CBS to Present Interfaith Special BEYOND TOLERANCE, 6/25

In the wake of one of the most contentious elections in recent history, BEYOND TOLERANCE, a CBS Interfaith Special, tackles where we are as a country and ways to overcome prejudice and bigotry in communities across the United States. This special broadcast will air Sunday, June 25 (check local listings) on the CBS Television Network.

Faith leaders from Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist traditions discuss this unprecedented moment in history and how this period of divisiveness is an opportunity to bring systemic change for the good of society. This discussion includes: Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president of the Union for Reform Judaism (the largest Jewish movement in North America); Imam Khalid Latif, executive director and chaplain for the New York University (NYU) Islamic Center, and chaplain at the New York Police Department; and Rev. angel Kyodo williams Sensei, an ordained Zen Buddhist priest, author, activist and founder of Center for Transformative Change in Berkeley, Calif.

Also in this program is Rachel Brown, executive director of Over Zero and author of Defusing Hate: A Strategic Communication Guide to Counteract Dangerous Speech, a publication of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum's Simon-Skjodt Center for the Prevention of Genocide. Brown discusses how the power of speech and hateful rhetoric affects communities.

Antony McAleer is the executive director of LIFE AFTER Hate, a non-profit created by former members of the American violent far-right extremist movement. The organization supports and counsels individuals who wish to leave extremist groups and create a new life for themselves. McAleer talks about why he joined the movement and was finally able to leave. He offers insight into why these groups continue to attract new members.

Central Christian is a non-denominational church in Springfield, Ohio. Senior Pastor Carl Ruby is spearheading its congregational effort to get to know their Muslim neighbors, a pursuit they are calling "Beyond Tolerance". Ruby talks about what led to the decision to reach out to members of the Miami Valley Islamic Association's Masjid Al-Madina and why this kind of local community engagement is vital in today's polarized environment. Also appearing are Imam Yunus Lasania, Dr. Akber Mohammed and Samina Ahmed of Al-Madina mosque.

John P. Blessington is senior executive producer and Liz Kineke is producer. In creating the topics and content for this series, they sought input from religious scholars, clergy and others including Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Islamic, Sikh and various interfaith organizations.

Following the June 25 air date, this program may be viewed again at www.cbsnews.com/religion-and-culture. "Like" us on Facebook.com/CBSReligion and follow us on Twitter @CBSReligion.

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