Greetings! My first six weeks at JLI have been both exhilarating and reflective. Current events, the rising calls and activism for racial justice, the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, and the reaffirmation that real change begins in our families and communities make clear that JLI's mission is more pertinent than ever. We will strive to more effectively support and promote the work of members, and most importantly faith actors, organizations, and leaders immediately engaged at community levels. 

On Juneteenth, we released a JLI Staff Statement on our Commitment to Action for Racial Justice and Solidarity and are now applying these actions in our work.

We are now reviewing how best to achieve our mandate of building evidence that, as our mission statement says, contributes to the full and appropriate engagement of faith actors in humanitarian and development work. We are building in processes for your input, feedback, and guidance, even as we embark on new projects. It is an exciting time.  

We are especially grateful to IRUSA for new support to the MEAL Hub work. Please explore the resources described here, and always know that I value your thoughts and ideas. 

Kirsten Laursen Muth

Chief Executive Officer

• JLI is seeking a communications consultant. View the description here
• Next Academic Reading Group: August 13, Diana Reyes at Johns Hopkins/Charité University of Medicine will speak on Faith-based coping mechanisms utilized by Syrian refugees seeking mental health services in Berlin, Germanywill speak on Register here 
• Next JLI MEAL Hub Meeting: August 19, join the hub to register
• Call for MEAL with and for Local Faith Actors Case Studies - submit by August 6