Organized by the Tri-Faith Initiative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, the summit's core purpose was to highlight the challenges faced by minority religious communities—particularly Jews and Muslims—in rural areas, where biases often go unnoticed. The summit also sought to foster understanding and build interfaith solidarity as a proactive measure to counter these forms of discrimination.

Hosted at the beautiful Tri-Faith Commons, a place that symbolizes the unity of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, the atmosphere was already charged with the sense of unity and hope that the summit aimed to inspire. With a synagogue, church, mosque, and interfaith center on 38-acres,  The Tri-Faith Commons is described a “national model and serves as a center for learning and interfaith collaboration for people in Omaha and across the nation.”

During the two-day summit, sessions were held in all four buildings on the Tri-Faith campus, Temple Israel of Omaha, Countryside Community Church, American Muslim Institute, and The Tri-Faith Center. As someone from Central Appalachia, where most people, including myself, identify as Christian, this summit was my first time inside a synagogue or mosque. It opened my eyes to the diversity of faith and the beauty of shared experiences that transcend religious boundaries.

As someone from Central Appalachia, where most people, including myself, identify as Christian, this summit was my first time inside a synagogue or mosque. It opened my eyes to the diversity of faith and the beauty of shared experiences that transcend religious boundaries.
- Quintissa Peake

The first day of the summit was a blend of discussions about faith, food security, and how religious communities can work together to address these pressing issues. The USDA's role in promoting equal access to resources for people of all faiths also resonated deeply. 

One of the highlights was the recognition of the Tri-Faith Commons’ interfaith garden as a "People’s Garden," showcasing how collaborative efforts across faiths can build positive communities.

On the second day, the conversation became more focused on Islamophobia. A panel discussion titled “Islamophobia: Understanding, Challenging, and Overcoming Prejudice in America” was very interesting for me. The speakers presented alarming data on the rise of anti-Muslim sentiment across the United States. Discussions arose on how negative stereotypes are perpetuated (through media, politics, and even educational systems), as well as how anti-discrimination laws help to confront religious discrimination. But the focus quickly shifted from the problem to the solution—how every individual can play a role in breaking these stereotypes and creating a more inclusive environment. 

By bringing together voices from diverse regions across the U.S., the Tri-Faith and USDA Summit highlighted the importance of positive interfaith relationships in improving community security and economic stability. It also made it clear that confronting religious discrimination and promoting interfaith harmony can go a long way in dismantling harmful narratives. Whether it’s through organized interfaith meetings or casual conversations over coffee, engaging with people from different faith backgrounds is essential in breaking down prejudice. As I continue my own journey of learning and advocacy, I’m excited to see how these conversations will unfold, and I’m committed to using my voice to promote understanding, empathy, and inclusion. Through consistent, intentional action, we can foster a society where everyone, regardless of their faith, is respected and valued.

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